Watch: Major landmarks in UAE switch off lights for Earth Hour

Major landmarks, communities and individual homes across the UAE switched off their lights at 8:30pm to partake in the global campaign of Earth Hour 2023.

In Dubai, the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab switched off its lights while at the Expo over 120 people counted down to the moment of 8:30.

Environment enthusiast Najib Mohammed Ismail spent Dh135 on taxi to reach the event on time from his residence in Sharjah. “I wanted to come here and support the initiative,” he said. “For me, every hour is Earth hour and everyday is Earth day. The environment is the most precious gift we have and we have to safeguard it.”

Prior to that, volunteers gathered in the main hall of the Terra pavilion before heading out to pose for a photograph in front of the pavilion. Conducting the event was Emirates Nature-WWF.

Arabella, from the organsation spoke about how important the initiative was for the environment. “We are faced with two huge challenges these days,” said Arabella.

“One is climate change and the other is the challenge of biodiversity loss.”

Some of the volunteers came representing their organizations. Amitabh, Brenda, Randy and Michelle from Emirates NBD said they came as part of the bank’s commitment to the environment. “We are hoping this event will help raise awareness about the work we need to do to protect our nature,” said Randy.

After the lights were switched off, the volunteers made their way back to the pavilion where they watched a special journey video of Emirates Nature-WWF showcasing 22 years of environmental victories across the country. The video paid homage to the nation’s founding father the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his vision for a sustainable future. In 1997, Sheikh Zayed became the first head of state to be honored with the Golden Panda award by WWF.

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