Dubai Ladies Club To Support Earth Hour 2011 For Third Consecutive Year

In line with its ongoing commitment to environmental protection and sustainability, Dubai Ladies Club, a member of Dubai Women Establishment, will join millions of people around the world on Saturday, 26 March 2011 to support Earth Hour 2011. From 8.30pm this Saturday the Club will minimise the consumption of electricity for one hour by turning off not only all exterior and internal lights but also as many electrical sources as possible.

Areas where lighting will be turned off will include all exterior lighting, the member and non-members swimming pools and all four reception lobbies and partially in the operational sections. This is the third consecutive year that Dubai Ladies Club supports Earth Hour.

Since its inception in 2003, Dubai Ladies Club has consistently worked towards improving the quality of life of Emirati and expatriate women living in the UAE through in-house events, facilities and pilot projects. Dubai Ladies Club’s commitment to environmental sustainability includes participation in recycling programs, waste management practices as well as adopting environmentally sustainable practices.

In the past, Dubai Ladies Club has participated in city wide environmental projects such as Earth Hour, Save My Trees campaign organized by Emirates Environmental Group, Mobile Phones and Electronics recycling program organized by EnviroFone and many more. Regular eco-awareness campaigns are also promoted to mark annual events such as Earth Day in April and World Environment Day in June.

More recently, Dubai Ladies Club announced the launch of Al Murjan Reef Rehabilitation Project. Under the Royal Patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Women Establishment, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Presidential Affairs, UAE; Al Murjan Reef Rehabilitation Project is an initiative by the Dubai Ladies Club, Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai and Traders Hotel, Dubai under the umbrella of ‘sustainability’ Shangri-La’s Social Responsibility initiative. Al Murjan will be the first community-based coral reef development project within the UAE. The project will seek to build capacity at the community level through necessary trainings to community groups in coral reef education and awareness; management planning; and long-term financing and sustainability.
 

KidZania And Dubai Aquarium Underwater Zoo Take Part In Earth Hour 2011

KidZania and Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, managed by Emaar Retail LLC, participated in Earth Hour 2011 on March 26, to raise awareness on the need to take concrete action on climate change.

The DEWA establishment at KidZania, the unique children’s city located at The Dubai Mall, turned off the lights during Earth Hour, with DEWA mascots providing children with information on the initiative. In addition, a video was displayed explaining the concept of Earth Hour.

KidZania mascots, Urbano and Vita, and DEWA mascots joined the Earth Hour march at Burj Park to support the initiative.

In addition, the home of over 33,000 aquatic animals, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo dimmed the lights during Earth Hour.
 

Go-Green.ae Launches Campaign to Promote Earth Hour

Go-Green.ae has launched an online campaign to promote the Earth Hour, from 8.30-9.30pm local time on Saturday, 26th March 2011. As part of the campaign all people across the planet are welcome to join the call for action in support of the climate change initiative.

According to Sharad Agarwal, Founder of Go-Green.ae, "The core message of our campaign is a call to action to every individual, every business and every community throughout the world. It is a call to stand up, to take responsibility, to get involved and lead the way towards a sustainable future. Through our ’Go Green Ambassadors Program’, we are trying to reach out to people across the planet in over 80 countries worldwide."

In March 2010, hundreds of millions of people took part in the third Earth Hour. Over 4000 cities in 8over 100 countries officially switched off to pledge their support for the planet, making Earth Hour 2010 the world’s largest global climate change initiative. With participation levels now exceeding all expectations, and with more cities and towns signing up every day to be a part of this historic event, the success of Earth Hour 2011 is limited only by the will of the global community to want a say in the future of our planet.

Earth Hour started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia when 2.2 million homes and businesses turned their lights off for one hour to make their stand against climate change. By 2008, Earth Hour had become a global sustainability movement with more than 50 million people across 35 countries participating. Global landmarks such as the, Sydney Harbour Bridge, The CN Tower in Toronto, The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Burj Khalifa in Dubai and Rome’s Colosseum, all stood in darkness, as symbols of hope for a cause that grows more urgent by the hour.

