In Dubai, the winner of the eco-initiatives contest was presented with an electric car.
Muhammad Hassan Ahmad Al-Fardan paid particular attention to environmental initiatives in his housing, which helped reduce utility bills. Last Sunday, the Dubai authorities presented him with an electric car as a reward for his efforts.
Al-Fardan, a consultant to the Dubai municipality, received the first prize for the Ideal Home initiative from the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). In his home, he replaced all the light bulbs with LEDs, installed an automatic irrigation system, provided adequate ventilation and made other changes aimed at improving environmental sustainability and energy efficiency.
Nine other winners were also awarded at a ceremony held by Dewa in collaboration with nine government agencies in Dubai.
Saeed Muhammad Al Thayer, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Dewa, personally celebrated the winners. He was joined by Major General Muhammad Ahmad Al Merri, Director General of the General Directorate for Residents and Foreign Affairs; Khalifa Hassan Al Dry, Director General of Dubai Emergency Corporation; Ahmad Abdul Karim Julfar, Director General of the Office of Community Development (CDA), and other senior government officials.
Al Thayer said the Ideal Home Initiative aims to raise awareness among residents about the best housing practices.
"This is done by creating a culture of reasonable consumption of electricity and water to help protect the environment, improve air quality, take measures in the field of health and safety, participate in voluntary and social work, comply with the law, register with smart services," said Al Thayer.
About 200 homes took part in the Ideal Home program this time. Of these, 60 were shortlisted based on criteria set by partners. Government agencies conducted a total of 180 field visits, with an average of three visits per house.
Al-Fardana Villa has received a 100 percent rating from Dubai Police, ambulances and several other services.
The winner of the second place received a cash prize of 20 thousand dirhams ($ US5.4 thousand), and the third - 15 thousand dirhams ($ US 4 thousand).
Winners from 4th to 10th place received cash prizes of 10 thousand dirhams ($ US 2.7 thousand) each. In addition, solar panels will be installed on the roofs of all ten winners as an incentive.
