ADIDAS launches new inclusive swimwear collection with world’s first swimmable billboard

Adidas recently unveiled the world’s first ever liquid billboard in Dubai, in line with the brand’s recent debut of its inclusive swimwear Collection. The first-of-its-kind launch celebrates adidas’ drive to offer a wider choice of technical apparel for athletes everywhere, building on its commitment to make the future of sport as inclusive as possible. 

A YouGov survey commissioned by adidas in 2021 reveals that only 12% of women in the United Arab Emirates are completely comfortable wearing a swimsuit at a public beach or pool. According to a statement released by adidas, “body shame and lack of privacy are the two main reasons women do not feel comfortable in their swimsuits”. 

The activation, which took place at one of Dubai’s most popular public beaches, saw the reveal of a 5-metre high and three-meter deep swimming pool. The liquid billboard could fit around 3,319 adidas shoe boxes and is made of reinforced transparent acrylic. Its walls can hold 11,500 gallons of water which is equivalent to nearly 163 bathtubs. The structure took a team of 32 people to build, working around the clock for 3 weeks to deliver. 

The campaign was a Havas Middle East effort, with both Havas Creative and Red Havas working together.

Women in Dubai were invited to take a public “leap” of faith and participate by taking a dive “Beyond the Surface,” reinforcing the brand’s global attempt to ensure that sport is welcoming for all. 

Those who took the public dive into the liquid billboard included two adidas ambassadors: amputee triathlete, Dareen Barbar, and the first Saudi Arabian woman to climb Mount Everest, Raha Moharrak. 

To further amplify this historic moment, content from the liquid billboard was beamed directly onto a digital screen above the Dubai Mall Ice Rink, next to the adidas flagship store, allowing shoppers and mall goers to be part of the experience. 

“Our belief is that nobody should be prevented from enjoying the benefits of being in and around the water, hence the recent launch of our diversified product offering for all women and our Burkini Collection,” said Senior Brand Director adidas GCC, Amrith Gopinath. “Each piece is also carefully crafted to ensure that additional fabric does not reduce a swimmer’s ability to move in the water. The range went through a detailed testing process with consumer groups across multiple regions to help find the perfect balance of fit, features, performance and coverage.”

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