Emaar Properties, the global property developer, will mark Earth Hour 2013 on March 23, with its developments taking part in the global initiative to raise awareness on energy conservation and climate change.

Emaar is joining hands with the Dubai Electricity & Water Authority, the organisers of the event in Dubai, in partnership with the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, the Emirates Wildlife Society and the World Wide Fund for Nature, to mark Earth Hour this year.

A highlight of the event is the ‘Earth Hour Walk’ which will start at Burj Plaza in Downtown Dubai, Emaar’s flagship mega-development that overlooks Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.

The organisers of Earth Hour and representatives of government and private sector entities will take part in the annual walk to be held from 8.30pm to 9.30pm. Members of the public can also take part in the event which underlines the need to adopt energy efficient practices and to protect planet Earth through sustainable development initiatives.

The iconic assets of Emaar including Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall, Dubai Marina Mall, Souk Al Bahar, Gold & Diamond Park and The Address Hotels + Resorts, as well as residents in various lifestyle communities by the company will observe Earth Hour by switching off all non-essential external and internal lighting and appliances. Only lighting that is essential for security and safety will be maintained during Earth Hour.

Ahmad Al Matrooshi, managing director, Emaar Properties, said: “As the pioneer in developing integrated communities in Dubai, Emaar has consistently focused on promoting the highest standards of sustainability across our developments.”

“Over the past years, by marking Earth Hour as well as other initiatives that promote energy and water use efficiency, we have been able to strengthen awareness on the need to protect our environment and conserve our resources. For us, the relevance of Earth Hour is not confined to the single hour when we switch off all unnecessary lights and electrical appliances.

“We believe that the one hour of energy use efficiency that Earth Hour promotes has a far greater symbolic value. It will encourage people to make energy use efficiency a part of their lifestyle throughout the year.”

The performance of The Dubai Fountain, the world’s tallest performing fountain, will also re-commence after Earth Hour on March 23, while the lighting on The Burj Steps and the Waterfront Promenade will also be dimmed.

Within The Dubai Mall, all non-essential lighting of Reel Cinemas, KidZania, SEGA Republic, and Dubai Ice Rink will be switched off, while the lights within the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo will be dimmed. – TradeArabia News Service