Dubai - It's doable with a little know-how.
Published: Sun 24 Feb 2019, 3:48 PM
Updated: Sun 24 Feb 2019, 6:55 PM
Today marks the 10th UAE Car-Free Day being organised by the Dubai Municipality. It's simple really, motorists are urged to leave their cars home and commute to their destinations. Like the Earth Hour, foregoing your car for the day has a significant impact on the environment. Primarily, it reduces the UAE's carbon footprint and also raises awareness on climate change.
So how can you take part in this wonderful initiative? Here are some ways.
Take public transport - the smart way
The most obvious way to reach your destination during Car-Free Day is by taking a public transport. But make sure you do it the smart way. The Dubai Government has a number of apps that will help you make your commute easier. There's Wojhati and S'hail - journey planners that will offer you different options to go where you need to commute. The RTA Smart Taxi, Uber and Careem will get you a cab and the ever-useful Google Maps will guide you through.
Also read
Ditch your car today, use UAE public transport
E-scooters
There's been a recent increase in the number of these electronic scooters going around town. It's like a bicycle, with the sole exception that you don't need to step on the pedal. Just hop on and away you go!
Bicycles
If you're more on the physical side of things, a bicycle is the way to go. UAE's current weather supports cycling around town and it's a good way to get some exercise. Khaleej Times even told a story of a Sharjah resident who cycled 13km to Dubai plus another 42km to reach his office in Academic City. Now that's commitment right there!
Walking
For those of us who are lucky enough to have their workplace close by, walking is an attractive option. If not, you can always pair up walking with a ride on the Metro. It's time consuming, but it makes you appreciate the beauty of the city in a different way.