Earth Hour 2019: How the UAE is supporting the global campaign

Emirates Nature has paired with the WWF to host events across the UAE that involve flicking the off switch

A participant lights candles during the Earth Hour Walk at the Marasi promenade in Dubai. Satish Kumar / The National

People around the world will be turning off their lights for an hour at 8.30pm on March 30 to mark Earth Hour.

It will be the 12th time the event, which aims to inspire people to take action on climate change, has taken place.

In the UAE, Emirates Nature has partnered with the WWF, who organise Earth Hour, to "start changing the planet for the better".

The event is also encouraging people to "refuse, reduce, recycle", "use less single-use plastic" and "avoid red meat".

Beginning in Sydney, Australia, in 2007, Earth Hour is now a global event, with millions turning off their lights in the largest grassroots environmental movement of its kind.

Beyond raising awareness around the environment, Earth Hour lobbies governments to encourage them to introduce environmentally friendly laws.

There are dozens of events taking place in the country, across Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah and Sharjah.

Mall of the Emirates, Dubai

The sprawling retail hub in Al Barsha will be dimming its lights from 8.30pm until 9.30pm. The malls' website will also be operating in power saving mode for an hour, with users greeted by a black screen which they can minimise and continue to browse as normal.

Yas Mall and the Mall at World Trade Centre, Abu Dhabi

Both malls will be joining the global campaign. Lights will be lowered in various parts of the massive Yas Mall, while the Mall at World Trade Centre will switch off external signage lights during the hour.

Etisalat

The telecommunications company is getting the message loud and clear about helping the environment. Ten of Etisalat's buildings across the UAE will switch off their lights and non-essential electronics for the hour.

"We hope that our annual participation in this event will help to increase awareness, encourage environment-friendly practices and limit the excessive depletion of energy resources," said Dr Ahmed bin Ali, group senior vice president at Etisalat.

Meraas

Leading UAE developer Meraas will switch the lights off at nine of the maor destinations it operates, including Bluewaters, City Walk, La Mer, Al Seef and Last Exit