Sharjah: Apart from the activities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the emirate of Sharjah is also gearing up for the annual Earth Hour activities to highlight the threat of climate change this Saturday.

The Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) in Sharjah in collaboration with the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (Sewa) will organise awareness activities and programmes at Al Majaz Waterfront in Sharjah City and Khor Fakkan in the Eastern Region of Sharjah on Saturday to mark the Earth Hour initiative.

Celebrated worldwide this year under the tagline ‘Shine a Light on Climate Action’, Earth Hour 2017 calls on people to tackle climate change by changing one’s lifestyles to include more sustainable options. This is on top of the hourly lights-off campaign every year.

Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, EPAA chairperson, said: “By organising this activity in collaboration with Sewa, we are looking forward to building a better future for the next generation by enabling them to benefit from sustainable resources”.

Al Suwaidi said the initiative is aimed at “promoting the spirit of social responsibility to protect the environment and natural resources to ensure a more sustainable planet for the future generations.”

The participating entities in the Earth Hour initiative in Sharjah include Sharjah Police General Headquarters, Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (Sewa), Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Sharjah Airport Authority, Sharjah Medical Services Department, the Supreme Council for Family Affairs (Health Education Department), Desert Park Centres (Arabia’s Wildlife Centre and Children’s Farm), Wasit Wetland Centre, Department of Children Centres, the Directorate of Human Resources, the Emirates Foundation for Youth Development (Takatof and Sanid), Asaad Shaab (Happiest Peoples) Voluntary Team, Sharjah City Municipality (Agriculture and Gardens Department), and Al Resalah American International School (RAIS).

They will join households and businesses as they turn off their non-essential lights and electronic devices for one hour from 8.30pm to 9.30pm to raise awareness about the risks of climate change.

In Fujairah, Earth Hour activities have also been lined up including a beach clean-up and tree-planting in the morning as organized by Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort.

With free entry, the resort is also offering food and beverage, fun carnival games, dance performances, and a photo booth, where guests can capture the day’s memories. The celebration of sustainability will wrap up with turning off of all non-essential lights at Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort for an hour at 8:30pm.