Dubai to go car free for one day

Dubai’s car-loving commuters are being urged to leave the wheels in the drive and arrive at work via public transport today.

Dubai Municipality are urging car-users to take a day off as part of its seventh annual event to help reduce fuel consumption and reduce air pollution.

It is hoped a record 1,000 organisations will take part this year.

Dubai Municipality director general Hussein Lootah said: “We now have the huge responsibility to take this initiative further in all ways possible to achieve the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashidto be the most sustainable in all areas of our society,”

The car-free campaign started back in 2010, and saw only 1,000 vehicles left at home.

However, the initiative has since grown, with over 300 organisations and 30,000 cars taking part last year. And 2016 is expected to be bigger, with over 1,000 organisations having pledged to take part alongside members of the public. Overall, the car-free days so far have saved over 147,000 litres of fuel.