’Go Green’ web portal was launched in July 2008 to remind people to be mindful of and sensitive to the natural environment in our daily life The main objective of the site is to increase the awareness of environmental issues that affect the future of the planet.

Go-Green.ae features ’Green Stories’ that demonstrate the steps taken by corporations as part of their commitment to preserve the planet. Global organisations such as Panasonic, Orange, Toshiba, Cisco, Discover, Dell, HSBC, Google, Marriott, Hotels and Resorts Intercontinental Hotels, Hyatt, Zipcar, Nissan and Mazda share their ’Green Innovations’ online.

The ’Green Heroes Program’ gives credit and encouragement to individuals who have contributed in the fields of renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainability.

Go-Green.ae is updated 24/7 with information relating to news, events, technologies, videos, web resources and success stories in the field of energy conservation, sustainability and environmental protection.

Go-Green.ae, an Ekotribe initiative won the Alternate Energy Award at ADIPEC, in recognition of its contribution to promoting environmental awareness.

 

For more information:

Website: http://www.go-green.ae

Dubai Earth Hour 2011 Celebrations Saved A Record 204,000 Kw/H And 122,000 Kg Carbon Emission

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, (DEWA) announced that the Earth Hour – 2011 celebrations across the Emirate witnessed overwhelming support and participation across the board; had become the biggest voluntary show of commitment by residents and businesses for the betterment of planet earth ever seen in Dubai saving a record 204,000 kW/h of electricity and 122,000 kg carbon emission.

On Saturday 26th March activities were held in the Emirate in support of the global sustainability movement, Earth Hour which sees people and iconic landmarks across the world turn off their lights and unnecessary electrical appliances between 8.30 p.m. – 9.30 p.m. in a mark of solidarity against the largest threat to planet earth, global warming.

To celebrate the worthy cause and encourage participation by residents and businesses in Earth Hour, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, (DEWA), under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and the Supreme Council of Energy and in partnership with Emirates Wildlife Society (EWS) in association with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Emaar and fellow Government departments and local schools and universities and NGOs and private sectors and residents , marked the event with a traditional Arabic heritage village at Emaar’s Burj Plaza in the Downtown district adjacent to the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa.

Over 20 Arabian tents filled with arts and crafts, tasty traditional cooking stations, El Arish hospitality, educational exhibitions, music and many local gifts and souvenirs were enjoyed by over 6,000 people who took part in the fun festivities and Earth Hour celebrations. A family occasion, children were also well catered to with their own arts and crafts tents, face-painting, delightful entertainment and a conservation exhibition to educate and inspire their young minds.

The event was followed by the spectacular Earth Hour walk, in a mark of solidarity people came together to march from from Burj plaza across to the island and alongside the magnificent Burj Khalifa stood in darkness.

Commenting on the success of Earth Hour, HE Saeed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of DEWA stated; “For residents to participate in the Earth Hour initiative shows the elite awareness in the community about the importance of conservation and the good work that DEWA has undertaken over the years to raise the importance of conservation in the Emirate.” He also expressed his happiness concerning the solidarity of all residents to shut down lights and unnecessary electric goods during the earth hour, stating that the attraction of all these people beside burj khalifa for this noble goal cause symbolises the human development in the environmental behaviour and culture of civilization and social awareness. He added; “For the fourth consecutive year Dubai is insisting on raising the awareness and showing its interest in preserving resources and the environment. At this point all parties are competing to achieve the aim of the Earth Hour. Not just by saving during the Earth Hour event, but by continuing saving hours through the whole year.

DEWA adopts a lot of educational initiatives and environmental programs for all different sectors in the Dubai community, and aims through it to raise awareness about conservation and saving natural resources.

Earth Hour is the world’s largest climate-related community action on the planet. Started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia when 2.2 million individuals and more than 2,000 businesses turned off their lights to take a stand against climate change, Earth Hour has grown to become a global sustainability movement where hundreds of millions of people from every continent join together to acknowledge the importance of protecting our planet.

