Dubai Car Free Day cuts CO2 emissions

On Car Free Day in Dubai, many dignitaries used public transport rather than their own cars. Courtesy Dubai Municipality

DUBAI // Government officials on Sunday joined many in the private sector leaving their vehicles at home for the emirate’s eighth Car Free Day.

For the event, organised by Dubai Municipality, people opted for public transport and in turn helped to reduce their impact on the environment. An estimated 60,000 people were expected to take part in the event.

“Each vehicle, with a full tank of 15 gallons, emits nearly 140 kilograms of carbon dioxide, taking annual emissions to four tonnes, contributing to global warming,” said Hussain Nasser Lootah, director general of Dubai Municipality. “The campaign will contribute in achieving our objectives of UAE National Agenda 2021 in preserving air quality and reducing carbon footprint,” he said.

Mr Lootah travelled from Etisalat Metro Station to Union Metro Station to inaugurate Car Free Day. There he was joined by senior officials from Dubai Police, General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services and Dubai Health Authority.

This year the initiative is linked to the Year of Giving by having specialists in the municipality calculate the carbon footprint and convert it into cash to donate to charity in line with the initiative.

“From two organisations during first Car Free Day, the participation had grown to 1,070 last year,” said Khalid Sharif, assistant director general for Environment, Health and Safety Control. “This year, we expect it to increase significantly as we have received about 2,500 registrations for the eco event.”