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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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Dubai mosques to get EV charging stations in new sustainability move

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Your local mosque parking lot is get about to become a green hub. Dubai’s Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) has signed a major deal to bring electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to mosque parking spaces across the city.

The 8-year agreement was signed (April 8), with the Emarat EV Charging Stations Company (UAEV). This move turns mosque parking areas into convenient spots for residents to power up their cars during prayer times or visits.

This isn’t just about a few plugs; it’s a full-scale smart infrastructure project:

  • Advanced Tech: Installation of modern, high-speed charging units.
  • Smart App: A dedicated digital application will show you exactly where the nearest available mosque charger is in real-time.
  • Easy Payments: Secure, integrated smart payment systems for a seamless experience.
  • Continuous Care: UAEV will handle all maintenance and performance monitoring.

This initiative follows just days after the announcement of 600 new supercharging spaces being installed at public parks and beaches.

  • Community Hubs: Mosques will now serve as multi-functional spaces that support sustainable mobility.
  • Environmental Goals: The project supports the UAE’s mission to have 50% of vehicles on the road be battery-electric by 2050.

Finding a charger in Dubai is getting much easier. By integrating clean energy into community spaces like mosques, Dubai is making eco-friendly living a natural part of daily life.

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Dubai RTA launches 100 autonomous taxis in Jumeirah

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Sci-fi is officially reality in Dubai. The RTA has launched its fleet of 100 autonomous taxis, now roaming the streets of Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah.

How to book your ride

Dubai has partnered with global tech giants Apollo Go (Baidu) and WeRide to make booking as easy as ordering a pizza. You can find them on:

  • The Uber App: WeRide vehicles are integrated directly into the Uber platform.
  • The Apollo Go App: Operated in cooperation with the Dubai Taxi Company.

Where can you ride?

Currently, the service is focused on two of Dubai’s most iconic coastal districts:

  • Jumeirah
  • Umm Suqeim

How safe are autonomous cabs?

Before hitting the road, these vehicles underwent “extensive testing” to navigate real-world traffic.

  • The Tech: They use AI, advanced sensors, and HD digital mapping.
  • The Smart City: The taxis are designed to process data in real-time, handling intersections, traffic signals, and pedestrians without a human behind the wheel.

This rollout is part of Dubai’s long-term goal to lead the world in self-driving transport. If you’re in Jumeirah, your next Uber might just be a robot.

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New mandatory fee proposed for overseas Pakistanis: What you need to know

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The Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) has proposed making membership mandatory for all 12 million Pakistanis living abroad, carrying a fee of Rs10,000 (approx. Dh130).

Syed Qamar Raza, Chairman of the OPF, said that the proposal has been approved by the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and is now awaiting final sign-off from the Prime Minister.

Membership fees

  • Cost: Rs10,000 for a 5-year membership.
  • Who it affects: All Pakistanis living in the UAE, Gulf, the Middle East, and worldwide.
  • The goal is to generate finances that allow the OPF to better serve the diaspora and introduce new welfare facilities.

The move comes as overseas Pakistanis continue to provide a massive boost to the national economy. Remittances are expected to hit an all-time high of $41–42 billion this year.

The OPF is a non-profit designed to resolve challenges for the diaspora. If approved, this nominal fee will create a massive fund aimed at protecting and supporting the millions of workers who keep Pakistan’s economy afloat.

Meanwhile, the Federal Cabinet has officially cleared the way for overseas Pakistanis to import used cars up to three years old. The new rules focus on two main pathways. Gift Scheme – for sending a vehicle to a family member back home, and Transfer of Residence (TR) Scheme – for those moving back to Pakistan permanently.

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