Talking about the festivities, Amal Koshak, Senior Manager, Demand & Tariff Management, DEWA said; “DEWA was keen to bring to the Earth Hour event the traditional Arabic heritage village spirit and present to the whole world the unique spiritual mix between Burj Khalifa one of the most luxurious and elegant towers in the whole world and our traditional Arabic Heritage. This unique mix strengthens the relationship between the people and the past. By doing so we hope that people do not forget the past challenges and find the sprit and solutions of future challenges concerning energy conservation and life, and to save the future of our planet for the coming generations”.

She added: “I am sure that many people will continue the passion and spirit of conservation which they showed during the event by going beyond the Earth Hour and make a pledge, large or small, to preserve natural resources in their daily lives.”

Dubai was the first Arab Country to join Earth Hour celebrations. DEWA was the first institution to support Earth Hour and has done so since 2008. Earth Hour is one of over 20 initiatives the Authority implements to educate its customers and the community on the responsible use of electricity and water, conservation of the environment and the protection of our planet.

Speaking on the generous partnership with Emaar to celebrate Earth Hour – 2011, Mr Ahmad Al Matrooshi, Managing Director, Emaar Properties, said: “Earth Hour is one of the key sustainability initiatives that we undertake across our communities to further strengthen awareness on climate change, while at the same time driving the participatory action of our residents. The participation of our communities will contribute to tangible energy gains in addition to encouraging people to be more judicious about energy use.”

In 2008 Dubai’s participation in Earth Hour saved 100,000 kW/h and reduced 60,000 kg of carbon dioxide emissions. In 2009 the percentages increased, to save 146,000 kW/h and 88,000 kg of carbon dioxide emissions and savings increased further following the 2010 Earth Hour celebrations saving 170,000 kW/h and reducing carbon emissions by 102,000 kg.

Under the foresight and leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai is already going beyond the hour in its commitment to preserving natural resources. Environmental policy strategically directing the future of the Emirate and the UAE is being implemented, sophisticated future-oriented research programs aimed at reducing our ecological footprint are underway and massive funding efforts to develop a new generation of technology has been committed.

Protecting the environment will be one of the important tracks which will be addressed at the Dubai Global Energy Forum 2011 (DGEF 2011) which will be held from 17 to 19 April. The DGEF is an international forum tackling all energy and environment issues.

For more information on Earth Hour activities and helping to combat climate change log onto www.dewa.gov.ae
 

Dubai Outlet Mall Is Participating In The Earth Hour 2011

Outlet Mall is proud to announce the participation in Earth Hour 2011 as part of its CSR initiatives and community act.

Earth Hour 2011 will take place on Saturday 26 March 2011 from 8.30pm to 9.30pm, UAE local time, aims to show the actions that people, businesses and governments world-wide are taking to reduce their environmental impact. Therefore Dubai Outlet Mall is going to switch off all the non-essential lights outside the shopping mall, in the parking area, on the roads around the mall and the perimeter lights around this landmark for an hour. This will result in up to 20% reduction of electricity consumption at Dubai Outlet Mall at the mentioned timings.

Outlet Mall also encourages all its retail stores to partake in this program by turning off the extra electricity at their premises.

This plan has been promoted through the Dubai Outlet Mall social media such as Facebook and Twitter to notify the public and encourage them with daily tips and guidelines on how to save energy.
 

Record Participation With 4 Days Until UAE Unites With The World For Earth Hour

Just 4 days out from the global lights-out event, Earth Hour 2011, has reached record participation, with 131 countries and territories registered to take part, on all seven continents. The UAE, including its iconic landmarks and public figures, is set to join hundreds of millions across the world to celebrate action for the planet.

On Saturday 26 March at 8:30pm public events are planned to mark the time when iconic landmarks across the emirates will go dark for Earth Hour 2011 including the Burj Khalifa in Dubai and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, as well as the following landmarks across the world:

• Times Square, New York
• Eiffel Tower, Paris
• Milad Tower, Tehran
• Davis Station, in Antarctica
• Opera House, Sydney
• Parliament Palace in Bucharest, Romania
• Royal Palace, Thailand
• China World Trade Centre Tower 3

In 2010 hundreds of millions of people across the world, in 4,616 cities, in 128 countries took part in Earth Hour, but switching off lights was only the beginning. This year Earth Hour asks people to go beyond the hour, and use Earth Hour to commit to an action, big or small, that they will sustain for the future of our planet.

