Masdar Powers Down for Earth Hour 2019

Masdar powered down its lights and joined thousands of organisations around the world to mark Earth Hour on the evening of Saturday, March 30.

Launched in 2008, Earth Hour has become the largest grassroots movement for the environment, celebrated in more than 180 countries and across 7,000 cities to promote energy conservation. On the last Saturday of every March, participating cities and organisations switch off their lights at the local time of 8:30-9:30pm. The one hour of darkness is a symbolic reminder that the responsibility for protecting the planet rests on all of our shoulders. In the UAE, it is also a reminder to honour the legacy and vision of the country’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

“One of the most powerful lessons instilled in us by Sheikh Zayed is the importance of environmental conservation. He cherished our environment, urging us to take only what we need from it to live,” said Dr. Lamya Fawwaz, Executive Director of Brand and Strategic Initiatives. “Earth Hour is a fitting celebration to remember his legacy and remind the global community that there is hope for a brighter, more sustainable future through simple actions that reduce our carbon footprint. By doing so, we carry forward Sheikh Zayed’s vision to help ensure our future generations inherit a healthier planet.”

Earth Hour 2019 was held under the theme of #Connect2Earth, with the aim of building mass awareness on why nature is important. In line with this theme, Masdar teamed up with several UAE institutions, including Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Transco, Tadweer, the Department of Energy, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Municipality, and Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, to host a series of fun and engaging awareness activities related to sustainability at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.

Hundreds of visitors were reminded of the importance of preserving the environment as they planted beautiful gardens while learning about our relationship with nature and the valuable role plants play in maintaining a healthy environment and ecosystem. Visitors also pinned their country of origin on an oversized globe with a personal message for Earth, underscoring their shared commitment to preserve the planet.

Earth Hour is about raising awareness and encouraging people to take simple actions to live more sustainable lifestyles. At Masdar, we hope that our work to accelerate the renewable energy transition and drive sustainable development helps turn every hour into Earth Hour in the UAE and beyond.