Several Qatar institutions have made plans to go dark tonight in honor of Earth Hour, an annual global event that aims to raise awareness about climate change.

To participate, turn off all non-essential lights and other electrical appliances in your home between 8:30pm to 9:30pm tonight.

For those who are out and about, expect many hotels around town to be doing the same (see a list here). Restaurants in most of these buildings will still be open, but diners will eat by candlelight during Earth Hour.

The Pearl Qatar is also going dark, and holding environment-themed activities for children during the day.

Do you plan to take part? What are your recommendations on what to do during this hour? (Last year, we enjoyed watching the high-rise buildings power down from the Corniche).

Thoughts?

Credit: Photo courtesy of Ghazanfarulla Khan