The Car Free Day is observed every year in the UAE with an aim to increase awareness about limiting the use of combustion engine vehicles. The 10th edition of the Car Free Day will be observed in the UAE on February 24, 2019 and motorists have been urged to use bikes, public transport or walk to their offices if possible to contribute towards reducing carbon emissions on the Car Free Day.
The resident to car ratio in Dubai and Abu Dhabi is highest in the world, which has not only increased traffic problems of these two emirates, but also affected the environment considerably. Through Car Free Day, authorities have planned to promote awareness amongst motorists about the positive impact of limiting the use of private vehicles on the environment.
Car Free Day was previously observed in Dubai only, however, authorities decided to expand the scope of this eco-friendly initiative to other emirates in 2018. It proved to be a huge success as thousands of people used public transport and abandoned the use of their private vehicles on last year’s Car Free Day.
Not just a day, every day! Be a part of this event. Stay tuned!#UAECarFreeDay pic.twitter.com/fgojkbvfDs
— بلدية دبي | Dubai Municipality (@DMunicipality) February 17, 2019
Historical Background of the Car Free Day
The Car Free Day is fundamentally an initiative taken by Dubai Municipality and it was initially observed in Dubai only. For the first time in 2018, the Car Free Day was observed in other emirates, thanks to a collaboration between Dubai Municipality and other local and federal departments. The upcoming Car Free Day will be the 10th edition of this highly anticipated environment protection event that helps in urging more people to use public transport and eco-friendly commuting options.
Car Free Day has been observed in Dubai since 2010 and has proved to be a successful event year after year. It is expected that thousands of tonnes of CO2 emissions will be reduced on the upcoming Car Free Day as a large number of people are expected to participate in the event from all over the UAE. The main purpose behind observing the Car Free Day is to build an understanding amongst people about the importance of using public transport and reducing the use of their private vehicles in order to reduce CO2 emissions.
Come join our road show at the Global Village. Enjoy our game & register your participation.
We are waiting for you.#UAECarFreeDay pic.twitter.com/rXndGJY7A6— بلدية دبي | Dubai Municipality (@DMunicipality) February 19, 2019
Understanding the Importance of Car Free Day
According to authorities, the Car Free Day is not just a one-day event as the basic purpose behind observing this day is to build understanding amongst residents of the UAE about the use of public transport and eco-friendly commuting options.
Car Free Day Promotes Awareness about Benefits of Using Public Transport
The public transport system of the UAE is one of the safest and most advanced in the world, which makes commuting a stress-free experience. It is ideal for motorists to use public transport more often as it can be helpful in reducing their fuel expense. Fuel prices have been fluctuating in the UAE for over three years, which has made it extremely difficult for motorists to manage a steady monthly fuel budget. In this scenario, limiting the use of private vehicles and opting for public transport can make life a lot easier for motorists on a tight budget.
The use of public transport can also help in reducing traffic congestions across the country. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have the highest resident to car ratio in the world, which is one of the major reasons behind frustrating traffic jams recorded in these two emirates. According to a research, motorists in Dubai spent nine working days stuck in traffic during 2018. On the other hand, Abu Dhabi motorists had a better year as they spent 50 hours of 2018 stuck in traffic jams. These numbers can improve significantly if motorists limit the use of their private vehicles and use public transport frequently.
Car Free Day Promotes Use of Eco-friendly Vehicles that can help in reducing carbon emissions
Combustion engine vehicles cause harmful CO2 emissions, which can deteriorate the natural environment badly. Authorities across the UAE have been urging motorists to shift from their combustion engine vehicles to the more eco-friendly options such as hybrids and Electric Vehicles (EVs). The carbon emissions can be reduced significantly and air quality of the UAE can improve quickly with more people switching from their combustion engine vehicles to hybrids and EVs.
Best Hybrid and Electric Vehicles to Lookout for in 2019
If the Car Free Day inspires you to upgrade your combustion engine vehicle to a hybrid or an EV, there are many options that you can choose from. Several new hybrid and electric vehicles across various vehicle segments have been launched at the recently concluded Detroit Auto Show while many new eco-friendly vehicles will be launched later this year.
Here is the list of some of the most outstanding eco-friendly vehicles to lookout for in 2019:
- Tesla Model 3
- Mini E
- Volvo XC40 Electric
- Porsche Mission E
- Mercedes-Benz Generation EQ
- Audi E-tron Sportback
- Aston Martin RapidE
- Jaguar XJ
The UAE government offers several benefits and incentives to electric car owners and buyers in a bid to promote the sales of EVs. These benefits include availability of free charging stations for EVs and discounts offers on purchasing EVs amongst several other benefits.
Bottom-line
The carbon footprint of the UAE is increasing by the day because of the increasing number of combustion engine vehicles, which has affected the air quality of the country considerably. Authorities are making their best efforts to protect environment and it is now the responsibility of the residents to recognize the importance of their contribution towards improving the air quality of the UAE by limiting the use of their combustion engine vehicles.
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