EARTH HOUR 2011

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Table of Contents

1. History of Earth Hour ...... 3

2. Earth Hour 2011 ...... 4

3. Earth Hour Statistic...... 8

4. Special Thanks...... 11

5. Photo Selection...... 16

- 2 - 1. History of Earth Hour

Earth Hour is a global movement encouraging individuals, businesses and governments around the world to take positive actions for the environment, and celebrating their commitment to the planet by switching off their lights for one designated hour.

Earth Hour shows how individuals, communities, businesses and governments can address the threat of global warming if we resolve to work on it together. Earth Hour unites communities, ushering in a new era of environmental consciousness by encouraging personal accountability and behavioural change to facilitate a low-carbon lifestyle.

The inaugural Earth Hour took place in Sydney on 31 March 2007, when over two million people and two thousand businesses across the city turned off their lights and appliances for one hour. From its relative humble beginnings, the Earth Hour message has swept the planet. In 2008, 50 million people across 35 countries turned off their lights in support of Earth Hour, sending a message across the globe that the collective actions of individuals really can change the world.

In March 2009, hundreds of millions of people took part in the third Earth Hour. Over 4000 cities in 88 countries officially switched off to pledge their support for the planet, making Earth Hour 2009 the world’s largest global climate change initiative.

In 2010, a record 128 countries and territories joined the global display of climate action and participated in Earth Hour. Iconic buildings and landmarks from Asia Pacific to Europe and Africa to the Americas switched off. People across the world from all walks of life turned off their lights and came together in celebration and contemplation of the one thing we all have in common – our planet.

- 3 - 2. Earth Hour 2011

This year, Earth Hour was record breaking in many ways – with 135 countries and territories taking part; more iconic landmarks, cities, governments and people around the world than ever participated and celebrated Earth Hour on Saturday 26 th March from 8.30 to 9.30 PM. This year, we asked people, organizations and governments to go beyond the hour, and use Earth Hour to commit to an action, big or small, that they will sustain for the future of our planet.

- 4 - Selection of pledges from around the world

Pakistan's cricket legend, Wasim Akram - has made a personal commitment to stop using plastic bags, to recycle and reuse, and to use his high profile to promote and encourage the same behaviour throughout Pakistan and the rest of the world

Pocoyo, an animated cartoon celebrity, has committed to reaching out to its millions of preschool-aged fans across the world over the next year, fostering learning through laughter and making use of humor and learning to inform children about environmental issues.

The Nepalese government has committed to putting a complete stop to tree felling in a vital ecological and sociological area spanning more than 23,000 square km.

Nathi Mzileni, a 15-year-old boy from Swaziland in Africa has managed to make his town Shimunye part of Earth Hour this year.

The mayor of Sidney has committed to building more cycleways, installing LED lights in parks and streets and endorsing a tri- generation plant to provide low carbon energy.

Chloe Nicol, a 7-year-old girl from Australia, is guiding her school to increase recycling and reduce energy waste. The school now shuts their blinds instead of using air conditioning to cool the rooms.

Chinese dairy company Mengniu is doubling the number of milk cartons it recycles and increasing its use of environmental packaging.

Selection from thousands of pledges on www.beyond thehour.org

- 5 - Earth Hour public events across the UAE

Abu Dhabi The Municipality of Abu Dhabi City with the support of sponsors and partners hosted Earth Hour on the Cornice. The programme included a lantern walk lead by Abu Dhabi Eco Chicks, drumming sessions by Drums, candle lights in the sand and talks by inspirational speakers. At the event, organizations had set up booths, including EWS-WWF that were giving away energy efficient light bulbs.

At Fairmont Bab al Bahr staff, including the general manager and guests cycled for 24 hours to generate clean, renewable energy using two stationary bicycles which were linked to a dynamo.

In Khalifa Park, yoga enthusiastic met to celebrate the planet and enjoyed several yoga poses in the glow of candles.

- 6 - Dubai Dubai Festival City hosted a school art exhibition and competition themed ‘Beyond Earth Hour’ at the Festival Square from March 24-26 th . Around 75 artworks were exhibited from both public and private schools across the UAE. The first prize winner from both the school categories were awarded a laptop each by HP. Dubai Festival City sponsored gift vouchers for the 2 nd and 3 rd prize winners.