In the UAE the list of landmarks participating in the global switch-off event and number of participants is record breaking. More than 200 companies have signed up – most of whom pledged to go beyond the hour. With events set to take place across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Fujairah, and Sharjah, EWS-WWF is calling for all UAE residents to take action and get involved. Earth Hour 2011 public events are planned across the emirates including:
 

• Abu DhabiEarth Hour 2011 celebration at Corniche Beaches
• Dubai Festival City Earth Hour 2011 celebration at the Marina
• Burj Khalifa Earth Hour 2011 switch-off celebration and bazaar at Burj Plaza
• Sharjah,Al Qasba, Earth Hour 2011 celebration
• Fujairah, Earth Hour 2011 gathering at the Fujairah Fort.

EWS-WWF also asks individuals, governments, schools and companies to ‘Go Beyond the Hour’by committing to enduring actions, big or small, that they willsustain for the future of our planet.To sign up for Earth Hour, go to www.ewswwf.ae/earthhour
 

Earth Hour 2011, To Be Celebrated March 26 From 8:30 To 9:30pm, Evolves Beyond The Hour

Earth Hour 2011, the annual lights out event, will showcase a growing global community committed to taking environmental actions that go beyond the hour. Earth Hour 2011 will take place in the UAE on Saturday, March 26 from 8:30 to 9:30 pm, with most of the nation’s most iconic landmarks dimming their lights for one hour in what is to be the largest call for action on climate change in history.

Beyond the Hour marks the start of a new phase for the Earth Hour movement. In 2010 hundreds of millions of people across the world took part in Earth Hour, but switching off the lights was only the beginning. This year Earth Hour asks people to commit to an action, big or small, that they will sustain for the future of our planet.

Emirates Wildlife Society in association with WWF (EWS-WWF) is organizing a Beyond The Hour call to action where people can upload photographs showcasing their commitment to a sustainable lifestyle at www.ewswwf.ae/earthhour. High profile individuals, including H.H. Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al Nuaimi – better known in the region as the “Green Sheikh,” have already uploaded photos demonstrating their commitment to the environment. Hosts of photographs from people committing to environmental change can be viewed at the site.

Ida Tillisch, Acting Director General of the Emirates Wildlife Society in association with WWF (EWS-WWF) said: “Going beyond the hour is about committing to daily actions that incorporate environmentally sustainable practices into one’s lifestyle. On an individual level setting your A/C to 24 instead of 22 degrees, washing your car with a bucket instead of a hose, or switching your lights to high efficiency bulbs help you go beyond the hour. Organizations can go beyond the hour by empowering an environmental team and all employees to translate the Earth Hour message into on-going initiatives that reduce water and electricity consumption at work.”

“Everyone has the power to make change: a CEO can change an organisation, a 7-year-old can change a classroom, and a president can change a country. What we are announcing today is just the beginning,” Earth Hour Co-Founder and Executive Director, Andy Ridley, said, “It is through the collective action of individuals and organisations that we will be able to truly make a difference, which is why we are urging people across the planet to share how they will go beyond the hour this Earth Hour.”

Ida Tillisch added: “Climate change is the most urgent and pressing issue facing the entire world and we need to unite everyone around meaningful action to tackle it. With a simple flick of the switch and click of the mouse, individuals and organisations will be sending a signal that they want solutions to the climate crisis and they will be taking action. We encourage all UAE residents to upload their photos of commitment to Earth Hour at www.ewswwf.ae/earthhour, take action, and share tips with the rest of the UAE community.”
 

KidZaniareg; And Dubai Aquarium Underwater Zoo Take Part In Earth Hour 2011

KidZania® and Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, managed by Emaar Retail LLC, participated in Earth Hour 2011 on March 26, to raise awareness on the need to take concrete action on climate change.

The DEWA establishment at KidZania®, the unique children’s city located at The Dubai Mall, turned off the lights during Earth Hour, with DEWA mascots providing children with information on the initiative. In addition, a video was displayed explaining the concept of Earth Hour.

KidZania® mascots, Urbano and Vita, and DEWA mascots joined the Earth Hour march at Burj Park to support the initiative.

