This initiative was put forward by the World Wildlife Fund, which hopes that more than one billion people in 1000 cities around the world will join this campaign in 2009. Earth Hour will be held March 28, 2009 at 20 hours 30 minutes.
Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Fujairah and Sharjah have expressed their desire to turn off the lights as part of this initiative to prevent climate change on the planet. Currently, 74 cities in 62 countries are ready to spend one hour without light. Last year, UAE residents first participated in this international event, turning off the lights in major shopping centers and hotels.
Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Managing Director of the Emirates Wildlife Society, called on all residents, all companies and schools, universities and government agencies, hotels and restaurants to turn off the lights for one hour, if this is not contrary to security concerns. He also noted that residents of the UAE should reduce overall energy consumption in general.
The world's most famous landmarks will go out at 20:30 on March 28, 2009 in support of decisive action to prevent global climate change. These will include the famous Burj Al Arab sail hotel and the tallest building in the world - Burj Dubai, America's tallest building - CN Tower in Toronto, Moscow Federation Tower, as well as the official residence of the Italian President in Rome.
