The big switch to more efficient lighting is paying off for Dubai.
Transport chiefs say they cut harmful carbon emissions by 5,430 tonnes and saved 12 gigawatt hours in energy last year.
It comes after a pilot project to switch to LED lights, amending street lighting hours and switching off lighting in some areas at certain times contingent on security.
LEDs are 90 per cent more efficient; cost 90 per cent less to maintain and can lead to an 80 per cent reduction in harmful CO2 emissions.
Now the city's transport authority has decided to change all of the older high-intensity discharge lamps to new LEDs.
“The resultant power savings are expected to reach 22 gigawatt-hours in 2018 – almost double of that achieved in 2017," said Maitha bin Adai, chief executive of the RTA’s traffic and roads division.
"It is equally important to promote the positive environmental practices as it leads to a substantial change in environmental, economic and social attitudes.”
A gigawatt hour is one million kilowatt hours of electricity. According to regulators in the UK, that is enough to power about one million homes for the same period.
Similar measures are being taken in Abu Dhabi.
Last October, the municipality said it was replacing 42,632 older, inefficient lighting fixtures across the island with LEDs.
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Read more:
The big switch: Abu Dhabi's plan to convert old lights to LEDs
Dubai's super-efficient lamp to be mandatory on all new buildings
Seeing Abu Dhabi streets in a new light from next year
What is dialysis?
Dialysis is a way of cleaning your blood when your kidneys fail and can no longer do the job.
It gets rid of your body's wastes, extra salt and water, and helps to control your blood pressure. The main cause of kidney failure is diabetes and hypertension.
There are two kinds of dialysis — haemodialysis and peritoneal.
In haemodialysis, blood is pumped out of your body to an artificial kidney machine that filter your blood and returns it to your body by tubes.
In peritoneal dialysis, the inside lining of your own belly acts as a natural filter. Wastes are taken out by means of a cleansing fluid which is washed in and out of your belly in cycles.
It isn’t an option for everyone but if eligible, can be done at home by the patient or caregiver. This, as opposed to home haemodialysis, is covered by insurance in the UAE.
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Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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Sally Rooney, Faber & Faber
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
