UAE has introduced a very effective method to shift to CFL bulbs. They have targeted banning sale of inefficient bulbs in the UAE with effect from 1 July 2014. After July 1, all bulbs have to meet the new standard based on environment, safety and efficiency criteria. This is estimated to result in a huge saving of nearly 200 million US Dollars per year on energy bills. In turn this is expected to reduce carbon emissions  equivalent to removing 165,000 cars off the road per year.

The ban comes as part of an indoor lighting standard in the UAE, as per the announcement at a press conference on Monday in Abu Dhabi. The incandescent bulbs, nearly 63 million of them in use will have to be replaced by CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Lamps), Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) and halogens.

Although people and businesses have to invest on efficient lamps initially, it will benefit them in the long run. The investment on the new energy efficient bulbs is expected to be recovered in just 13 months through savings on energy bills.

The authorities also said that almost two thirds of the savings will be from users of inefficient bulbs while the remaining will be saved by the government through reduced subsidies. An average villa in Dubai is expected to save approximately USD 625 every year

"The new lighting standard will reduce the country's energy consumption by 340-500MW per year, which is equivalent to not using an average gas power station for six months," said Rashid Bin Fahd, Minister of Environment and Water.