Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) is celebrating Earth Hour 2017 on March 25 for the 10th consecutive year.

Earth Hour 2017 is one of the largest environmental initiatives in the world aimed at tackling climate change. Earth Hour 2017 is being organised under the theme ‘Highlight Climate Action,’ in cooperation with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) with support from Dubai Real Estate Group, the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE), and Emirates Wildlife Society (EWS). Earth Hour promotes switching off all unnecessary lights and appliances between 8:30pm and 9:30 pm, to raise awareness about climate change and the phenomenon of global warming.

“Dewa is organising this event for the tenth consecutive year, in adherence with the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to find sustainable solutions to climate change, while supporting international efforts to reduce the effects of global warming,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dewa.

“We are working closely with all stakeholders in the public and private sectors, to ensure this event is a success, through switching off all unnecessary lights and electrical appliances to support Earth Hour. The event will witness participation from Dubai’s main landmarks and government buildings, who will switch off their lights for one hour at the designated time.

Al Tayer commended the efforts and contribution by individuals and government and private organisations, to support the Dubai Plan 2021, and the Carbon Abatement Strategy, to reduce carbon emissions by 16 per cent by 2021, to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.

“We are pleased to stand alongside over 7,000 cities from all over the world who are participating in this event, as the largest environmental event on the international calendar. We ask the people of Dubai to join forces and participate in Earth Hour 2017, and strengthen the position of the UAE through its efforts to adopt and launch initiatives to raise environmental awareness among the community, while supporting sustainable development on both national and international levels,” requested Al Tayer.

Earth Hour will commence at 8:30pm on Saturday 25 March, at Bay Avenue Park in Business Bay, and will witness the participation of a number of government organisations, companies, universities, schools, and individuals from all segments of society. Events prior to Earth Hour will begin at 4:00pm, featuring a number of family and recreational activities aimed at raising environmental awareness and promoting a culture of rational consumption.

A free shuttle service will be available from Business Bay metro station, to and from the event every 15 minutes, a statement said. – TradeArabia News Service