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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’s new banking rule explained: Why WhatsApp is banned

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The UAE Central Bank has banned banks from using messaging apps like WhatsApp for customer services, but what does that actually mean for you?

Here’s a simple breakdown 

No more banking over WhatsApp

If you’ve ever:

  • Messaged your bank on WhatsApp
  • Received account details or updates
  • Got verification codes or documents

That’s now completely banned.

Banks are no longer allowed to use messaging apps for any financial communication.

Your data will be safer

The main reason for the ban is security.

Messaging apps can:

  • Be used for scams or impersonation
  • Allow easy sharing of sensitive info (screenshots/forwards)
  • Store or process data outside the UAE

The new rule ensures your banking data stays protected and within the country.

What you can’t do anymore

Through apps like WhatsApp, you will not be able to:

  • Transfer money
  • Pay bills
  • Open or close accounts
  • Receive PINs or OTPs
  • Share documents like Emirates ID or bank statements

Where you should bank instead

Going forward, banks will direct you to official channels only, such as:

  • Mobile banking apps
  • Secure websites
  • Call centres
  • Physical branches

 If someone asks you to share banking details over WhatsApp, that’s a red flag.

Watch out for scams

This change also helps you identify fraud more easily:

Banks will not contact you on WhatsApp for sensitive matters anymore

So if you get such a message, it’s likely a scam.

When this takes effect

Banks have until the end of April to fully stop using messaging apps. After that, violations could lead to penalties.

This isn’t about convenience, it’s about protecting your money and personal data. Expect fewer casual interactions with banks, but much stronger security.

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Why UAE residents can expect a long Eid break

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UAE residents could be in for another long holiday, as astronomers have revealed the likely dates for Eid Al Adha 2026 based on early calculations.

According to the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology, the festival is expected to fall on Wednesday, May 27, though the final date will depend on the official moon sighting.

When is Eid likely to fall?

If current projections hold:

  • Dhu Al Hijjah is expected to begin on Monday, May 18
  • Day of Arafah may fall on Tuesday, May 26
  • Eid Al Adha would begin on Wednesday, May 27

The prediction is based on the expected visibility of the crescent moon on May 17, when viewing conditions are considered favourable.

Eid Al Adha is one of the most significant holidays in Islam and coincides with the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah. For many residents, it also means a multi-day public holiday and travel plans.

Astronomer Hamid Majoul Al Nuaimi noted that the data has been shared with the UAE Council for Fatwa. However, authorities stressed that official dates will only be confirmed after the crescent moon is sighted on May 17.

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How to skip toll charges as Abu Dhabi launches two new 24/7 gates

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The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, has announced the introduction of two new gates under the Darb Toll Gate System in Abu Dhabi. The move aims to improve traffic flow, enhance road network efficiency, and reduce congestion, particularly during peak hours.

Motorists, however, can opt for alternative routes (given below) to avoid toll charges, although this may result in longer travel times.

Locations and launch date

The two new toll gates will become operational on May 4, and will run 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

They are located at:

  • Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Street in Ghantoot
  • Wahat Al Karama Street, at the entrance and exit of Sheikh Zayed Street

Toll charges and exemptions

A toll fee of Dh4 per crossing will apply.

However, certain categories will continue to be exempt under Abu Dhabi’s approved toll system, including:

  • Senior citizens
  • People of Determination
  • Low-income citizens
  • Retired citizens

Alternative routes for motorists

The ITC confirmed that the locations were selected based on detailed traffic studies, including traffic density, mobility patterns, and the availability of alternative routes.

Al Qurm Toll Gate (Wahat Al Karama Street):

  • Alternative routes: Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Street, Arabian Gulf Street

Ghantoot Toll Gate (Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Street):

  • Alternative route: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Street

According to the ITC, the addition of these gates is part of broader efforts to support Abu Dhabi’s urban expansion and rising traffic demand.

The centre will continue to monitor the system through regular evaluations, analysing traffic patterns and performance to ensure the toll network operates efficiently and meets its traffic management objectives.


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