Sunday, Dec 01, 2013
Dubai: A giant inflatable duck was set afloat on Dubai Creek on Sunday to raise awareness about saving water.
The 18-metre-tall inflatable — an enormous version of the classic “rubber duck” — was launched by UAE mobile car wash company GeoWash.
Onlookers, on shore and in boats, took pictures as the giant duck floated past. It was set afloat from a platform near Dubai Municipality.
The air-filled duck is part of GeoWash’s conservation campaign, but its Sunday launch was also meant to celebrate UAE National Day and the country’s recent winning bid to host Expo 2020.
Using ropes, boats will guide the duck through the waters.
For the next two months, it will tour “surprise locations” elsewhere in the UAE, docking occasionally where GeoWash staff will distribute handouts and tips on responsible water use.
In the UAE, the average individual water use rate is 500 litres per day, compared with the international rate of 170-300 litres, according to a federal utilities company.
GeoWash CEO Abdullah Al Shehi said: “The gigantic duck, which has been globally accepted as a symbol of joy and happiness, is something new in Dubai.
“As UAE residents enjoy the arrival of the duck, we would also like to remind them of the importance of water conservation. As an environment-friendly car washing company, saving water is a concept we live by.”
GeoWash will be giving away prizes for the best pictures of the duck tweeted by UAE residents with the hashtag #UAE_GiantDuck.
Al Shehi said the Geowash-promoted duck was UAE-based, and “not connected at all” to the more famous Rubber Duck by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman, which has toured various cities around the world.
Dubai resident Naushad Hashemi, 32, believes the giant duck will raise awareness.
“People will see it and talk about it, the message behind it. There will be lots of pictures and comments on social media. I think it’s a new idea and nice way of getting the word out there,” Hashemi said.
By Faisal Masudi Staff Reporter
Gulf News 2013. All rights reserved.
