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29 March 2024

For a brighter future: The day when Dubai’s Burj Khalifa will go dark

Published
By Sneha May Francis

On March 29, when the clock strikes 8.30pm, the city of Dubai will plunge into darkness for an hour to mark their commitment towards the global environment initiative – Earth Hour.

Many prominent landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai airports, government offices, and even savvy households will shut down their power to support energy conservation and reduction of carbon emission.

Apart from switching off unnecessary appliances for an hour, residents can also participate in a symbolic ceremony at the Bay Avenue Park from 5pm-10pm, and take part in the Earth Hour walk that kicks off at 8.30pm.

Being the first Arab nation to have enrolled for the hour-long campaign in 2008, Dubai is hoping to make substantial savings this year as well.

“Organising Earth Hour reflects our commitment to the green economy for sustainable development,” informed Khawla Almehairi, VP marketing and corporate communications at Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa).

She accentuated her point, by publishing the savings clocked during Earth Hour last year. “Dewa achieved a reduction of 200,000KW of electricity and 120,000kg of carbon dioxide emissions.”

This year, she added, the savings are expected to go up to 220,000KW.

What started off as a symbolic programme has now evolved into a movement, with 7,001 cities and towns gearing to participate in the initiative this year.

“Starting from a single city initiative in Sydney, Australia, Earth Hour is one of the largest environmental movements on the planet, sprouting to reach more than 152 countries,” said Ida Tillisch, director general Emirates Wildlife Society in association with WWF.

“It’s more than just an hour,” she asserted, adding that it’s a time to reflect on our planet and to make the switch to ensure its longevity.

Earth Hour is under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and chairman of Dubai Executive Council.

“Even small steps that we take make a big difference when it comes to action on promoting environmental sustainability,” highlighted Amal Koshak, senior manager marketing communication at Dewa.

She added that the ‘Make the switch’ campaign was launched two weeks ago to support the Earth Hour.

Arif Mubarak, CEO of Dubai Properties, urged every resident to take part in this crusade, because he believed that “rational use of energy and water, not just during Earth Hour, but on a daily basis” goes a long way in protecting our planet and sustaining energy.