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Earth Hour UAE 2012 Highlights
Earth Hour 2012
Earth Hour around the world
Every year, Earth Hour calls on people around the world to demonstrate their commitment
and willingness to take action for the planet by switching off all non-essential lights for one
hour. it also calls on everyone to go beyond the hour, and make Earth Hour more than
just an hour by adopting long term environmental change.
Earth Hour 2012 was another record breaking year for the campaign, which reached over
hundreds of millions, in 152 countries and 6,892 towns and cities, with new countries
including Iraq, Libya, Ethiopia and Algeria. Key landmarks around the world switched off
their lights to observe the hour, including Sydney Opera House, Burj Khalifa and the Great
Wall of China.
The campaign garnered the support from key organizations and high profile individuals
that called for everyone to unite for the planet. As darkness swept the planet on the night
of 31st of March, 2012, Nelson Mandela took to Twitter to show his support for the cause.
"Let us stand together to make of our world a sustainable source for our future as
humanity on this planet" #NelsonMandela #EarthHour”, the former President of South
Africa tweeted.
The innovative “I Will If You Will” (IWIYW) Challenge was also launched under Earth
Hour, to empower everyone to be an inspiration for others, and motivate them to make
positive changes in their life for the planet. Many celebrities participated in I Will If You
Will, such as Miranda Kerr and HE Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, the president of Fiji.
Built on the YouTube platform, this social campaign asked one party to dare another
party to a sustainable challenge or action in return for a promise of some kind. It
successfully attracted the attentions of hundreds of thousands, bringing sustainability
issues to the daily talk, and highlighting the importance of long lasting action for the
planet.
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Photo credits: Geoff Wison/WWFUK | Katie Edmonds/WWF Canada | Earth Hour Morocco | David Beine
Earth Hour UAE 2012
Earth Hour UAE was bigger and better than ever before with a total official participation of
22 towns and cities from across all seven emirates.
Thousands of residents had the opportunity to join public and community events that
swept the different emirates, while many more observed the hour from their homes and
offices.
Many of the UAE’s buildings also switched off all non essential lights, heading the list
were several prominent landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
and the Burj Al Arab.
The UAE community also participated in the I Will If You Will Challenge, inspired by key
individuals such as HH Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al Nuaimi (the Green Sheikh), Ali Al Saloom
(Ask Ali) and Kris Fade, who called for recycling and reusing.
Businesses used the Earth Hour platform to encourage a long-term shift towards more
sustainable actions and practices, encouraging their employees to take public transport,
switch to online banking and recycle. Learn more about inspiring stories from the UAE on
www.ewswwf.ae/earthhour.
Overall, it is estimated that the Earth Hour message reached to more than 3 million UAE
residents and the list of events was longer than previous years.
Celebrations across the emirates
In each emirate, key partners took the lead to organize events, coordinate the switch off
of key landmarks and encourage participation in Earth Hour. City of Abu Dhabi
Municipality, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Environment & Protected Areas
Authority, Fujairah Municipality, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Authority, Umm Al Quwain
Municipality and Ajman Municipality led the coordination of public events in each emirate.
This was complemented by support from many key partners and supporters that engaged
with the local community by contributing to the public events and/or organizing activities
and celebrations.
This report highlights only a selection of the public events that took place across the
emirates.
Abu Dhabi
An event was held on Abu Dhabi Corniche hosted by Abu
Dhabi Municipality and included many family activities. The
event saw a public drumming session led by Dubai
Drums as part of ADMAF’s Abu Dhabi Music Festival. The
buildings of the Abu Dhabi Corniche were switched off along
with other key landmarks across the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr held a 24 hour cycle marathon where they set up two bicycles in
the lobby of the hotel from 10.30am on Saturday and had riders pedal for 24 hours to
power an LED light structure in the lobby.
New York University in Abu Dhabi held a pre-Earth Hour event where students gathered
for a barbeque and discussed what Earth Hour was to them and what environmental
actions they could take to go beyond the hour.
Abu Dhabi Airports Authority held candlelit vigils at the emirate’s airports, and switched off
the second runway at Abu Dhabi airport to announce to the world the country’s
commitment to environmental change and ensure that the Earth Hour message is heard
loud and clear.
There were also community and hotel events held in Al Ain and throughout the Western
Region.
Dubai
Earth Hour Dubai was observed under the patronage of H.H.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince
of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council.
DEWA, in partnership with Emaar and Dubai Supreme
Energy Council hosted an Earth Hour event at Burj Plaza in
Downtown. Theatrical and artistic performances took place, with a march around Emaar
Boulevard led by Dubai Police. Sustainable and environmental information and tips were
distributed and there was a special appearance by the characters from Freej. The lights of
the Burj Khalifa were switched off, while candles were lit spelling out Earth Hour. An
estimated 6000 people took part in the event, with a great showing of more than 400
volunteers from HSBC.
