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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.

Education

Dubai schools must end classes early during Ramadan, KHDA announces

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Private schools in Dubai will operate on a shortened school day during Ramadan, with lessons capped at a maximum of five hours, under new guidance issued by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).

The authority said the adjusted schedule is designed to respect the spirit of the holy month while ensuring continuity in learning and reducing pressure on both students and teachers.

Fasting students excused from PE classes

As part of the guidance, KHDA said fasting students should be excused from physical education classes throughout Ramadan, citing health and safety considerations.

Schools are expected to provide suitable alternative learning activities for students who are exempted from PE lessons during this period.

Earlier finish on Fridays

KHDA also confirmed that on Fridays, private schools must end the school day no later than 11.30am, allowing students and staff sufficient time to attend Friday prayers.

Parents’ input encouraged

In a move aimed at strengthening collaboration between schools and families, KHDA urged private schools to consider parents’ views when setting daily start and finish times during Ramadan. The authority said this approach supports flexible learning arrangements and helps families better manage daily routines during the holy month.

Supporting a balanced school environment

KHDA said the measures are intended to create a supportive and inclusive educational environment that reflects the social, health and religious values observed in the UAE during Ramadan.







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New Al Qudra Road bridge opens, cutting travel time by more than half

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Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has opened a new bridge at the busy Al Qudra Road intersection, reducing journey times by more than 50 per cent and almost tripling traffic capacity along one of the city’s fastest-growing corridors.

The 600-metre bridge, which links Al Qudra Road with the route between Arabian Ranches and Dubai Studio City, carries four lanes in each direction and forms part of a wider road upgrade serving around 400,000 residents and visitors.

Major boost to traffic capacity

According to the RTA, the project has increased traffic capacity at the junction by 191 per cent, from 6,600 vehicles per hour to 19,200, while cutting average waiting times by more than half.

A second bridge at the nearby intersection with Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street is set to partially open on February 15, helping traffic move more smoothly towards Al Qudra City and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road.

Travel time cut to under 3 minutes

Speaking after the opening, Mattar Al Tayer, Director General of the RTA, said the upgrades would reduce overall travel time along Al Qudra Road from 9.4 minutes to under three minutes.

He added that the project supports Dubai’s rapid urban expansion by improving mobility and easing congestion across several residential areas, including:

  • Arabian Ranches
  • Dubai Motor City
  • Dubai Studio City
  • DAMAC Hills
  • Mudon
  • The Sustainable City

Key corridor for Dubai’s growing communities

Al Qudra Road is a major east–west transport corridor, connecting Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road with Emirates Road. The wider project includes 11.6 kilometres of road upgrades, new bridges and improved intersections aimed at enhancing traffic flow and road safety.

Further works are continuing along the corridor, including additional bridges, service roads and lane expansions to support ongoing residential development and future population growth in the area.








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Business

UAE unveils gold and silver coins to mark 5 years of Mohamed bin Zayed University of AI

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The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has unveiled a set of gold and silver commemorative coins to mark the fifth anniversary of the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI).

The special issue celebrates five years since the university officially opened its doors in 2020, highlighting the UAE’s growing role as a global leader in artificial intelligence, innovation and advanced technology.

Limited-edition gold and silver coins issued

To mark the occasion, the CBUAE has issued:

  • 10 gold coins
  • 500 silver coins

Each commemorative coin weighs 50 grams and will be available for purchase through the Central Bank of the UAE and MBZUAI.

Coin design details

One side of the gold coin features an image of MBZUAI, along with the years 2020–2025. The reverse side displays the UAE national emblem, surrounded by the name “Central Bank of the UAE” in both Arabic and English.

The design also includes the inscription “Power from Knowledge to Serve”, encircled by the name “Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence” in Arabic and English, alongside the university’s official logo.

The silver coin carries the same design, with its reverse side featuring a face value of Dh50.

Celebrating innovation and leadership

The commemorative release marks MBZUAI’s fifth anniversary and reflects the UAE’s commitment to advancing cutting-edge research, artificial intelligence and knowledge-based development.







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