Le Méridien Al Aqah and Emirates Diving Association join forces to make a difference

The event is sure to generate a great deal of interest with people from all across the region eager to do whatever they can to improve the condition of the beaches given the recent oil slicks which have affected the area.

"We look forward to welcoming the Emirates Diving Association members, family, friends and members of the public to the beaches of Al Aqah on Friday in support of this worthwhile campaign. As the coral reef continues to be degraded by an accumulation of stresses arising from human activities such as over-fishing, pollution, and coastal developments, the need for these types of events becomes even greater," commented Ibrahim Al-Zu'bi, Environmental Director, Emirates Diving Association.

The day's activities will commence at Le Méridien Al Aqah at 9am on Friday morning where the people taking part in the dive will register.

Following registration, the opening ceremony will take place informing everyone of the line-up of events. Non-divers, to include adults and children, can show their support on the day by taking part in marine-inspired games and activities.

Light lunch will then be served followed by the signing of the International Declaration of Reef Rights, which is a worldwide signature campaign to help protect the world's reefs.

A human formation on the beach will close the day's celebrations in the afternoon with people joining hands to outline the words "IYOR 2008" and "EARTH DAY 2008", declaring their unified stance on protecting the reefs. A special screening of the movie "An Inconvenient Truth", which highlights the subject of global warming and its effects, will be shown in the hotel's amphitheatre for resident guests that evening.

"This event is a true testament to Le Méridien Al Aqah's steadfast commitment to ensuring that the beaches of the East Coast remain in pristine condition, available for all to enjoy the whole year round. The day will not only involve essential beach conservation efforts but will go a long way in raising awareness about the importance of maintaining a clean and pollution-free beach which, in turn, leads to healthy coral reefs," said Patrick Antaki, General Manager, Le Méridien Al Aqah.

"As has been demonstrated by the various CSR programs and initiatives undertaken by the hotel is the past year, Le Méridien Al Aqah takes issues surrounding the environment very seriously and endeavours to work with the governing bodies concerned to make a lasting positive impact," added Antaki.