Supporting the global drive for the preservation and responsible consumption of the world's natural resources, Nawras, Oman's customer friendly service provider, will participate in Earth Hour 2012 on 31 March for the third consecutive year.

As part of its corporate social responsibility platform and in solidarity with the global event, the Nawras Campus and multimedia contact centre as well as all 26 stores across the country, will switch off their lights along with non-essential electrical appliances between 8.30 pm and 9.30 pm. 

Nawras will continue to care for its more than two million valued customers during Earth Hour by delivering its usual great value, excellent quality and pleasingly different service. 

Reflecting on the largest environmental event in history, which unites hundreds of millions of people across 135 countries and territories, Mutassim Hamood Al-Zadjali, Nawras Head of Corporate Affairs, said, "We live in a globalised community and our every action invariably has an impact on the lives of other people and the environment. In keeping with this belief, we constantly strive to contribute to protecting the planet for future generations and encourage Nawras family members, customers and partners to adopt lasting actions for sustainable living."

As a responsible corporate citizen and member of Environment Society of Oman (ESO), Nawras has undertaken a number of 'green' initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint. 

E-bills are becoming increasingly popular amongst customers with around 25% of Nawras Ajel (postpaid) customers moving away from paper bills thereby significantly reducing paper consumption.

Customers are also encouraged to use e-recharge through 75 convenient self-service machines located across the Sultanate. Mobile to mobile credit transfer is another way to avoid the use of plastic recharge cards.

"With the global and the region's energy needs growing significantly, every step we take towards working with the community to promote responsible energy consumption is helpful. Nawras aims to lead by example as a caring Omani company that is committed to protecting the nation's beautiful natural surroundings," added Al-Zadjali. 

A Qtel Group company, Nawras is in the process of reducing electricity consumption at base stations by using specialised outdoor equipment wherever feasible. Designed to withstand high temperatures, the equipment does not require air conditioning to function therefore offers considerable energy savings.a