Dubai turns off lights

Iconic buildings like Burj Al Arab, Burj Dubai and Jumeirah Beach Hotel switched off their external lights, while hundreds, mainly students, took part in a Lantern Parade as part of the emirate's global fight against climate change.

The 2-km walk that began at the Burj Al Arab saw many students, women and men hold lanterns and walk along the Beach Road to Jumeirah Beach Park and back. The start of the parade was marked by the switching off Burj Al Arab's exterior lights and fire fountain, plunging Dubai's world famous icon into darkness. Police and ambulances escorted the volunteers as they walked the stretch enthusiastically.

The atmosphere was charged up as volunteers shone their lanterns to lead the way and walked briskly.

“This walk shows a deep concern for the environment and sends a strong message that we are united with the world against global warming,” said Sara Adams, a student of English Medium School.

“Dubai has taken the first step and as a student, I am extremely proud to take part in this initiative. I have asked my parents to also switch off lights while I am walking here,” said Bader Mohammed, a student from Ajman University.

Many hoped to take this message of conserving power and saving energy back to their homes and promised to do their bit to protect the world and their future generations from global warming.

Scores of residents across the emirate also voluntarily turned off their non-essential lights and electrical appliances at the stroke of 8, as they joined the World Wildlife Foundation's global Earth Hour movement.

The emirate became the first Arab city last night to officially participate in the Earth Hour, led by Dubai Holdings and the Dubai Water and Electricity Authority (DEWA). It has also garnered the support of Dubai Municipality and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), which dimmed streetlights in some areas.

Khaleej Times also switched off its exterior and all office lights. The editorial department switched off lights for two minutes to mark its solidarity.

Amina Ali Al Mehairi, student of a college in Sharjah, had urged her family of ten to switch off their lights at home in Dubai last night. The family spent an entire hour without electricity as the family used candles.

'My mom actually encouraged all of us to switch off all lights. She said we should all be aware of global warming and what it could do to the future generations. We had lit up candles throughout the house. Our guest house, pool and external areas went without any lights for an hour.'

Lights went off at the American University of Sharjah (AUS) as part of the university's participation in the Earth Hour 2008 global movement. It was organised by the Office of Student Affairs at AUS to encourage students to work towards saving the environment.

Dr Moza Al Shehhi, Vice-Chancellor of Student Affairs at AUS, said, 'Taking part in this global movement is one great way to educate students about saving energy. The Sharjah Environment Company, Bee'ah, also joined the movement and invited us to take part.'

A number of other businesses in other emirates also announced their support to the initiative. It is expected that more than 20 per cent energy reduction was achieved last night, although event leaders have said that the initiative was about spreading a message and encouraging a lifestyle change to fight global warming.

Earth Hour, which began in Sydney, Australia, in 2007, saw a ten per cent energy reduction, the equivalent of taking 48,000 cars off the road. This year will be the largest voluntary power down in history with more than 25 cities across 14 time zones participating.

Businesses, including Dubai Holding, Tatweer, Tecom, Sama, Dubai Properties, Dubai Group Dubai Media City, Internet City and Knowledge Village, Citi Bank, Hewlett-Packard, Emirates Environmental Group, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai World Trade Centre, Nakheel, Emaar and Leo Burnett also took part in the initiative. du, Standard Chartered Bank and Hilton Hotels Middle East and Africa also supported Earth Hour.

According to a poll conducted by City 7 TV in Dubai, 98 per cent of people taking part said they would support the climate change initiative by turning off unnecessary lights and appliances between 8pm and 9pm yesterday.

All quiet at hotels, guests at the races

Guests at the hotels embraced the climate change initiative mainly because they were all at Dubai’s main event — Dubai World Cup.

“They’re all at the races,” Burj Al Arab concierge said.

“It’s very quiet here.”

Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Resort concierge confirmed the same.

“Most are at the races, but some are having candlelight dinners,” he said.

“It’s quite special by candlelight. The guests are happy.”