Street plays based on ‘Beyond Earth Hour’ theme attracted huge crowds in the Festival Square. A interpretative dance performance by a school was the star attraction. A workshop titled Óld to New’ where children learnt how to make interesting articles from used newspaper also got a fantastic response.

During Earth Hour, candle lights placed in the shape of 60 and floating lanterns were lit to celebrate that hour when the whole world was united in celebrations for our planet. A good crowd soaked in all the activities and entertainment, which included fire dancers, by the picturesque Festival City Marina.

DEWA invited Dubai residents and visitors to witness turn off its lights. The theme of the event organized at the Burj Plaza was a traditional Arabic heritage village with arts and crafts and yummy traditional cooking stations.

During Earth Hour there was a march as a symbol of solidarity with the global society to save the planet from the carbon dioxide emission that causes climate change

DEWA also arranged a press conference to announce their cooperation with EWS-WWF, Emaar, local schools, universities, fellow government entities and people from across Dubai for Earth Hour. HE Saeed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of DEWA spoke on the press conference and encouraged everyone to participate in Earth Hour

Sharjah In Sharjah, all non-essential lights were switched off at the most popular entertainment destination, Qanat Al Qasba and Etisalat Eye during Earth Hour.

An array of educational fun activities was hosted at Sharjah Aquarium and in the Maritime Museum outdoor area between 5 to 9.30pm.

In anticipation of Earth Hour, the Sharjah’s official environmental establishment Bee’ah called upon residents to recycle household waste on a regular basis which will help conserve energy long after Earth Hour is over for this year.

Fujairah Fujairah Municipality invited residents to celebrate the planet at Fujairah Fort where populare Arabic singer Kamal Musalam entertained the crowd with modern Arabic Music. The fort switched off all lights and flying candle lanterns were released into the sky.

- 7 - 3) Earth Hour Statistic Every year, we are being asked how many participated in Earth Hour. While we do not have a number, we can provide some indicators of the participation and the reach of the campaign.

Globally : • 135 countries and territories officially joined Earth Hour 2011. • Over 5000 cities, towns and municipalities officially signed up for Earth Hour 2011 • 1638 icons and landmarks worldwide switched off for Earth Hour, including Eiffel Tower in Paris, India Gate in New Delhi, Time Square in New York, Milad Tower in Tehran, Davis Station in Antarctica, the Opera House in Sydney, Royal Palace in Thailand and Burj Khalifa in the United Arab Emirates. • Support from world leaders and celebrities including Australian model Miranda Kerr, the Most Reverend Archbishop Desmond Tutu, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon, actress Cate Blanchett, Brazilian supermodel Giselle Bundchen, singer Tom Jones, Coldplay’s Chris Martin, Chinese Actress Li Bingbing, Pakistan’s cricket legend Wasim Akram, actor Edward Norton, DJ Ferry Corsten, and international footballer Franceso Totti. • Earth Hour advert on Facebook had 25 million impressions • 68 million digital interactions through Earth Hour applications • It is estimated that Earth Hour 2011 reached 2 billion people throughout the world

In the UAE

The UAE has one of the world’s highest per capita ecological footprint; so we play an absolutely vital role in addressing what is unequivocally the greatest threat to the planet today. Our UAE supporters and partners for Earth Hour 2011 demonstrated the change that must occur to help mitigate the threat of climate change. Many were taking the opportunity of Earth Hour to raise awareness on climate change by encouraging their staff, management, clients and partners to start taking action to reduce their ecological footprint

• Participation from all 7 emirates • Earth Hour in Dubai was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council • Earth Hour Ambassador, His Highness Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Ali al Nuaimi, also known as the Green Sheikh • Over 400 organizations participated in Earth Hour • 60 schools signed up for Earth Hour • A message of conservation and Earth Hour was delivered in mosques throughout the country on Friday March 25 by the kind support from the General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments (Awqaf) • Public Earth Hour gatherings in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Fujairah and Sharjah (more information on the following pages) • 20,000 visitors to EWS-WWF website for Earth Hour • 40,000 visitors to EWS-WWF Facebook page during the week before Earth Hour • Last 10 posts before Earth Hour generated 15,781 impressions • Earth Hour tweets in the UAE generated 380,283 impressions, reaching 148,475

people within 24 hours on March 26.

