Dubai's key landmarks to go dark during Earth Hour

Dubai: Residents in Dubai will celebrate Earth Hour by switching off lights in various locations in the city. The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority on Thursday announced that lights of Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, the Address Hotels and Dubai Festival City will be switched off as part of the city's participation in the international event.

In 2009, the city reduced the consumption of electricity by 146,000 kw/h and decreased the carbon dioxide emissions by 88,000 kg, while in 2010 electricity was decreased by 170,000 kw/h and the carbon by 102,000 kg. Earth Hour 2011 will take place on March 26 from 8.30pm till 9.30pm, to celebrate the 2011 event in Dubai to show solidarity to the global event.

A symbolic event will be held under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, in Burj Plaza towards Burj Park and at the Burj Khalifa.

"During the last three years we achieved great results. During Earth Hour in 2008 we decreased the consumption of electricity by 100,000 kw/h and decreased the carbon dioxide emissions by 60,000 kg," said Saeed Al Tayer, Managing Director and Chief Executive of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa).

Al Tayer also noted that in line with the Dubai Government Environmental strategy to secure a sustainable development, the Supreme Council of Energy will organise "Dubai International Forum for Energy-2011" between April 17-19, to participate in developing and improving Dubai Energy Strategy.

Amal Koshak Senior Manager, Demand & Tariff Management at Dewa, invited all residents to participate.