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.
#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.https://t.co/AgqZutHqstpic.twitter.com/UjpkketaZy
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.
The Indian Embassy in the UAE has announced that Alhind Tours and Travels LLC will become the sole outsourced service provider for passport, visa, and consular applications across the country starting July 1.
In a statement shared on its official social media channels, the Embassy said detailed information on procedures and working hours will be released in due course through official platforms. The transition will impact consular services for over 3.5 million Indian expatriates in the UAE.
🔔 Important Update: Change in Outsourced Service Provider for Indian Passport, Visa and Consular Services in the UAE. pic.twitter.com/6GER045Jn1
Current service providers, BLS International Services Ltd. and SGIVS Global, will continue operations until June 30, with applicants advised to complete pending submissions before the changeover.
Under the new arrangement, the largest service centre is expected to be located in Bur Dubai, spanning approximately 12,000 square feet with over 45 service counters. Alhind has also indicated plans to streamline operations through an expanded workforce of more than 400 staff, alongside an all-inclusive service fee of Dh19, excluding mandatory government charges.
The Embassy and Consulate have urged applicants to depend only on official sources for updates, cautioning against misinformation, and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring a smooth transition of services.
The decision follows a tender issued in November 2025 for outsourcing a range of consular services at the Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai. Four companies—Alhind, DU Digital Global Ltd, SGIVS Global LLC, and VFS Global—were shortlisted, with Alhind emerging as the lowest bidder.
Founded in Kerala in 1992, Alhind Tours & Travels Pvt Ltd is part of the wider Alhind Group, which operates across IT services, luxury rentals, and foreign exchange. The company expanded its presence to the UAE and other Middle Eastern markets in 1995.
Travellers heading from the UAE to Oman now have more flexibility, with the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) announcing revised schedules for its popular intercity bus service connecting Sharjah with Sohar and Muscat.
The updated timings apply to Intercity Bus Route 203, which departs from Al Jubail Bus Station in Sharjah and serves passengers travelling to Oman’s two major cities. The changes are aimed at improving convenience, enhancing cross-border mobility, and providing more travel options for residents and visitors.
New Sharjah to Muscat bus timings
Passengers travelling from Sharjah can now choose from three daily departures:
6:30am
3:30pm
8:30pm
Oman to Sharjah bus timings
For travellers returning from Oman, buses departing from Sohar and Muscat will operate at:
7:00am
1:30pm
3:00pm
More travel options between UAE and Oman
SRTA said the revised schedule is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen regional transport connectivity and offer a comfortable, safe and efficient travel experience between the UAE and Oman.
Passengers are advised to check the latest updates through SRTA’s official channels before travelling and to arrive at the station early to ensure a smooth journey.
Route: Intercity Bus 203 Departure Point: Al Jubail Bus Station, Sharjah Destinations: Sohar and Muscat, Oman New Timings Effective: Immediately
Motorists travelling between Sharjah and Dubai will face new traffic diversions from Saturday, June 13, as the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) begins a temporary partial closure of Al Taawun Street.
The closure is part of ongoing construction works for the Al Taawun Tunnel Development Project, which aims to improve traffic flow and enhance the efficiency of Sharjah’s road network.
Under the revised traffic plan, vehicles heading towards Dubai and Al Nahda Bridge will be diverted via Al Corniche Street.
Meanwhile, motorists travelling from Al Nahda Bridge towards Sharjah will be redirected to the newly developed section of Al Taawun Street.
SRTA said the temporary arrangements are necessary to facilitate works at the existing Al Taawun roundabout and will come into effect from June 13.
The authority urged motorists to follow directional signs, use approved alternative routes and adhere to traffic safety instructions to help minimise delays during the construction period.
The Al Taawun Tunnel Development Project forms part of Sharjah’s wider infrastructure programme aimed at easing congestion and improving mobility across the emirate.
What changes from June 13?
Towards Dubai / Al Nahda Bridge
Use Al Corniche Street as the alternative route
From Al Nahda Bridge to Sharjah
Follow diversions to the newly developed Al Taawun Street