Visitors to Dubai public parks and children centres also had the opportunity to observe
the hour and join hundreds of millions around the world.
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Dubai airports raised awareness about Earth Hour amongst passengers and employees
by switching off non essential lights and holding different activities during the hour.
Several community events were also held across Dubai DMCC hosted an event for the
JLT community, Canon Middle East hosted in Dubai Internet City and Silicon Oasis
hosted an event at the Cedre Shopping center, to mention a few.
Sharjah
The Sharjah Earth Hour event, hosted by Environment and
Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah (EPAA), was held at al
Majaz Waterfront and was attended by an estimated 4000
people. It featured theatrical performances by the children of the
Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, and drawing
competitions for children held by SEWA and the Ministry of Public Works. Sharjah
Museums also held a celebration for Earth Hour, inviting families and residents to join the
different activities. Al Qasbah took part by turning their lights off alongside buildings in all
other towns in the emirate, from Khor Fakkan to Delma.
Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Authority and the Ras Al Khaimah Government organised a few
public events as well as having the Chamber of Commerce & Industry building switch off
its lights for one hour.
The events held included a candlelit dinner at Al Hamra Golf Club, a live band in Al Manar
Mall, and a speciality menu at “Pesto” restaurant on Al Qawasin Corniche
Fujairah
Fujairah Municipality held an event in front of the municipality building where lanterns
were lit and sent into the air.
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EP
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Earth Hour UAE 2012 in media
228 articles in key Arabic and English
media helped spread the message of Earth
Hour and communicated the support of
different entities and community groups.
Opportunity to see Earth Hour related
coverage estimated at over 31 million. This
is double the number of articles that
appeared in UAE media during Earth Hour
2011.
Earth Hour UAE on Social Media
2.69 million people reached through social ads
and content on facebook.com/ews.wwf alone:
• Posts and page content reached 727,447
people in the UAE from 1-31 March
• Posts and page content reached 144,267
people in the UAE from 1-5 April.
Tweets with the #EarthHourUAE hashtag had over
239,000 impressions and reached over 209,000
people. However, there were other mentions of
Earth Hour using #EarthHour and #IWIYW
Over 2,104 tweets using the #EarthHourUAE
hashtag in the 3 weeks leading up to 31 March.
Many additional tweets used #EarthHour
Youtube
Total views on EWS-WWF’s youtube channel
(www.youtube.com/wwfuae) during Earth Hour
reached 22,243.
47% of the views came from embedded players,
highlighting the important role the online
community in distributing the message of Earth
Hour.
I Will If You Will
The concept is simple: inspire others by challenging them to commit to an environmental
action in exchange for a dare. Everyone and anyone can post a challenge on the
campaign’s online platform, and invite others to accept their challenge by answering the
question: 'What are you willing to do to save the planet?'
Individuals around the world and in the UAE took this campaign onboard, challenging their
communities to step up and go ‘Beyond the Hour’. Businesses and community groups
called for a sustained environmental change using the I Will If You Will platform. You can
read more on inspiring stories and challenges on our website (www.ewswwf.ae).
Here in the UAE, we saw participation from high profile individuals and businesses. The
list included: H.H. Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al Nuaimi (the Green Sheikh), Ali Al Saloom (also
known as Ask Ali), Kris Fade from Virgin Radio, Ammar Shams (Regional head of
sustainability and corporate responsibility of HSBC Bank Middle East), 7days newspaper
and Catboy (from Dubai 92.0 FM). This campaign saw great support form the online
community as well, with social media influencers such as Joe Akkawi, Nagham Akileh
and Alexandre Tohme, daring the UAE to save the planet.
Below some of the challenges from the UAE. To accept these challenges and add your
own, please visit youtube.com/earthhour.
Ali Al Suloom H.H. Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al Nuaimi.
