• Activists stand in front of the Brandenburg Gate, a moment prior the switch off of the illumination, to mark Earth Hour in Berlin, Germany, 23 March 2024. Earth Hour takes place worldwide at 8. 30 p. m. local time and is a global call to cut emissions by switching off lights for 60 minutes to raise awareness of the fight against global climatic change. The signs read 'protect climate' (L) and 'strengthen democracy'. EPA / HANNIBAL HANSCHKE
    Activists stand in front of the Brandenburg Gate, a moment prior the switch off of the illumination, to mark Earth Hour in Berlin, Germany, 23 March 2024. Earth Hour takes place worldwide at 8. 30 p. m. local time and is a global call to cut emissions by switching off lights for 60 minutes to raise awareness of the fight against global climatic change. The signs read 'protect climate' (L) and 'strengthen democracy'. EPA / HANNIBAL HANSCHKE
  • Museum of the Future in Dubai goes lights off during Earth Hour. Leslie Pableo for The National
    Museum of the Future in Dubai goes lights off during Earth Hour. Leslie Pableo for The National
  • Acropolis hill with floodlights switched off during 'Earth Hour' in Athens, Greece. EPA
    Acropolis hill with floodlights switched off during 'Earth Hour' in Athens, Greece. EPA
  • A view of the Sydney Opera House after lights were switched off. Reuters
    A view of the Sydney Opera House after lights were switched off. Reuters
  • Paris' Eiffel Tower with the lights off during the Earth Hour environmental campaign. AFP
    Paris' Eiffel Tower with the lights off during the Earth Hour environmental campaign. AFP
  • The Puente de la Mujer bridge is pictured with its lights turned off during the Earth Hour environmental campaign at Puerto Madero neighborhood in Buenos Aires. AFP
    The Puente de la Mujer bridge is pictured with its lights turned off during the Earth Hour environmental campaign at Puerto Madero neighborhood in Buenos Aires. AFP
  • A view shows St Alexander Nevsky cathedral as the lights are being turned off for Earth Hour, in Sofia, Bulgaria. Reuters
    A view shows St Alexander Nevsky cathedral as the lights are being turned off for Earth Hour, in Sofia, Bulgaria. Reuters
  • A drone view shows the ruins of the ancient Parthenon temple atop the Acropolis hill with the lights turned off during Earth Hour, in Athens, Greece. Reuters
    A drone view shows the ruins of the ancient Parthenon temple atop the Acropolis hill with the lights turned off during Earth Hour, in Athens, Greece. Reuters
  • A large advertising screen in Piccadilly Circus is turned off to mark Earth Hour, London, Britain. Reuters
    A large advertising screen in Piccadilly Circus is turned off to mark Earth Hour, London, Britain. Reuters
  • The Palace of Culture in Warsaw switched off to mark the Earth Hour environmental campaign organized by the World Wild Fund for Nature . AFP
    The Palace of Culture in Warsaw switched off to mark the Earth Hour environmental campaign organized by the World Wild Fund for Nature . AFP
  • The Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, next to the Hohenzollern railway bridge across the river Rhine, is partly illuminated during Earth Hour in Cologne, Germany, March 23, 2024. REUTERS / Jana Rodenbusch
    The Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, next to the Hohenzollern railway bridge across the river Rhine, is partly illuminated during Earth Hour in Cologne, Germany, March 23, 2024. REUTERS / Jana Rodenbusch
  • Lights at the Colosseum are switched off for the Earth Hour environmental campaign in Rome, Italy. EPA
    Lights at the Colosseum are switched off for the Earth Hour environmental campaign in Rome, Italy. EPA
  • A general view of Azadi (Freedom) tower after its light is switched off during the world Earth Hour in Tehran, Iran. EPA
    A general view of Azadi (Freedom) tower after its light is switched off during the world Earth Hour in Tehran, Iran. EPA
  • The Telangana State Secretariat building is pictured with its lights switched off during the Earth Hour environmental campaign in Hyderabad. AFP
    The Telangana State Secretariat building is pictured with its lights switched off during the Earth Hour environmental campaign in Hyderabad. AFP
  • The Prambanan Temple, one of the largest Hindu temples in Southeast Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is pictured with its lights off during the Earth Hour environmental campaign in Yogyakarta. AFP
    The Prambanan Temple, one of the largest Hindu temples in Southeast Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is pictured with its lights off during the Earth Hour environmental campaign in Yogyakarta. AFP
  • A man walks past the Phoenix Center after its lights are turned off for the Earth Hour environmental campaign in Beijing. AFP
    A man walks past the Phoenix Center after its lights are turned off for the Earth Hour environmental campaign in Beijing. AFP
  • The shadows of people are casted on a wall with the message 'Give an Hour for Earth' at a gathering to mark the Earth Hour environmental campaign in Manila. AFP
    The shadows of people are casted on a wall with the message 'Give an Hour for Earth' at a gathering to mark the Earth Hour environmental campaign in Manila. AFP
  • The landmark building Taipei 101 is seen with its lights switched off to mark the Earth Hour environmental campaign in Taipei. AFP
    The landmark building Taipei 101 is seen with its lights switched off to mark the Earth Hour environmental campaign in Taipei. AFP
  • Malaysia's landmark Petronas Twin Towers (L) and KL Tower (R) are illuminated before their lights are turned off to mark the Earth Hour environmental campaign in Kuala Lumpur. AFP
    Malaysia's landmark Petronas Twin Towers (L) and KL Tower (R) are illuminated before their lights are turned off to mark the Earth Hour environmental campaign in Kuala Lumpur. AFP

