Residents across UAE switch off to save Planet Earth
COUNTRY JOINS THE WORLD IN EARTH HOUR CAMPAIGN AS ICONIC BUILDINGS GO DARK
The UAE joined more than 180 countries across the world in marking the Earth Hour, switching off lights in a symbolic act of raising environmental awareness.
As the skylines across the emirates plunged into darkness yesterday evening, a spotlight shone on the message of conservation for an hour.
A series of awareness events and activities was held in the lead-up to the Earth Hour, which was marked from 8.30 to 9.30pm with the skyline across the emirates turning dark.
In Dubai, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) in partnership with Emirates Wildlife Society (EWS-WWF) engaged the residents in recreational activities at Marasi Promenade Business Bay that highlighted the message of conservation and rational use of resources. Hundreds of people, including government officials, families, children and environmentalists gathered at the Marasi Promenade for the Earth Hour Walk, which began at 8.30pm as young and old marched with candles and fluorescent lamps in their hands.
Festive atmosphere
A festive atmosphere greeted families and children at Marasi Promenade as hordes of activities marked the annual Earth Hour campaign.
Children and adults took home the message of sustainability through fun activities, educative workshops, games and entertainment sessions.
The event began with the symbolic lighting of the candles before sunset even as children played tug of war, football, can smash and ping pong.
Stilt walkers, clowns and Emirati folk dancers also entertained the participants of the Earth Hour celebrations which ended with a walkathon.
The UAE has been joining the Earth Hour campaign annually since 2008, highlighting sustainable practices that positively support national efforts in reducing carbon emissions and conserve natural resources for the future.
Last year, Dubai achieved remarkable results during Earth Hour 2017 with a reduction of 244MW in electricity use, a 22MW increase compared to 2016.
“Dewa is organising the Earth Hour event for the eleventh consecutive year. Celebrating this international environmental occasion is particularly important in the Year of Zayed, as it marks 100 years since the birth of the leader of sustainability in the UAE, the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan,” said Saeed Mohammad Al Tayer, managing director and CEO of Dewa.
Taking part in the activities, he added that the Earth Hour supports the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, to transform Dubai into a global hub for clean energy and green economy and make it the city with the lowest carbon footprint in the world by 2050.