LIGHTS OUT FOR EARTH HOUR

Tomorrow marks the 10th year of Earth Hour – the World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) global environmental movement against climate change, which started in Sydney in 2007. It’s simple enough to join the entire world in going electricity-free for an hour tomorrow, by switching off from 8.30-9.30pm.

There are also events to celebrate the movement. Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) will be hosting a family festival at Bay Avenue Park in Business Bay from 4pm, where you can participate in an Earth Hour walk and see the Burj Khalifa switch off its lights. Dewa is also hosting an Earth Hour Treasure Hunt based on the theme of sustainability, which will take players around old Dubai, with each clue and challenge teaching a lesson on history and sustainability. Register at dewaearthhour.com and get a free Earth Hour pack.

Sharjah residents should check out the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) programme of environmental awareness at Al Majaz Waterfront. Participate in bicycle rides, environmental games and workshops, and there’s also a mural of the Earth Hour logo. It starts at 5.30pm.

The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, will switch off all unnecessary lights at 8.30pm tomorrow and invites guests to a blind dinner on the beach. The three-course meal will feature a secret menu prepared with energy-saving methods and organic ingredients. From Dh300; the funds will be donated to the hotel’s social and environmental responsibility programme, Community Footprints. Kids can create floating paper boats at Ritz kids’ club and set them to sail in the pool when the lights go off. Call 02 818 8282.

The Earth Hour Loverun at JLT Park kicks off at 7pm. The glow-in-the-dark run will see you write a promise for the earth; participants will be given a goody bag and cold refreshments. Visit premieronline.com.

In the garden city, things get even greener with Al Ain Rotana’s Earth Hour initiative. The hotel will shut down all electricity and staff will stage a human formation of the Earth Hour logo illuminated by solar lanterns. Later, an Earth Hour party will be held at Aquarius pool bar, where the Trader Vic’s band will play acoustic music powered by a bicycle generator.

Finally, participate in the Emirates Wildlife Society-WWF’s Green Goals campaign by using #EarthHourUAE on social media to share your pledges of what measures you are taking to reduce your carbon footprint. Visit uae.panda.org. Just don’t charge your phone during Earth Hour!