Dubai is set to observe its 9th Car Free Day on February 4, 2018, in a bid to reduce the carbon footprint of the emirate. The government, traffic authorities and municipal bodies have been focused on improving the air quality in the emirate and Car Free Day is one of the most significant initiatives taken in Dubai to reduce CO2 emissions caused by combustion engine vehicles. Authorities in Dubai have now welcomed other emirates to participate in this initiative and have urged motorists to only use public transport for commuting on the Car Free Day.
What Makes the “Car Free Day” Extremely Significant in Dubai?
Dubai has the highest resident to car ratio (2:1) in the world, which causes many traffic problems and air pollution in the emirate. The carbon footprint of Dubai is the highest amongst all the emirates of the UAE, hence the Car Free Day is extremely significant for Dubai.
According to an estimate, the use of nearly 60,000 private vehicles was halted on the Car Free Day last year, which resulted in a reduction of 174 tonnes of carbon emissions. To put things into perspective, it will take 1,218 trees to counter the harmful effects of CO2 emission caused by the 60,000 private vehicle.
The Car Free Day initiative is an important step in developing an understanding amongst the general public to make it a habit to minimize the unnecessary use of their combustion engine vehicles by using public transport more often.
كونوا جزءاً من الحدث وشاركوا معنا في مسابقة #يوم_بلا_مركبات! pic.twitter.com/ApsP7U4Pq0
— بلدية دبي (@DMunicipality) January 29, 2018
Also read: Guidelines Issued on Car Decorations for the UAE National Day Celebrations
Historical Background of the Car Free Day
Car Free Day is being observed in Dubai since 2010 and the ninth edition of this important event is expected to be more successful than ever as other emirates of the UAE will also join Dubai on this year’s Car Free Day. This initiative was taken by Dubai Municipality and it has proved to be a bigger success with each passing year.
Every new edition of this event has attracted more people who limited the use of their private vehicles on the annual Car Free Day. The whole idea behind the Car Free Day is to make people aware of the importance of using public transport and limiting the use of their private vehicles in order to reduce CO2 emissions.
The ultimate aim of the Car Free Day initiative is to expand it to all emirates of the UAE so that a mutual environment-friendly narrative can be explained to a bigger audience. In the spirit of the Car Free Day, the residents of the UAE avoid any unnecessary use of their private vehicles and select public transport for commuting instead.
Participate with us in #DubaiCarFreeDay on February 4 & be part of the huge initiative! pic.twitter.com/blNMondTJS
— بلدية دبي (@DMunicipality) January 30, 2018
Other Ways to Reduce Carbon Footprint of the Country
Driving a conventional combustion engine vehicle is not an eco-friendly choice at all. According to the Director General of Dubai Municipality, Hussain Lootah, a combustion engine vehicle with a fuel tank size of 15 gallons emits almost 140kg of carbon dioxide that makes for annual carbon emissions of 4 tonnes. These are staggering figures, which emphasize on the fact that combustion engine vehicles are a major reason behind global warming today.
Moreover, the surging fuel costs in the UAE and across the world also raise a need for reduced dependence on conventional fuel. Switching over to fuel-efficient and environment-friendly commuting options such as Hybrids and Electric Vehicles (EVs) is an ideal way to deal with the environmental hazards of combustion engine vehicles and to reduce the need for conventional fuel. While hybrid vehicles are still equipped with a combustion engine as a secondary source to generate power, EVs don’t need a combustion engine at all. Electric vehicles ensure zero emissions and hence are an eco-friendly alternative to conventional vehicles.
The true essence of the Car Free Day lies in adopting every possible practice to reduce carbon emissions caused by combustion engine vehicles. You can play your part and help authorities in improving air quality in the UAE by upgrading your existing combustion engine vehicle to an EV.
There is a Green Point System in Dubai that awards green points to motorists by calculating the carbon emissions caused by their vehicles. Motorists who use public transport more often or own a hybrid or EV are entitled to claim more green points than others. These green points can be redeemed for some exciting gifts and prizes according to the terms and conditions of this system.
Also read: RTA Dubai App Updated to Calculate Carbon Emissions and Transport Cost
Best Hybrid and Electric Vehicles to Lookout for in 2018
If the Car Free Day inspires you to upgrade your vehicle to an EV now or anytime soon in 2018, you will certainly not be short of choices. The year 2018 is off to an excellent start with some exciting debuts and revealing of cars at the recently concluded Detroit Auto Show.
Besides the conventional combustion engine vehicles, a number of new hybrid and electric cars also made their way to the grand stage in Detroit. Many new eco-friendly vehicles will be launched later this year that will give car enthusiasts a variety of options to choose from while upgrading their vehicle to a hybrid or an EV.
Here is the list of some of the most outstanding eco-friendly vehicles to look out for in 2018:
- Hyundai Ioniq
- Toyota Camry Hybrid
- Chevrolet Bolt EV
- Toyota Mirai
- BMW i8 Roadster
- Audi E-tron Quattro
- Toyota Supra
- Jaguar I-Pace
There is a lot more coming your way if you are an electric car enthusiast as the car market of the UAE awaits the launch of many new eco-friendly vehicles, such as the acclaimed Nissan Leaf and many others.
Bottom-line
The Car Free Day in Dubai reminds motorists of the importance of preserving the environment from carbon emissions. With maximum motorists upgrading their existing combustion engine vehicle to an EV, the carbon footprint of the country can be reduced to a bare minimum. The drive to switch from conventional cars to EVs is also well-supported by the UAE Government as incentives are being offered to electric car buyers and owners in the country to increase the sales of electric vehicles.
The Car Free Day will be observed on February 4, 2018, and it is an ideal time for motorists to play their individual part in reducing the carbon footprint of the country by limiting their use of private vehicle.
If you are planning to upgrade your vehicle to an electric vehicle, then don’t forget that with us, you can sell your used car in just 30 minutes while all the post-sale paperwork is handled by SellAnyCar.com’s team.
Image Courtesy: Dubai Municipality
