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Earth Hour 2022: Dubai saves 329mw of electricity
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/AgqZutHqst pic.twitter.com/UjpkketaZy
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 27, 2022
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 UAE-Oman railway project, officially known as Hafeet Rail, has reached 40 % completion, marking a major milestone in one of the region’s most ambitious transport initiatives.
Once operational, the cross-border rail line will connect Abu Dhabi with Sohar in just 1 hour and 40 minutes, while journeys from Al Ain to Sohar will take only 47 minutes.
First modern cross-border train in the region
Announced in 2023, the project is a joint venture between Oman Rail, Etihad Rail, and Mubadala.
Spanning 303km, the railway will be the first modern cross-border train in the Arab world, carrying both passengers and cargo between the UAE and Oman.
Route and speed
The line will run from the UAE’s existing rail network in Al Wathba to Sohar’s port, passing through varied terrain including deserts, valleys, and mountains alongside Jebel Hafeet.
- Train speed: up to 200 km/h
- Route length (main section): approx. 238km
- Travel time: significantly reduced between key cities
Major engineering works
The project includes:
- 2,500m of tunnels through mountainous terrain
- 21 overbridges and 39 underpasses
- Viaducts and bridges to ensure smooth, uninterrupted rail flow
These features will help maintain efficient travel across challenging landscapes.
Freight services between nations
Beyond passenger travel, Hafeet Rail is expected to create an integrated logistics network, strengthening trade and economic ties between the UAE and Oman. Freight locomotives will be used to power cargo services across the network, helping to strengthen regional logistics, trade flows, and supply chain efficiency between the two Gulf countries.
The project is valued at around $3 billion and is expected to play a major role in enhancing connectivity and economic integration across the region.
While construction is progressing across multiple locations, no official completion date has yet been announced.
His Highness Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has announced the launch of the Dubai Metro Gold Line, a major new infrastructure project set to expand the emirate’s transport network.
The 24-kilometre line, with an estimated cost of Dh 34 billion, will pass through 15 key strategic areas, serving around 1.5 million residents and connecting to 55 major real estate developments currently under construction.
Key route and connectivity
The new line will run from Al Ghubaiba in the north to Jumeirah Golf Estates, linking historic and emerging parts of the city.
- Total stations: 18
- Fully underground line
- Intersections with existing Red and Green Metro Lines
- Integration with Etihad Rail passenger stations in Meydan and Jumeirah Golf Estates
Boost to metro network
The Gold Line will increase the Dubai Metro’s overall length by 25%, significantly improving connectivity across the city.
The project is scheduled for completion on September 9, 2032.
Sheikh Mohammed said the project is part of Dubai’s ongoing ambition to become the world’s best city to live in, with continued investment in infrastructure and mobility.
The new line is expected to play a key role in reducing congestion, improving travel times, and supporting urban growth across Dubai.
Inside the UAE-Oman Hafeet Rail project now 40% complete
New Dubai Metro Gold Line to expand network by 25%