Ammar Shams (HSBC) Claire Sharrok (7days) and Catboy
Noha Wagih Kris Fade
Ashraf Gouleh Nagham Akileh
Virgin Megastore Luzanne D’Souza
Joe Akkawi Claire Sharrock (7days) and Catboy
(Dubai 92)
Ida Tillisch (EWS-WWF) Reem Althawadi (EWS-WWF)
Participating landmarks
Many buildings, and entire neighbourhoods across the seven emirates switched off their
lights observing Earth Hour. Below is a list of key landmarks:
Abu Dhabi
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- Sheikh Zayed Bridge
- Matqa Bridge
- Mussafah Bridge
- Abu Dhabi Municipality building
- Abu Dhabi Corniche
- Khalifa Port & Kizad
- AD Ports Company HQ
- Al Dar HQ
Dubai
- Burj Khalifa
- Burj Al Arab
- Madinat Jumeirah
- Emirates Towers
- Jumeirah Beach Hotel
- Dubai World Trade Centre and Rashid Tower
- IBN Battuta Gate Hotel
- Raffles Pyramid, Wafi
- Al Mas Tower
Sharjah
- Qanat Al Qasbah
- Eye of the Emirates
Fujairah
- Fujairah Fort
- Fujairah Municipality
Umm Al Quwain
- Umm Al Quwain Municipality
Ras Al Khaimah
- RAK Chamber of Commerce
- RAK Municipality
Ajman
- Ajman Municipality
Photo credits: EWS-WWF | HSBC
Working in partnership
Earth Hour UAE 2012 has been a record breaking year due to the efforts of many
partners and supporters across all emirates. While this list only includes the
supporters that have registered on our website, we extend our deep gratitude and
appreciation to them and to everyone who participated and supported the campaign
and took it beyond the hour.
Ambassadors, Partners & Supporters
Patron – Dubai
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed
bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Ambassadors
His Highness Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Ali Al
Nuaimi
Kris Fade
Catboy
Ali Al Saloom (a.k.a. Ask Ali)
Partners
7days
ADMAF
Ajman Municipality
City of Abu Dhabi Municipality
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority
Dubai Supreme Council of Energy
EMAAR
Environment & Protected Areas Authority
Environment Agency Abu Dhabi
Environmental and Protected Areas in Sharjah
Fujairah Municipality
HSBC
Mindshare
Omnicom Media Group
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Authority
Umm Al Quwain Municipality
Virgin Megastore Middle East
Government Authorities Supporters
Abu Dhabi Airports Authority
Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Abu Dhabi Education Council
Abu Dhabi Pension Retirement Benefits Fund
Abu Dhabi Police
Abu Dhabi Travel Bureau
Ajman Chamber of commerce
Commission for Academic Accreditation
Dept. of Transport
Dubai Airports Authority
Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Dubai Customs
Dubai Municipality
Dubai Police
Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan
Environmental Centre for Arab Towns
Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific
Research
Ministry of Labour
Ministry of Public Works
National council of Tourism & Antiquities
Public Prosecution Of Dubai
RAK Chamber of Commerce
Roads & Transport Authority
UAQ Dept. of Finance
UAQ Dept. of Planning
Business Supporters
1st Abu Dhabi Scouts
ABB
ABNAS
Abu Dhabi Cause Connect
Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil
Operations
Abu Dhabi Corniche Beach
Abu Dhabi Education council
Abu Dhabi Gas Liquefaction Company Limited
Abu Dhabi Terminals - Mina Zayed
Action Impact
ADGAS
ADNATCO and NGSCO
ADNEC
Al Ain Palace Hotel
Al Ain Properties
Al Ain Properties
Al Ain Rotana
Al Bustan Rotana Hotel
Al Dar Properties
Al Fahim Group
Al Futtaim Carillion
Al Futtaim Panatech
Al Hosn Gas Company
Al Ittihad Private School
Al Jaber L.E.G.T. Engineering & Contracting
Al ma'ali school
Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana
Al Mizhar American Academy
Al Murtadha Hardware LLC
Al Raha Gardens
Al Ruwayah Maintenance Staff
Al Selaa School
Alareej KG
Alcatel-Lucent
Aldar
All Seasons Hotel Apartments
Aloft Abu Dhabi
Alsahwa School For Basic &Sec. Education
American University in the Emirates
American University of Ras Al Khaimah
American University of Sharjah
AngloINFO Dubai
Arabian Automobiles
Aramex Emirates L.L.C
Arbros Forest Resources FZCO
Arenco Real Estate
Arsalakumar M/ Culligan International
Atkins
Attique Zareef Kayani
Averda
Babcocck Borsig Service GmbH
Bank Of Sharjah
BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus
BK Gulf LLC
Blossom Nursery
Brookfield Multiplex Constructions LLC
Buds Public School
Burjuman Arjaan by Rotana - Hotel Apartments
C4 Advanced Solutions
Canadian University of Dubai
CH2M Hill Veco Engineering
Citymax Hotel Al Barsha
CMA Systems
Comendo FZ LLC
Comfort Inn Hotel
Confluence Project Management LLC
