UAE residents to switch off lights, join global effort for Earth Hour on March 22

Residents across the UAE are encouraged to participate in Earth Hour by switching off unnecessary lights from 8.30pm to 9.30pm on Saturday, March 22 as a simple yet powerful gesture in protecting the environment.

Earth Hour traditionally takes place on the last or penultimate Saturday of March, and this year, it falls on March 22. During this one-hour period, individuals, businesses, and communities around the world are urged to switch off non-essential lights and utilities, symbolising their dedication to a healthier planet.

First launched by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in 2007, Earth Hour has grown into a global phenomenon, reminding us of the urgent need to tackle global warming and its effects. This symbolic act of switching off non-essential electricity serves as a call to action for environmental responsibility.

Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) is encouraging residents to unite with millions of people worldwide in support of Earth Hour, an annual event that fosters collective action in the fight against climate change and environmental challenges.

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre has also joined the call, stating, “Let’s all participate in Earth Hour today and turn off the lights at 8.30pm Together, we can preserve our planet for future generations.”

Sharjah’s Environment and Protected Areas Authority (Epaa) noted that Earth Hour is “not only about turning off the lights, but it is a global call to protect the earth and biodiversity”.

The authority highlighted the significant impact of light pollution, which disrupts the natural behavior of nocturnal animals. These animals rely on the darkness of night for vital activities, such as hunting and hiding, and artificial lighting can interfere with their survival instincts.

Furthermore, migratory birds, which depend on natural cues for navigation, are also affected by artificial lights. These lights can cause birds to stray off their migration paths, leading them to travel longer distances and ultimately increasing their risk of exhaustion.

In addition to wildlife, artificial lighting also disrupts plants’ biological rhythms. This disruption can negatively impact their growth patterns and the timing of flowering, which in turn affects entire ecosystems.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority also joined the call, noting that last year, more than 190 countries and territories participated in Earth Hour, collectively contributing 410,000 hours to this global cause.

As noted by earthhour.org, Earth Hour is inclusive and accessible to all — whether you’re passionate about food, fitness, the arts, or the outdoors. Last year, people around the world contributed more than 1.4 million hours to the cause, and this year, everyone has an opportunity to go even further and make this the “biggest hour for Earth”.