- 8 - Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi, UAE - Earth Hour 2011 before and during the hour © Real Image Media Coverage:

Dailies: Radio: • Greenroofs.com • The Gulf Today • Al Arabiya • Middleeastevents.com • Al Bayan • Dubai Eye • UAEToday.com • Al Khaleej • Sharjah Radio • Buraimi.net • Gulf News • Suno 104.2 • Twitter.com • 7 Days • Radio Asia • 3thab-uae.com • Al Ittihad • Radio Columbia (broadcasted • Albarzah.net • The National 20 minutes live about Earth • AMEInfo.com • Al Wahda Hour in the UAE) • Smartarabs.com • Alrroya • UAEConnectors.com – Arabic Aleqtissadiya Online: • Menan.com • • Khaleej Times Khaleej Times – Website • Goumbook.com • • Akhbar Al Arab The Gulf Today – Website • 73shelves.com • • Al Fajr 7 Days – Website • Eyeofdubai.com – Arabic • • City Times Gulf News – Website • Eyeofdubai.com • (Khaleej Times) Al Bayan – Website • Newzglobe.com • • Akhbar Al Arab Al Khaleej – Website • Story.albuquerqueexpress.com • • Asharq Al Awsat Al Ittihad – Website • Topics.treehugger.com • • Al Watan Al Arabi The National – Website • Meed.com • 7 Days – Website • Zawya.com • Magazines: Abudhabifestival.ae • Binwanies.ae • • Zahrat Al Khaleej Dubaicityguide.com • Thawra.alwehda.gov.sy • • Abu Dhabi Week Dubaimoves.com • Etravelblackboard.co.nz • • Time Out Dubai Features.rr.com • Abudhabicityguide.com • • Al Mara’ Al Yaum Godubai.com • AlBawaba.com • Dubib.com • Dubaifinanicalcenter.com • TV: Shaabuae.com • Go-Green.ae • • Dubai 1 Squidoo.com • Abu Dhabi Week – Website • • Sharjah TV Tennis.msg.com • Elaph.com

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4) A Special Thank You

The success of Earth Hour 2011 was possible only with the dedication of everyone who contributed their time, efforts, and finances to raise awareness, arrange and host events, as well as spread the important message of going Beyond Earth Hour. The entire EWS-WWF team and the WWF Earth Hour team would like to extend a resounding THANK YOU to everyone who helped make this Earth Hour a great success across the emirates and throughout the world as an unprecedented global call to action for the planet.

Many organizations and individuals went above and beyond, and while we cannot individually mention everyone contributing the success of Earth Hour, we would like to recognize the organizations that signed up with us.

Organizations signed up for Earth Hour on ewswwf.ae/earthhour

7 Senses Hilton Baynunh Tower 7Days Hilton Corniche Hotel Apartments Abu Dhabi Airports Company Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Abu Dhabi Chamber Of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) Hot Brands Int Compa ny Abu Dhabi City Golf Club HP Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Operations (ADCO) HSBC Bank Middle East Ltd. Abu Dhabi Corniche (ADM) Hyatt Regency Dubai and Galleria Abu Dhabi Eco Chicks Idhin School for Girls, Ras Al Khaimah Abu Dhabi Festival Indi a Club Abu Dhabi Gas Industries Limited India Palace Abu Dhabi Gas Liquefaction Company Ltd Indian Ladies Association Abu Dhabi Marine Operating Company (ADMA -OPCO) Insitech Networks Abu Dhabi Municipality Institute of Applied Technology Abu Dhabi Mus ic and Arts Foundation Intelligent Partners Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) InterContinental Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi Police GHQ Jamie’s Italian Abu Dhabi Ports Company John Buck International Abu Dhabi Slaughterhouse (ADM) Jones Lang LaSalle, Middl e East & North Africa Abu Dhabi Tempo Jumeirah Beach Hotel Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) Jumeirah Emirates Towers Abu Dhabi University (ADU) Jumeirah Living World Trade Centre Residence Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority (ADWEA) Jumeirah Madi nat Jumeirah Aecom -Me, Al Ain Jumeirah Rotana Hotel Al Ain Palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi Karam Beirut (Licensed) Al Arabiya FM Radio KBR Al Bateen Center (ADM) Kellett & Singleton Al Bayan KEO International Consultants

