Dubai car-free day: Top bosses use Metro; 9,000 to keep cars at home

As part of its initiative to encourage Dubai residents to put their green footprint forward, the Dubai Municipality is encouraging everyone to go car-free on Wednesday. Directors of various Dubai government departments set the example by taking the Dubai Metro to work this morning. Talking to Emirates24|7, Mohamed Al Noori, Director of  Corporate Marketing and Relations Department said on Tuesday evening, “We are expecting the numbers to touch 9,000, and with the online registration at 4,000, we are confident that the numbers will go up in the next few hours.” The civic body also announced that they will reward 100 residents who register for the day-long initiative on their official website –  with sports cycles. He added that the number of government and private organisations joining in the endeavor had gone up to 65, by Tuesday evening. “We’ve got a tremendous response this year. The number of participants and companies taking part have gone up impressively.” Noori claimed that initiative will change the lives of many. “It will introduce a new way to the people. It will show that their lonely drives can be different. It will be a wonderful experience to meet new people.” Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director General of Dubai Municipality, along with top officials of major government organisations took a ride the Metro from etisalat station at 7.30am and reached Union station at 7.45am. The huge exhibition on green initiatives, eco-friendly equipments at the car park in Dubai Municipality headquarters will also be inaugurated on Wednesday morning. At 8am, a group of around 100 civic body workers will start their journey on cycle from Deira City Centre to the Dubai Municipality building. Emirates 24/7