Environment & Energy | Sunday 29 March, 2015 11:16 am |

By spending an hour in the dark on Saturday 28th March, 2015, Villa Rotana, Rihab Rotana and Rimal Rotana reconfirmed their commitment to their eco-friendly credentials and joined millions of supporters across different countries around the globe in reinforcing their commitment to energy conservation, protection of natural resources and fight against climate change. The participation signifies collective efforts of the 3 hotels in establishing sustainable actions that can create positive impact on the planet.

The global environmental awareness event created in coordination with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) took place on Saturday, 28th March 2015 from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm. All the 3 hotels switched off non-essential lights, also dimed the lights in public areas, restaurants and the hotel exteriors. Guests were encouraged to turn off the lights in the rooms and also invited to join the team and enjoy an hour at the lobby of the hotel.

To make a difference and to instill the element of fun, Villa, Rihab and Rimal Rotana also organized a fun activity that involved colleagues and guests. By conducting a tongue twister challenge, the 3 hotels raised fund to support the Earth Hour organization. A colleague initiated the challenge, and nominated another person to do the challenge. For every challenge there was a minimum amount of AED 5 or more donated and the total amount that was collected was sent to the Earth Hour organization through Emirates Wildlife Society. The fun did not end there; a colleague/guest who said the tongue twister correctly 5 continuous times with the shortest time span received AED 200 worth of shopping voucher.

Mr. Kinan AL Ghraoui, General Manager, Villa, Rihab and Rimal Rotana said: “We believe that by taking little steps like turning off lights will have a huge positive result. Earth Hour also reflects a philosophy we try to practice year-round: The small steps each of us takes can make a big difference together.”

He also added that, “Villa Rotana, Rihab Rotana, and Rimal Rotana will remain devoted and committed in pursuing initiatives that alleviate the effects of climate change, not only through Earth Hour but also through other environmental CSR activities like: tree planting, green project implementation, and use of recycled products.”

Some of the world’s most famous man-made marvels and natural wonders, including Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, China’s Forbidden City, Eiffel Tower, Table Mountain, Great Pyramids of Egypt, Buckingham Palace, Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer statue, Niagara and Victoria Falls, Empire State Building, Sydney Opera House and many more global icons stood in darkness as a powerful symbol of landmark environmental action.