- 11 - Al Fahim Group Khaleej Times - Galada ri Printing & Publishing Company

Al Falah Ready Mix Factory Khalifa Park (ADM) Al Halah School for Fundamental Education Khidmah LLC Al Hosn University Kingsgate Hotel Abu Dhabi Al Ittihad Knowledge and Human Development Authority -KHDA

Al Jeel Al Jad eed School, Private School – Sharjah Le Méridien Abu Dhabi Al Khaleej Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort Fujairah Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana Le relais de L’Entrecote Al Maha Arjaan, Abu Dhabi Leil N’Har Al Mamoura Building Liwa/ Mirfa Hotel (Al Marfa Pearl Hotels Management L.L.C) Al Mussafah Center (ADM) Lotus Boutique Hotel Al Qasba Lotus Hospitality Al Raha Beach Hotel Lotus Hotel Apartments and Spa, Dubai Marina Al Rawda Arjaan By Rotana Louis Berger Al Reem Hotel Apartments Lussidesign FZC Al Tah eyah Cont LLC Majestic Hotel Tower Al Wathba Center (ADM) Maqta Bridge (ADM) Al Zaafaranah Center (ADM) Marina Mall ALDAR Properties PJSC Marriott Business Council Dubai Al -Futtaim Carillion MASDAR Alraya School Me Marketing ArchitectGivesBack.com MICCO Arjaan by Rotana - Dubai Microsoft Corporation Art Living Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi Art of Living, Abu Dhabi Ministry of Education: Building and Educational Facilities Department Art of Living, Ajman Ministry of Finance Ascott Park Place Dubai Ministry of Interior Athan School for Basic Education - Girls Ministry of Public Works Awqaf Mirbh Secondary School for Girls Bam General Trading LLC FZC More Cafe BBR Design, Dubai Movenpick Hotel & Apartments Bur Dubai Beach Rotana Hotel Mubadala Dev elopment Company Better Homes Musaffah Bridge (ADM) Bintalshata Primary School Umm Al Quwain mz Graphics BK Gulf LLC National Bank of Abu Dhabi Blaze Advertising National Bank of Abu Dhabi - Jebel Ali - Dubai - UAE Brooklyn Dinner National Bank of Fuj airah Build Green National Petroleum Construction Company NerdyFace.com Burj Al Hamam New York University Abu Dhabi Burj Khalifa Newzglobe Canadian University of Dubai Nokia Markets Middle East

- 12 - Canon Emirates, LLC Nokia Siemens Network Canon Middle East Norwegian Institute for Air Research - NILU Center of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Ocean Dive Center Development - Masafi Centro Barsha by Rotana Orchestra Cafe CH2M Hill VECO Engineering E&C MENA Our Own English High S chool Girls Sharjah Chi’Zen (Licensed) Our Own English High School -Sharjah Boys Branch Children Libraries -Dubai Public Libraries Park Rotana & Park Arjaan, Abu Dhabi Chocopologie Petrofac Clifford Chance LLP Petron Services Clifford Chance LLP Dubai Radio Al Arabia 99.00 Climate Solutions Ingersoll Rand Middle East and Africa Radio Asia Suno 1024 CONMIX Company Limited Radisson Blu Hotel and Park Inn, Abu Dhabi Yas Island Crown Price Court Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek Crown Relocations LLC Radisson Blu Residence, Dubai Marina Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Hamdan St Radisson Blu Resort Sharjah Crowne Plaza and Staybridge Suites Abu Dhabi Yas Island Raha International School Crowne Plaza Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road Rainbow Hotel Apartments Delhi Private School Dubai Ras Al Khaimah e -Government Authority Delhi Private School,Sharjah Red Mango Depa Roads & Transport Authority Department of Municipal Affairs Rolla Residence Apart Hotel Department of Transport (DOT) Royal Orchid Dibba Al Fu jairah Municipality Royati Society Dirra RSA Insurance, Asia & Middle East Regional Office Drake & Scull International LLC Safa school Dubai Airports Safety Electronics Systems Establishment Abu Dhabi Dubai Aluminium Company Limited (DUBAL) Sands Hotel Dubai American Academy, Grade 4, Dubai, UAE Saquella Dubai British School Savoy Crest Hotel Apartments Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry Savoy Park Dubai Corporation Ambulance Service Savoy Suites Dubai Drums School of Knowledge, Sharjah Dubai Duty Free Search ResultsDubai Municipality Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) SEED Engineering Consultants Dubai Eye Service City Dubai Festival City Seventh Sense Environmental Consultancy & Studies Dubai Golf SEWA Dubai Mall shajyautopaint Dubai Municipality Shangri -La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi Dubai Properties Group Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry Dubai Real Estate Corporation Sharjah Mega Mall Dubai Roads & Transport Authority Sharjah Radio Dubai Silicon Oasis Authori ty Sharjah Rotana Sharjah Science Museum Ducab Sharjah TV