ControlCase Middle East FZ LLC
Corniche Al Buhaira Hotel
Crescent Petroleum
Crowne Plaza Dubai Deira Hotel
Crowne Plaza Hotel
Dehli Private School
Deira Private School
DEWA
Dodsal Engineering & Construction Pte. Ltd
Dubai Aluminium
Dubai Electricity And Water Authority
Dubai Healthcare City
Dubai Holding LLC
Dubai Industrial City
Dubai International Academic City
Dubai International Academy
Dubai Internet City
Dubai Marriott Hotels
Dubai National School
Dubai Outlet Mall
Dubai Outsource Zone
Dubai Pharmacy College
Dubai Properties Group
Dubai Studio City
Dubai World Trade Centre
Dubiotech
Dulsco LLC
Easy Lease LLC
EmFire LLC
Emirates Chemicals
Emirates District Cooling(Emicool)
Emirates Foundation
Environment Friends Society
Ericsson
ETA
Extreme Marine
Falconcity Of Wonders
First Select International
Flash
Flora Park Hotel Apartments
Fujairah School
Ghaf Investments
Global Mobility Solutions
Global Village
Globalfoundries Technollogies LLC
Glowskies
Golden Sands Hotel Apartments
Grand Bellevue Hotel
Grand Hyatt Dubai
Grandeur Home Interiors
Green Crescent Club - Khalifa University
Green Solutions LLC
Greenfield Community School
Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association
Hala Arjaan by Rotana
Hill & Knowlton
Hilton Baynunah
Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Resort & Residences I
Hilton Dubai Creek
Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi
Holiday Inn Express Dubai Internet City
Holiday Inn Express Jumeirah
Humanity First Middle East
IBM Middle East FZ-LLC
Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel
Indian International School
Institutional Laundry Services LLC
InterContinental Abu Dhabi
JBI Properties Services
Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa
Jones Lang LaSalle UAE Ltd
Jones Lang LaSalle UAE Ltd
Jumeira Baccalaureate School
Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Jumeirah Group
Jumeirah International Nursery
Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
Jumeriah Group
JW Marriott Hotel
Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah
KEO International Consultants
Khalifa University
Khudairi Group
Konark Resources FZ LLC
Kone Middle East
Laly
Landmark Plaza
Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort &
Marina
Lesser Rivera
Loret Wessels
Lotus Hospitality
Lycee Louis Massignon
Marriott Executive Apartments Dubai Creek
Masdar
Masdar Institute
Math Home FZ-LLC
Media Exposure FZ-LLC
Media One Hotel
Mega Mall
Meyssan Advertising FZ LLC
Millennium Airport Hotel
Millennium Hotel
Movenpick Hotel Bur Dubai
Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts
MP & Silva FZ-LLC
Muhammad Furqan Siddiqui
myOffice Business Centre
National Bank of Abu Dhabi
National Bank of Abu Dhabi
National Rehabilitation Centre
National Shipping Gulf Agency Co. Ltd. LLC
Nomura International plc
Omniyat Investment and Management LLC
Panasonic Gulf FZE
Park Rotana & Park Arjaan
Pearl Initiative
PepsiCo International
Petrochemicals Middle East
Petrofac Emirates
Philippine Society of Safety Professionals
Pro Global Logistics LLC.
Professional Communication Corporation -
Nedaa
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Baku
Radisson Blu Resort Sharjah
Radisson Royal Hotel
Raffles Dubai
Sae Institute
Sanford Electronics
Savoy Park Hotel Apartments
Savoy Suites LLC
Schools, Universities & Nurseries
Service City LLC
Seventh Sense Environmental Consultancy &
Studies
Shangri-La Hotel
Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri
Sharp Middle East FZE
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Shoula Al Masaood, Al Fahad Smart Systems
Siemens LLC
Six Senses Zighy Bay
Skyline University College
Smartcast Group
Sofia Corporation
Sony Elias
SRM Global
St Mary's Catholic High School
Stanley Black & Decker
Sunrise English Private School
TAGbrands J.LT.
Talia Limited
TECOM Investments
The Childrens Garden Jumeira
The Indian High School
The Meydan Hotel
The Petroleum Institute
The Philippine School of Dubai
Total E&P Yemen
Total United Arab Emirates
Traders Hotel
Traders Hotel Qaryat Al Beri
Transguard Group LLC
TreeHouse Media FZ-LLC
Tristar Transport & Contracting
Umayman school
United National Bank
University of Sharjah
Uptown School
Varco Almansoori LLC
Wafa AlAhmad
Wednesday Group Photographers
Westin Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina
Wild Wadi Waterpark
Winchester Grand
WSP
WSP Middle East
WUD Flowers & Events
Xpertize United
Zayed University
Media
Abu Dhabi Media Company
Al Ittihad
Al Bayan
ARN
7Days
Virgin Radio
Dubai 92
Khaleej Times
The National
Gulf News
Gulf Today
