Dubai: Darkness descended on the city of lights for 60 minutes on Saturday, in solidarity with the environmentally-conscious message of Earth Hour: To limit carbon dioxide emissions.

By switching off the lights on landmarks such as Burj Khalifa from 8.30pm to 9.30pm on Saturday night, the UAE joined as many as 7,000 cities in more than 150 countries that took part in the eighth annual worldwide movement. Dubai first observed Earth Hour in 2008. In the last seven years of the movement, the city has saved an estimated 1,291MWh.

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) hosted a public event for Earth Hour 2015 at Bay Avenue Park where a new world record was set for the largest LED-lit infinity mirror, measuring seven square metres.

Hundreds of residents and visitors attended the event, which included family activities and entertainment such as clowns, stilt-walking, heritage activities, and a traditional food corner. Children also celebrated the first anniversary of Dewa’s conservation mascots, Noor and Hayat.

Hari Nair, an indian economist, said his family’s energy conservation is not limited to Earth Hour.

“Earth hour is a great way to instil a feeling of environmental responsibility but it risks being just a trend if its message is not implemented throughout the year,” Nair said.

“My family switched to energy-efficient lighting almost four years ago. It’s funny to think that we’re saving both money and reducing carbon emissions in one move. We are also conscientious about how much water we use. People here may take that for granted but water is a real commodity elsewhere. If we continue using our resources like we do what will our kids be left with?”

Syrian Ala’a Najjar said Earth Hour brought along its fair share of reality checks.

“I live nearby at the executive towers and thought bringing the kids down to Bay Avenue Park would be entertaining for them. As you can see they’re having fun, Amer here has his face painted like a tiger and my daughter is at the rope course,” he said. “I was at some of the booths here and they have a lot of literature on how much energy and water we are wasting every year. It is really shocking, putting a number on it really prompts a person to take appropriate measures. The kids had their fun and I learnt a lesson.”

Saeed Mohammad Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of Dewa, said: “Dubai was the first Arab city to participate in Earth Hour in 2008. During Earth Hour over the last seven years, DEWA managed to reduce electricity use by 1,291 MWh and saved 775 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.”

“Dewa achieved significant results in reducing electricity use over the past six years, saving 1,163 GWh of electricity and 5.4 billion imperial gallons of water. This is equivalent to Dh752 million, and over 536,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.”

An Earth Hour Walkathon was also held at 8.30pm, where participants held candles and environmentally-friendly lanterns. The Walkathon was led by Al Tayer and officials from the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Dewa, and government and private sector staff.

For this year’s Earth Hour, Dewa and Emirates Wildlife Society (EWS) have also asked residents to be conscious of how much water they consume. According to the UN Environment Programme in 2013, the UAE ranks third among the world’s highest water consumers per person

Amal Koshak, Senior Manager of Marketing Communications at Dewa, said: “We are very pleased with the size of public involvement and response to Earth Hour 2015. We recorded the largest participation to date, which underlines Dewa’s successful efforts to raise environmental awareness among Dubai residents.”