- 13 - Dulsco LLC Sheik Zayed Bridge (ADM) Dylan Middle East Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center Ecological Commission of St George Orthodox Cathedral Sheraton Abu Dhab i Hotel & Resort Abu Dhabi Emaar Properties PJSC Sheraton Deira Hotel Emirates Chemical LLC Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers Emirates Diving Association Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort & Towers Emirates Green Building Council Sheraton Khalidiya Hotel, Abu Dhab i Emirates Identity Authority Silver Car Passenger Transport By Bus Rental, LLC Emirates International School, Jumeirah Smart Vision Emirates Net Systems Smart Vision For Information Systems Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi Sonia Company LLC, Da Shi Dai Resta urant Enpark St. Mary's Catholic School Environment Agency Abu Dhabi Sylvan Learning Center Environment Friend Societes Tebodin Middle East Environment Protection and Development Authority The Address Hotels Esfahan The American International School A bu Dhabi Eta Ascon Group The Gulf Today Etihad Airways The Headquarters of the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City

Etisalat The Indian High School -Dubai European Hair & Skin Care Center The Office of the Brand of Abu Dhabi Executive Affairs Authority THE O ne Fairmont Dubai Hotel The Petroleum Institute, Abu Dhabi Farnek Avireal The Philippine School - Dubai First Select International The Yas Hotel Fish & Co theAdkitchen Fraser Suites Dubai Tiger Profiles & Insulation LLC Fugro Survey Middle East Ltd. Time Out Dubai Fujairah Municipality Traders Hotel Dubai Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa Trane Fujairah Science Club Trans World Oil Sources GASCO (Abu Dhabi Gas Industries Ltd) TÜV Middle East Gava Hotel TwoFour54 General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments UAE Multqa Forum General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs Um Al -Moameneen School General Secretariat of the Executive Council Um Ghafah School for Boys - Alain Global Transformers And Switchgears Fzco Unilever Gulf FZE Glowskies Union National Bank Golden Square Hotel Apartments University of Dubai Goumbook Visuals LLC Grand Hyatt Dubai W S Atkins Green Solutions LLC Wafi Gourmet Greenwood International School Wasl Asset Management Group Gulf Craft LLC Wasl Hospitality Gul f Landscape & Irrigation Systems Wasl Properties

- 14 - Gulf Landscape & Irrigation Systems Wednesday Group Photography Gulf News World Green Building Council MENA Region Network Gulf Turbine Services LLC Yahoo! Maktoob Hala Arjaan by Rotana Yas Island Rotana & Centro Yas Island HCT MZC Zadco HeysaEvents.com Zayed University Hilalco - Al Ain

A BIG THANK YOU to all our volunteers, helpers, sponsors, supporters, partners, photographers, graphic designers, printers, presenters, artists, participants and all of you who made Earth Hour 2011 such a successful and meaningful event.

- 15 - 5) Photo selection

Before and during Earth Hour:

- 16 - Yas Hotel before and during Earth Hour 2011 by Vibhu Raj

Aldar Headquarters, Abu Dhabi, UAE - Earth Hour 2011 before and after by Chris Joyce

For more photos please visit http://www.ewswwf.ae/earth_hour/galleries/

Thank you for your contribution to Earth Hour

Together our actions add up

EWS-WWF

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