World's best-known landmarks power down for Earth Hour


  • English
  • Arabic

Landmarks across the world went dark on Saturday to mark this year's Earth Hour.

Buildings including Big Ben, the Eiffel Tower, the Sydney Opera House and the Colosseum in Rome switched off their lights for the global event.

In the UAE, Dubai's Museum of the Future and the Burj Khalifa also joined in the day of environmental action.

Earth Hour, spearheaded by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), urges supporters to symbolically switch off and 'give an hour for Earth’, spending 60 minutes doing something positive for our planet

These activities include turning off their lights for one hour, signing a petition, sharing energy saving tips or supporting wildlife.

WWF said that last year saw the biggest Earth Hour since its launch in 2007, with more than 410,000 hours given to the planet by supporters in 190 countries and territories

António Guterres, the Secretary General of the UN, on Friday asked for people around the world to participate.

“On Earth Hour, millions of people around the world switch off the lights to shine a light on the plight of our planet,” he said in a video message.

“This year, I invite you to be one of them. The need is urgent,” Mr Guterres stressed.

He pointed out that global climate is collapsing, as last year was the hottest ever.

CREW
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ERajesh%20A%20Krishnan%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ETabu%2C%20Kareena%20Kapoor%20Khan%2C%20Kriti%20Sanon%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Explainer: Tanween Design Programme

Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.

The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.

It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.

The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.

Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”

Dubai Bling season three

Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed 

Rating: 1/5

Classification of skills

A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation. 

A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.

The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000. 

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

if you go

The flights

Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes. 

The hotels

Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes. 

When to visit

March-May and September-November

Visas

Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.

GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

Skoda Superb Specs

Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol

Power: 190hp

Torque: 320Nm

Price: From Dh147,000

Available: Now

Where to donate in the UAE

The Emirates Charity Portal

You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.

The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments

The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.

Al Noor Special Needs Centre

You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.

Beit Al Khair Society

Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.

Dar Al Ber Society

Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.

Dubai Cares

Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.

Emirates Airline Foundation

Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.

Emirates Red Crescent

On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.

Gulf for Good

Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.

Noor Dubai Foundation

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).

Dust and sand storms compared

Sand storm

  • Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
  • Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
  • Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
  • Travel distance: Limited 
  • Source: Open desert areas with strong winds

Dust storm

  • Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
  • Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
  • Duration: Can linger for days
  • Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
  • Source: Can be carried from distant regions
Paatal Lok season two

Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy 

Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong

Rating: 4.5/5

COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EQureos%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EUAE%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ELaunch%20year%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2021%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E33%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESoftware%20and%20technology%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%243%20million%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Updated: March 24, 2024, 9:05 AM