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Earth Hour 2022: Dubai saves 329mw of electricity

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Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) recorded savings of 329 megawatts (mw) in electricity consumption in the Emirate during Earth Hour 2022, equivalent to a reduction of 132 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. These savings are 13 per cent higher than the 291mw savings recorded during Earth Hour 2021. This year’s savings are the biggest since 2008 when Earth Hour was first observed in Dubai.

Dubai residents joined millions worldwide in expressing their solidarity with efforts to reduce climate changes by turning off unnecessary lights and electric appliances during Earth Hour between 8.30pm and 9.30pm on Saturday, March 26, 2022. This year’s Earth Hour was held under the theme ‘Shape Our Future’. Dubai’s landmarks and government and private buildings also took part in the event by turning off their lights for an hour.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dewa, commended everyone who took part in the Earth Hour, emphasising that the goal goes beyond just turning off unnecessary lights and electric appliances for 60 minutes. Earth Hour aims to make electricity and water conservation a daily practice to cut carbon emissions and combat environmental challenges such as climate change and global warming.

“At Dewa, we work in line with the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy, which aims to provide 100 per cent of Dubai’s total power capacity from clean energy sources by 2050. We also raise awareness among society members on the importance of conservation and highlight sustainability practices that positively impact climate action. The results achieved during Earth Hour in Dubai every year underline the key role of society members in conservation and reduction of carbon footprint. The goal of Earth Hour is to encourage society members to adopt a conscious and responsible lifestyle to support national efforts to limit carbon emissions and protect natural resources to ensure their sustainability for generations to come,” said Al Tayer.
Khawla Al Mehairi, executive vice president of Strategy and Government Communications at Dew, said that Earth Hour is one of the most significant environmental initiatives that millions worldwide observe by turning off unnecessary lights, including key landmarks, from 8.30pm–9.30pm on the last Saturday of March. It highlights the importance of strict measures to combat Earth’s challenges, such as climate change and global warming. Dubai was the first Arab city to host Earth Hour activities in 2008.

Dewa’s buildings participated in Earth Hour by turning off unnecessary lights from 8.30pm to 9.30pm. This included Dewa’s pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, which also organised various activities, including traditional performances by the Emirati Al Harbiya band. Dewa’s conservation mascots, Noor and Hayat, also participated in the Earth Hour Switch-Off Parade at Expo 2020 Dubai. Additionally, Dewa organised Earth Hour competitions through its social media accounts, with valuable gifts for the participants.

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UAE makes it easier for medical teachers and graduates to work in healthcare sector

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In a move designed to strengthen healthcare in the UAE, authorities have made it easier for medical teachers to work in healthcare sector, without compromising on safety or standards. The licensing requirements for some health graduates have also been eased.

So, what’s changing?

Doctors and professors who teach in universities can now practise in the healthcare sector more easily, bringing their knowledge directly into real-world patient care. This means students learn from professionals who are actively working in the field, not just teaching from textbooks.

Officials say this is a win-win. Patients benefit from high-level expertise, while students gain hands-on learning and exposure to real cases.

The update is part of a bigger plan to modernise the system and make it more flexible, while still keeping strict rules in place to ensure quality and patient safety.

It also helps fresh graduates in nursing and allied health fields enter the workforce faster, supporting hospitals with more skilled professionals.

Authorities say the UAE’s strong digital systems and coordination between government entities are helping make these changes smoother and quicker to implement.


This step brings education and healthcare closer together, helping build a stronger, more skilled workforce while improving patient care across the country.


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Dubai RTA expands vehicle testing centres, opens new facility in Jebel Ali

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Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced a major expansion of vehicle testing and registration services, identifying Deira, Bur Dubai, and Mohammed Bin Rashid City as key locations for new centres.

The move opens up fresh investment opportunities, allowing existing operators and new investors to establish centres or expand branches under approved regulations.

Jebel Ali testing centre fully operational

As part of this expansion, RTA has also launched the Al Riyada Vehicle Testing and Registration Centre in Jebel Ali, which is now fully operational. The centre offers testing and registration services with extended working hours to improve accessibility and customer convenience.

The initiative comes in response to Dubai’s rapid urban growth and increasing demand for efficient transport services. By expanding its network, RTA aims to bring services closer to residents while ensuring faster and smoother transactions.

Besides convenience, the expansion is expected to enhance vehicle inspection processes and raise overall service quality in line with Dubai’s long-term mobility goals.

Dubai currently operates 29 authorised vehicle testing and licensing centres, all equipped with advanced technologies and skilled personnel.


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What UAE’s new remote work rules really mean for employees

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The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has released a detailed guide explaining how remote and hybrid work is regulated in the UAE’s private sector, and the key takeaway is simple: working from home doesn’t mean relaxed rules. Here’s a lowdown on what the rules are:

Are remote workers treated differently?
Not really. Employees working remotely are entitled to the same salary, working hours, leave, and legal protections as office-based staff. The only thing that changes is where the work gets done.

What are employers required to do?
Companies must:

  • Provide clear contracts covering salary, role, and working hours
  • Ensure legal work limits (8 hours/day, 48 hours/week)
  • Grant all leave benefits (annual, sick, maternity, etc.)
  • Provide necessary devices and tools
  • Pay dues on time and avoid charging recruitment fees
  • Monitor performance responsibly

What’s expected from employees?
Remote workers must:

  • Complete tasks themselves (no outsourcing)
  • Stick to agreed working hours
  • Respond promptly and attend virtual meetings
  • Protect company data and use tools properly
  • Deliver work on time and maintain quality

What about working hours and overtime?

  • Standard: 8 hours/day or 48 hours/week
  • Extra hours = paid overtime
  • At least one weekly day off is mandatory

How does leave work?

  • Annual leave: 30 days after 1 year
  • Sick leave:
    • 15 days full pay
    • 30 days half pay
    • 45 days unpaid
  • Maternity leave: 60 days (45 full + 15 half pay)
  • Additional: parental, bereavement, study, and national service leave

Can employers monitor remote workers?
Yes, but monitoring must be reasonable and respect privacy.

What counts as misconduct?

  • Ignoring work during official hours
  • Missing deadlines repeatedly
  • Doing personal tasks during work time
  • Delegating tasks without approval
  • Logging in without actually working

Serious violations can lead to disciplinary action or termination.

How is performance measured?
Not by being “online” but by output and quality of work.

Why this matters
Remote work offers flexibility in location, not in responsibility. The rules make it clear: professional expectations remain just as strict as in the office.

Work-from-home in the UAE is structured, regulated, and performance-driven, same rules, different setting.


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