On their decision to collaborate with the Year of Sustainability, Al Sadeem Astronomy’s founder Thabet Al Qaissieh said, “The ancient duroor system is an important part of our heritage, and provides vital insight about our natural environment. Light pollution – signalled by blurry skies and an obstructed view of the stars – leads to reliance on artificial lighting. Excessive use of artificial lighting can disturb bird migration patterns and interfere with the natural day-night cycles of insects, affecting our biodiversity and ecosystems. It is therefore critical to preserve the environment’s natural rhythms, and this collaboration with the Year of Sustainability reflects a shared responsibility towards promoting sustainable values inherited from our ancestors."
Upcoming public events and activities by the Year of Sustainability include:
Duroor Nights: In collaboration with Sadeem Astronomy and Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology
Date and Time: Several iterations. Please refer to the UAE Year of website for the full schedule
FREE EVENT. Prior registration required.
Combining the ancient Duroor system with modern celestial exploration, participants will gather together on a moonless night – a key requirement to observe the stars and planets and experience the Cosmic Cube. They will engage in astrophotography, expert talks and an observatory tour, linking deep-rooted sustainable traditions from the UAE’s culture to modern sustainability practices.
The Duroor activation will have two editions; an indoor session organised by AlSadeem in Abu Dhabi, and an outdoor desert-camping session organised by Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology.
From Farm to Haseer
Date: Saturday, November 9, 2024
Time: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: The Organic Farm Resort, Abu Dhabi
FREE EVENT. Prior registration required
An immersive, hands-on experience centred on sustainability through local farming and traditional crafts. With one of the Year of Sustainability’s key focus areas this year being planting wisely, participants will engage in a variety of activities, including farm tours, interactive workshops, butter-making and cooking with locally-sourced ingredients, planting herbs and community discussions. These experiences, set on a local farm in Suwihan, are all designed to foster a deeper connection with nature and promote sustainable practices.
Mangrove Champions
Date and Time: Several iterations. Please refer to the UAE Year of website for the full schedule
FREE EVENT. Prior registration required
Families and individuals - age group: 6+
In line with the UAE’s efforts to preserve its biodiversity and promote conservation efforts of the local flora and fauna, the Year of Sustainability is hosting a series of mangrove planting and cleanup events across the UAE. Mangrove habitats play a key role in reducing carbon emissions and in protecting coastlines from erosion and extreme disasters such as flooding. ‘Mangrove Champions’ unites the community towards the shared goal of protecting our habitat while promoting sustainability through simple, impactful actions.
Individuals and families are invited to come together, care for shared natural spaces, and ensure the long-term health of the mangroves, continuing the legacy of environmental stewardship.
For a detailed schedule of activities and to sign up, visit https://uaeyearof.ae/en/events-and-activations
