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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 RTA resumes key bus routes as conditions improve after rains

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Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has announced the resumption of several major bus routes following temporary suspensions caused by heavy rainfall and unstable weather conditions across the UAE.

The authority confirmed that services are now operating again, allowing passengers to travel safely and more smoothly, although minor delays may still occur as operations gradually return to full capacity.

Several key routes have resumed, including:

  • E315 between Etisalat Bus Station and Muwaileh (Sharjah)
  • E101 to Abu Dhabi, now operating from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station instead of Ibn Battuta Bus Station due to earlier waterlogging
  • E411 service to Ajman from Etisalat Bus Station
  • Route 201 from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to Al Ain

The service restoration comes after disruptions triggered by adverse weather, which led to the temporary suspension of multiple bus routes to ensure passenger safety.

RTA said all necessary safety and operational measures are in place to support a smooth return to normal services.

Advice for commuters

Passengers are encouraged to:

  • Allow extra travel time
  • Check updates through official RTA channels
  • Follow safety guidelines while commuting

Authorities added that services will continue to stabilise over the coming days as conditions improve.

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Dubai expands cycling network to promote eco-friendly mobility among residents

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Dubai is accelerating its push toward sustainable mobility, with the Roads and Transport Authority announcing the completion of 13 cycling tracks across the emirate as part of a broader 15-track master plan.

The newly developed network spans key corridors, linking areas such as Al Khawaneej to Al Mamzar Beach, Al Warqa’a to Saih Al Salam, and Dubai International Financial Centre to Jumeirah. The tracks form part of a long-term strategy to build a 162-kilometre network and ultimately expand Dubai’s cycling infrastructure to 1,000km by 2030.

According to Mattar Al Tayer, Director General of RTA, the goal is to create a fully integrated transport system where cycling connects residential communities with major destinations and public transport hubs. This approach is aimed at encouraging residents to adopt bicycles and other eco-friendly mobility options for short-distance travel.

Dubai’s efforts have already earned global recognition. The emirate was ranked among the top 100 cycling-friendly cities in the 2025 Copenhagenize Index — becoming the first city in the Middle East to achieve this milestone.

The city’s cycling infrastructure has seen rapid growth, expanding from 560km in 2024 to 636km in 2025. During the same period, cycling trips surged by 23.5 per cent, reaching 57.3 million journeys, while user satisfaction climbed to 85 per cent. Today, over one-fifth of Dubai’s population has access to dedicated cycling facilities.

Further enhancing connectivity, several major pedestrian and cycling bridges are under construction. These include crossings over Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai–Al Ain Road, and Al Khail Road, linking cycling routes across key districts such as Al Sufouh, Dubai Hills, and Jumeirah.

Additional developments include new cycling tracks in residential neighbourhoods like Al Khawaneej 2 and Al Barsha 2, alongside infrastructure upgrades near metro stations, including BurJuman, Baniyas, and Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. Dedicated tracks for bicycles and e-scooters, as well as improved pedestrian pathways, are also being rolled out across multiple districts.

With more projects set for completion in the coming months, Dubai continues to position itself as a regional leader in sustainable urban mobility and active transportation.

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Lost your vehicle number plate during recent UAE rains? Here’s what to do

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Motorists across the UAE now have easier and faster ways to replace lost vehicle number plates, thanks to updated digital services and targeted support initiatives introduced by authorities.

Several residents across the UAE reported losing their vehicle number plates following last week’s severe weather, as heavy rains and flooding swept across multiple emirates.

In Abu Dhabi, drivers who lose a single number plate can now complete the replacement process entirely online through the TAMM platform. However, those who lose both plates are required to visit a police station and file an official report before proceeding. Applicants must present a valid Emirates ID, and recovered plates must be returned to the nearest service centre.

Replacement fees vary depending on the type and number of plates. Costs range from Dh35 for a single short plate to Dh70 for two long plates, while special and identity plates are priced significantly higher. Once the application is submitted and payment is completed, new plates are typically issued within two days. Authorities have also limited single plate replacement requests to once per month unless handled directly at a service centre.

Meanwhile, in Dubai, residents can quickly report lost or found number plates using a dedicated mobile app available on both iOS and Android devices. The app also allows users to request a Lost Certificate, which can be used for official purposes with other entities. This digital approach ensures convenience, particularly during adverse weather conditions.

The authorities are issuing “To Whom It May Concern” certificates for vehicles affected by adverse weather conditions across the UAE. The service allows customers to apply for the certificate through the official website or the Dubai Police smart application.

In Sharjah, a temporary initiative has been launched to support vulnerable residents affected by recent weather disruptions. Elderly individuals and people with disabilities can request free replacement and delivery of lost number plates by contacting the police call centre. The initiative runs for three days, starting March 29 and eliminates the need for in-person visits.

These measures reflect a broader push across the UAE to enhance public services, improve accessibility, and reduce the time and effort required for essential administrative procedures.

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