Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has confirmed its participation in the eighth cycle of Dubai Municipality’s (DM) green initiative Car-Free Day, to be held on 5 February 2017. The initiative is organised under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, to raise awareness on the environmental sustainability by encourage people to further use the public transport.
This is in adherence with the directives of the UAE’s wise leadership, to support the green initiatives aiming to achieve the comprehensive sustainable development, and enhance Dubai’s position as one of the most sustainable and environmentally conscious cities in the world.
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, emphasised the importance of DEWA’s participation in the initiative as part of its efforts to support the wise vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to support sustainable development, environmental conservation, and Dubai’s transformation into a green economy. Car-Free Day initiative aims mainly to reduce Dubai’s carbon footprint and help to tackle the global warming challenges.
Al Tayer asked all customers, employees, and partners from the public and private sectors, in addition to suppliers and all member of society, to support this initiative by making an effort to use the public transportation. This would greatly minimise traffic congestion and reduce carbon emissions that lead to air pollution.
“We appreciate DM’s efforts to raise awareness among the society members on the critical environmental and humanitarian issues, to ensure the development of an environmentally-friendly, healthy, and safe society, which is capable of making a difference. We would like to thank DM for its efforts to improve the quality of life in Dubai, and establish a culture of compliance with the best environmental practices, and the highest standards of safety and environmental security. This supports the UAE Vision 2021, and the Dubai Plan 2021, to preserve the natural resources, ensure sustainable development, increase reliance on clean energy sources, and transform Dubai into a smart and sustainable city,” said Al Tayer.
“This year, the initiative has a special humanitarian dimension. It includes calculating the ratio of the carbon dioxide emissions reduction, and donate an equivalent amount to charity associations and civil society organisations. This is aligned with the Year of Giving initiative, and demonstrates a significant step towards ensuring the full integration between public and private sectors to instill a culture of social, environmental and humanitarian responsibilities,” added Al Tayer.
“The Car-Free Day initiative supports the local, regional, and international efforts to conserve the environment and tackle the challenges brought forward by climate change. These serious challenges are threating the environment and public wellbeing. DEWA is proud of taking part in this initiative annually, which is aligned with the strategic aspirations of the wise leadership to enhance the public transport sector based on the best green practices. We are working to achieve our strategic goals, to further foster Dubai’s comprehensive development and environmental sustainability,” concluded Al Tayer.
It is expected that the eighth Car-Free Day will witness a huge turnout from public and private sectors organisations from education, retail, hospitality, and financial fields. They all will work together to achieve the environmental sustainability and encourage unified efforts to tackle the environmental challenges. Last year, Car Free Day witnessed the participation of over 1,000 public and private organisations. This significantly contributed to reducing the carbon footprint in Dubai.