In addition, the home of over 33,000 aquatic animals, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo dimmed the lights during Earth Hour.
 

56 Earth Hours At The Galleries This Weekend

Limitless will take Earth Hour 55 steps further this weekend by turning off hundreds of lights at The Galleries at Downtown Jebel Ali from close of business on Thursday until the working week begins again on Sunday.

The Galleries’ giant digital screens and more than 600 lights at the development will be off for 56 hours from 11pm on Thursday until 7am on Sunday as part of Limitless’ commitment to energy conservation and environmental sustainability. The company is also encouraging commercial and retail tenants at The Galleries to take part by closing down lights in their individual offices and shops.

Bahaa Abouhatab, Project Director at The Galleries, says: “Earth Hour is a wonderful way to raise awareness of excessive energy consumption among businesses and individuals. But a longer term change in eco-habits – at the office and at home – is needed to make a real impact in the fight against climate change.

“This the third year that Limitless and The Galleries have supported Earth Hour but this time we are going much further than the traditional 60 minute shut-down by stretching it over the entire weekend. And we will use our 56 hour – or 3,360 minute – initiative to explore turning off lights every weekend in the future, when circumstances allow.”

The Galleries at Downtown Jebel uses low-energy lights throughout its buildings and its 215,000 sq ft landscaped plaza.
 

Greatest Show On Earth Planned For Dubai World Championship

While World Number One Lee Westwood and the cream of The European Tour will battle it out for the richest prize of the year, spectators at next week’s Dubai World Championship presented by DP World are in for a four-day feast of sporting and social attractions.

Organisers have confirmed a wealth of both entertainment and dining options to ensure spectators have a variety of off-course attractions as the Tour’s top 60 players go head-to-head in the $7.5 million tournament.

As well as golfing lessons, trick shot demonstrations, children’s golf and live musical entertainment, a wide selection of F&B outlets around the Greg Norman-designed course will offer everything from snacks and soft drinks to fish and chips and full meals.

“This is the grand finale of the golfing calendar and a celebration of what has been an historic year for the European Tour with three Major winners and a victory for Europe in The Ryder Cup,” said Dubai World Championship director Colin Smith.

“We believe we have something for everyone during the four days of the tournament. With season tickets free of charge we expect a record number of spectators as well as an all-star cast of players, while our musical events in the Championship Village will ensure the party goes on long after the close of play each day.”

Outside of the Championship Village, one of the most popular places for spectators is sure to be a temporary version of Dubai’s popular watering hole Left Bank, which allows a great vantage point for the signature par three 17th hole with the laid back lounge creating its own unique golfing atmosphere.

To be staged from Thursday to Sunday (November 25-28), the tournament will also offer free golf tuition courtesy of the Emirates Golf Federation. Three local pros from the UAE PGA will be on hand from 9am to 4pm each day to provide complimentary ten minute lessons with prior booking.

Former Tour pro David Edwards, who kept the crowds enthralled with his extraordinary array of trick shots at The Ryder Cup, is also making a bee line for the Earth course. A former European Tour pro, Edwards currently holds the world record for his famous Scissor Hands shots – 310 balls in just three minutes – and will be demonstrating his trick shot talents on the driving range every day (12.45pm and 3.00pm) during the Dubai World Championship.

Also making sure the party goes with a swing will be a number of live music acts including U2 tribute band Vertigo (November 25), Suburban Voodoo (November 26 and 28), Rich and Famous (November 27) and DJ Gail Cherelle. Add in SNAG (Starting New At Golf) for younger fans as well as the Flying Elephant Children’s Zone and it is clear there will be something for all the family at the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World.

Season tickets can be downloaded free of charge from the official website (www.dubaiworldchampionship.com), while tickets are also available at Dubai branches of MMI and Costa as well as from Dubai’s golf clubs.

In addition to DP World – Presenting Sponsor for the second year in succession – the Dubai World Championship is supported by Premium Partners Rolex, Emirates and BMW; Sponsors Atlantis, CNN, The National and Polo/Ralph Lauren; and Event Supporters Dubai Duty Free, MMI, TNT and Toshiba.