Individuals and organisations across the UAE unite in global effort to prevent climate change with a myriad of events

Dubai, UAE, March 20, 2017:  Ten years after the world’s first Earth Hour in Sydney put climate change in the spotlight, WWF’s landmark movement is set to once again unite millions of people around the globe to shine a light on climate action. The world’s largest grassroots movement for the environment, which mobilizes individuals, communities and organizations globally to do their part to help change climate change, will take place on the 25 March and is being led locally by Emirates Wildlife Society-WWF (EWS-WWF).

To mark Earth Hour in the UAE, individuals and organizations are invited to join EWS-WWF, and millions of people across the planet, to support #EarthHourUAE by switching off the unnecessary lights at 8.30pm on 25 March to show that they care about our planet. With action more pressing than ever in the face of new climate records, EWS-WWF will be leading its ‘Green Goals’ campaign as it asks social media users to share their promises of how they intend to play a part in tackling climate change, helping to convert the Earth Hour message into tangible changes and shine a light on climate actions via social media. Users will be asked to use the hashtag #EarthHourUAE when making their pledge online.

On the ground, several events will be held around the country to mark the occasion spanning the public and private sector.  Long time EWS-WWF partner Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) will be hosting a family-fun-filled festival at Bay Avenue Park in Business Bay from 4pm onwards, where you can see the world’s tallest tower;Burj Khalifa switch off its lights and participate in the Earth Hour walk.

In similar fashion, the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), will also be hosting a public event starting at 5.30pm on the Al Majaz water front. Its programme of events is billed to include a presentation about environmental awareness, a bicycle ride, a wall painting of the Earth Hour logo and environmental competitions and workshops.

Other organizations marking Earth Hour include Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque - Abu Dhabi, HSBC, Environment Friends Society, the jamjar Dubai, Sustainable City, among many others. A more detailed list can be found on the EWS-WWF website.

Commenting on their role in Earth Hour, His Excellency Yousif Al Obaidly, Director General of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, Abu Dhabi said, “As a global iconic landmark, leading and supporting positive community initiatives in support of the well-being of our planet is paramount to us at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Leading by example, this was a key consideration when it came to the design and build of our mosque, which was completed with the use of local and sustainable materials and created to allow in as much natural light as possible to help reduce energy consumption. Through our active participation in Earth Hour, we hope to raise the level of environmental awareness throughout society, driven by our commitment to community responsibility and support of our national leaders’ directives to achieve sustainable development across the UAE, and ultimately reduce our impact on the planet.”

“Humanity today is facing unprecedented levels of climate change that threaten both present and future generations. Collaboration across countries, governments, business and society is necessary if we are to begin to halt this trend. Earth Hour is a poignant reminder and a symbolic action that we can all participate in, which highlights the importance we each play in contributing to a sustainable UAE and indeed planet.” said Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Deputy -Director General, EWS.

Abdullatif continued, “This Earth Hour, EWS-WWF encourages all organisations and residents across the UAE to turn off their lights and to go beyond the hour by shining a light on bigger climate change commitments via social media.  For our part, EWS-WWF will be shining a light on the latest chapter in our sustainability journey through our upcoming move to The Sustainable City, Dubai where our new offices will be located.”

Commenting on its participation, Khawla Al Mehairi, Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications at DEWA said, “DEWA has consistently supported Dubai’s efforts to raise public awareness on various environmental issues by adopting and launching several relevant initiatives and projects. Our aim is to increase awareness on the importance of conserving and preserving our natural resources. As part of our commitment, DEWA will implement, for the second consecutive year, its Carbon Neutral Emissions following last year’s successful zero-carbon Earth Hour celebrations”

Starting in 2007 as a single-city event, Earth Hour is now celebrated across all continents. In the past decade, as global climate efforts gained momentum, Earth Hour has helped bridge the gap between the grassroots and the corridors of power, taking climate action from conference rooms to living rooms. It has empowered millions to support and participate in critical climate and conservation projects led by WWF and many others, helping drive climate policy, awareness and action.

Earth Hour 2017 will take place on Saturday 25 March at 8:30 p.m., when the world will be uniting to help protect this home we all share. Everyone is invited to join the global movement. 

About Earth Hour
Earth Hour is WWF's global environmental movement. Born in Sydney in 2007, Earth Hour has grown to become the world's largest grassroots movement for the environment, inspiring individuals, communities, businesses and organizations in more than 170 countries and territories to take tangible climate action for over a decade. The movement recognizes the role of individuals in changing climate change and harnesses the collective power of its millions of supporters to shine a light on climate action.