Since its inception by WWF International in 2007, Earth Hour has become a global movement spotlighting the urgent need to address nature loss and climate change. This year, the UAE, led by Emirates Nature-WWF, marked Earth Hour 2023 with a resounding call to action, bringing together individuals, institutions, and iconic landmarks in a shared commitment to protect the planet.
The UAE Joins the Global Movement
Prominent landmarks across the UAE, including the Burj Khalifa and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, joined international icons such as the Eiffel Tower and the Colosseum by switching off their lights for one hour. This symbolic act, accompanied by events at Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion in Expo City Dubai, highlighted the nation’s commitment to sustainability, aligning with the UAE’s Year of Sustainability and the anticipated COP28 summit.
Marjan Faraidooni, Chief of Education and Culture at Expo City Dubai, emphasized the collective impact of sustainability efforts:
“The potential for positive impact is even greater when we work together. By joining forces with Emirates Nature-WWF for this celebration of Earth Hour, we are confident that we will inspire further action for the protection and preservation of our planet.”
Earth Hour at Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion
On March 25, 2023, the UAE community was invited to a special event at Terra, a hub for sustainability education and inspiration. The evening featured the symbolic Big Earth Hour Switch Off, followed by the screening of A Life on Our Planet, Sir David Attenborough’s powerful documentary chronicling humanity’s impact on the natural world. Notably, the screening was powered by energy collected through the pavilion’s solar panels, demonstrating the potential of renewable energy solutions.
Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director General of Emirates Nature-WWF, highlighted the significance of Earth Hour:
“Earth Hour unites the global community to celebrate our planet and inspires actions that contribute to a nature-positive world. Every action counts, and millions of actions create transformative impact for nature.”
Voices for Change: Young Naturalists and WWF Leaders
This year’s Earth Hour event was enriched by the participation of key environmental advocates. Among them was Erfan Firouzi, recognized as the UAE’s National Young Naturalist and a WWF Leader of Change.
Erfan shared his journey, including the inspiration he drew from Sir David Attenborough, a figure who continues to motivate countless young environmentalists. He spoke about receiving a personal letter from Sir David and how it shaped his dedication to conservation in the UAE.
In addition to his speech, Erfan engaged in discussions with notable attendees, including:
- Majed Bin Saad, President of the Green Youth Majlis Committee
- Aaesha Ahmed, a prominent WWF Leader of Change
- Arabella Willing, Associate Head of Conservation Outreach & Citizen Science at Emirates Nature-WWF
The Leaders of Change Movement
The Leaders of Change programme by Emirates Nature-WWF played a central role in the event. As the UAE’s first civil mobilisation movement, it empowers volunteers to contribute to sustainability through training, development, and hands-on initiatives. Participants in the programme help drive national and global environmental goals, fostering a community of action-oriented changemakers.
A Legacy of Conservation
Emirates Nature-WWF has spearheaded Earth Hour initiatives in the UAE for over a decade, engaging millions and making sustainability a national priority. Past events have included creative initiatives like candle-lit yoga sessions, dinners in the dark, sapling distributions, and Switch Off Parades. In 2022, more than 5 million people in the UAE participated in Earth Hour, both online and offline, making it one of the country’s most impactful environmental campaigns.
A Call to Action for the Future
Earth Hour 2023 at Expo City Dubai reinforced the message that collective action is essential for a sustainable future. The event inspired attendees to reflect on their relationship with nature and take meaningful steps toward preserving the environment.
The Terra Pavilion remains a powerful symbol of the UAE’s sustainability goals, welcoming visitors daily for immersive experiences that deepen their understanding of the planet’s fragile ecosystems.
For more information on visiting Terra and participating in Emirates Nature-WWF initiatives, visit Expo City Dubai.
