Rain and lights ...
On Saturday, March 28, the UAE marked Earth Hour. Gulf News readers participated with enthusiasm, just as they celebrated the rain and the hailstorm. They sent pictures and comments expressing their ideas, joys and reservations on the two events. We present a selection that is representative of the conversation that readers were having with the newspaper.

I am loving it!
I love the weather in Dubai nowadays ("Rain continues to shower on parts of UAE", Gulf News, March 29). I don't really mind if it rains for a week since this seldom happens. I actually love rain and it was amazing to see the hailstorm.
From Ms Anisa
Dubai

Partial rain
How come it rains only in Northern Emirates and Dubai? In Abu Dhabi we hardly get to see rain for not more than 10 to 15 minutes. I have not seen a hailstorm or rainfall of such magnitude in the past 15 years here. It has disrupted daily life!
From Ms Karuna
Abu Dhabi

Be prepared
It is a wonderful time to experience rain and a pleasant refreshing temperature at night. However, one must also be prepared for the health issues that affect people during such weather - a sore throat, fever, cold and flu. People must care for their health, take extra vitamins and eat in a healthy manner to fight against any disease.
From Mr Justin
Dubai

Seasoned rains
I will make the same comments I have been making for the past two years. Dubai's road infrastructure wasn't designed to handle rain. The fact is Dubai has a new season called the rainy season. This season comes at least twice a year and floods the entire city. There are traffic congestion, accidents and even deaths caused by the pools of water accumulating across the city and rest of the Northern Emirates. It's about time the concerned authorities start building a drainage system on all major roads. This will make Dubai residents forget about traffic and enjoy the rain.
From Mr Shiraz
Dubai

Year of rain
I am shocked with the weather of the UAE. 2009 is the year of rain - we are experiencing heavy rain every night.
From Mr Tabish Raza
Sharjah

Amazing sight
I was thrilled to see ice pouring from the sky, late in the night. For a moment, I was scared since our cars were parked outside and the hail was similar to marble pieces pouring down - simply amazing.
From Mr Mash
Dubai

Safe
Most clusters in International City face an issue when rainwater floods parking lots, making them unusable. But thankfully our unit in Persia is safe. Hope the rain continues!
From Ms Leena Samuel
Dubai

Sole observer?
I liked the idea of Earth Hour but wonder how many people are even aware of it ("Icons plunge into darkness to shed light on planet", Gulf News, March 29)! I switched off all lights and main switches and went for a walk to a nearby park, only to see that the lights were on in most residential and commercial buildings. Even the sprinklers were turned on, despite a good rain! I wondered if I was the only person observing Earth Hour.
From Ms Judy Varghese
Abu Dhabi

Waste in ways
I loved how Dubai took part. However, I must say it may have been a waste in some ways, considering that major malls didn't participate and many of the largest supermarkets across the city had their neon lights blazing bright throughout the day.
From Mr Anthony Permal
Dubai

Regular practice
I'm not sure about the figures and percentages of the amount of electricity that was saved in that one hour, but if it has indeed helped the environment, then we should practice this more regularly. If not on a daily basis, then maybe two or three times a week, atleast in residential places. This should be done until a time when it becomes a habit for all, just like brushing teeth on a daily basis. I think we can then leave enough of Earth to see for the coming generations. Have a good day!
From Mr Prem
Dubai

Doing my bit
Yes, I did contribute by switching off all electricity in my house for more than two hours. I felt extremely good about having saved considerable electricity and doing my bit for the environment. I would even go to the extent of advocating this type of exercise on a regular basis - say once a month. Why does this have to wait for a marked hour each year? Just imagine how much electricity can be saved apart from reducing carbon emissions, too!
From Mr Vijay Menon
Dubai