For the good of the environment

At least 3,000 employees in various government departments will leave their cars at home and take public transport on January 18 to support "Car Free Day" in Dubai. The annual event is expected to save the environment from at least 10 tonnes of carbon emissions. Transport emissions are responsible for 47 per cent of the air pollution in Dubai.

While the government takes the lead, private sector companies that employ many more people must also take up the campaign. Besides reducing carbon emissions, the day will also encourage people to use public transport. Dubai has international standard public transport services, which are cheap and convenient for consumers. Reducing traffic and the time wasted on roads by goods and people is also a great saving for the economy. It is hoped that the annual event will become daily practice for many commuters, to the benefit of the environment and the emirate.