UAE landmarks embrace Earth Hour
Now in its tenth year, annual event is aimed at raising awareness about the need for concerted action to save planet
The Burj Khalifa and other UAE landmarks went dark for an hour yesterday as thousands of people across the nation joined millions worldwide in switching off their lights to mark Earth Hour.
Across the country, key landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa, Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Burj Al Arab, Raffles Hotel, Etihad Towers, Al Qasba and many other buildings faded into the shadows for one hour from 8.30 to 9.30pm. To mark the occasion in Dubai, which this year took place during a rare wet and windy weekend, two local bodies hosted a environmentthemed family festival in a park in sight of the Burj Khalifa.
There, as the lights turned off, the Emirates Wildlife Society, which is associated with the World Wildlife Fund, (EWSWWF), and the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) held an Earth Hour walkathon. The walk saw participants slowly track the route through the dimmed district.
Leading the crowd was Dr Thani Ahmad Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, and Saeed Mohammad Al Tayer, Dewa’s managing director and CEO.
Earlier on, shortly before the skies opened again — send- ing participants scurrying into the marquees and event tents — some visitors said that for them, Earth Hour had become an annual tradition.
“We are going to home and then will be switching off all the lights,” said Anil, an Indian expat who has lived in Dubai for two decades.
“We will light candles,” said his friend, G.T. Nair, who was taking refuge under his umbrella. “During the hour, we won’t be using any electrical equipment.” The two friends have known each other for 12 years, and have taken part in Earth Hour several times.
An Indian resident who lived nearby had come down from his apartment to join in at the festival. “I just came down to see what was happening,” said Arshad Bhatt.
“At home, and in my office, we are using all sustainable energy devices such as LED light bulbs for a number of years.”
In Sharjah, the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) hosted a public event at the Al Majaz waterfront. The programme of events included presentation about environmental awareness, a bicycle ride, environmental competitions and workshops. Municipality buildings in Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah also went dark.