12.20 PM Tuesday, 19 March 2024
  • City Fajr Shuruq Duhr Asr Magrib Isha
  • Dubai 05:07 06:20 12:29 15:54 18:33 19:47
19 March 2024

UAE switches off for Earth Hour

The campaign, organised by WWF includes 7,000 cities and 152 countries. (Dewa @ Twitter)

Published
By Bindu Rai

Its lights off for the UAE tonight as the country joins the global movement for Earth Hour, highlighting the need to combat climate change and embrace sustainability.

The campaign, organised by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), spans 7,000 cities and 152 countries, becoming the world’s largest voluntary action for the sake of the environment.

Dubai is also hoping to achieve a new world record by displaying the largest infinity mirror lit by LED lamps.

To join this conservation initiative, organisations and individuals are being encouraged to participate tonight by turning off unnecessary lights and appliances from 8.30pm to 9.30pm.

For Earth Hour 2015, the Emirates Wildlife Society states it’s tackling climate change by being water-efficient. Desalinating water in the UAE takes a huge amount of energy and produces a lot of carbon emissions, making it the third largest consumer of water per capita globally.

EWS is asking supporters to use the #YourPowerUAE hashtag to show support, while public and private organisations is showing its own support by switching off tonight:

World record attempt


Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) is hosting a public event at Bay Avenue Park from 5pm to 10pm, including a new world record attempt of displaying the largest infinity mirror lit by LED lamps.

Earth Hour activities today will include various entertaining and family activities including clowns, stilt-walking, flower displays, face painting, contests, souvenirs, heritage activities and a traditional food corner.

Children will also celebrate the first anniversary of Dewa’s conservation mascots Noor and Hayat.

During Earth Hour last year, Dewa stated it reduced electricity use by 255MWh and saved 153 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions in just one hour.

The authority states its efforts complement the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030  goal launched by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy to reduce energy demand by 30 per cent by 2030.

In this context, DEWA recently increased the renewable energy target in Dubai’s energy mix to 7 per cent by 2020 and 15 per cent by 2030.

Candlelit Concert

Amwaj Rotana is marking Earth Hour with the return of it ‘Concert in the Dark’.

Guests are invited to participate for a special unplugged concert on its Jumeirah Beach terrace for that special hour.

If you would like to play a tune or two, belt out a heartfelt song, or share a poem, you will be invited on stage.

Conservation takes flight

Dubai Airports’ 24-day switch-off in the run-up to the Earth Hour on March 28th is expected to save an estimated 230,000 kWh in energy – enough to power an average home for approximately 15 years, which, it states, is equivalent to 159 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions.

The campaign involves switching off all non-essential lights at Dubai International and Al Maktoum International at Dubai World Central for an hour daily since March 5.

The hour-long switch off does not affect essential facilities within the airport to ensure the safety and comfort of customers and smooth operations.

To spread the message even wider, Dubai Airports has organised entertainment events and activities with an environmental theme for employees and their families on March 28th at Zabeel Park.

Landmarks go Dark


Dubai International Financial Centre, the mature global financial hub connecting the region, will turn off all lights in its offices, buildings and other areas of business as part of its sixth consecutive participation in the global annual initiative Earth Hour.

 “As a global financial centre, we are committed to being environmentally responsible by taking conscious and collective steps towards reducing our impact on the environment. We continue to be consistent in creating awareness and motivating the DIFC community to join the campaign and support the conservation of resources,” Arif Amiri, Deputy CEO, DIFC Authority, said in a statement.

Dining in the Dark


To mark Earth Hour, Noire at Fairmont Dubai is introducing a three-course organic meal in its blacked out dining room, with waiters and their night vision goggles to elevate your senses.

Priced at Dh350, dining experience includes gourmet menu with paired beverages.

Meanwhile, non-essential lights across the property will be dimmed for 60 minutes, while all the restaurants will offer candle-lit dinners.

Moonlit yoga

Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi Kicks off Earth Hour 2015 with a yoga session, along with discounts at the Namm Spa.

The hotel will hold a candlelit yoga session with spiritual Guru Ganesh at Breeze, the outdoor rooftop pool, from 8.30pm to 9.30pm.

Guests are invited to relax and meditate; the session is free for guests with limited spaces available.

Meanwhile, those who want to relax through a massage treat, can avail a 25 per cent discount at Namm Spa on selected massages from 8.30pm to 9.30pm

The hotel will also focus on environmental education and awareness for guests with all non-essential lights will be dimmed for a full 60 minutes and its blue exterior lights will be turned off for the hour itself.

Walk with the animals

Al Ain Zoo has announced visitors will be offered free-entrance from 7pm to 8.30pm, while enjoying activities and workshops, including lantern making.

Additionally, visitors can experience Emirati hospitality and express their commitment to environmental conservation on a pledges board.

Between 7pm and 8.30pm, there will also be a guided night walk with flashlights, star-gazing using telescopes presented by the College of Science at UAE University, and a classical musical performance at the African exhibit.

Additional activities include participants lighting up their candles and placing them in the shape of ‘60+’ on the ground.

Stories by candlelight

As the world celebrates Earth Hour in its unique fashion, The Ritz Carlton Dubai International Financial Centre is hosting a storytelling session by the candlelight for little ones to demonstrate the importance of the initiative.

The session is free to attend for in-house hotel guests of the hotel and residences, while visitors can attend for Dh60, which will be donated to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).