Dubai, Jan 8 (IANS/WAM) A government-owned oil company in Dubai has launched the first ever eco-friendly service station in the Middle-east.

The Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) opened the "green" service station in the Emirates Hills neighbourhood in Dubai.

The eco-friendly service station has a range of unique features aimed at reducing the ecological footprint of the users.

The station boasts of advanced technological devices to contain petrol fumes released at the pump, and a variety of other state-of-the-art systems, including solar-powered lighting, a "waterless" car-washing system and new waste disposal systems.

Saeed Abdullah Khoory, ENOC's chief executive officer, said: "With the opening of the station, we are setting a trend not only in the UAE but also across the Middle East. We are encouraging Dubai residents to reduce their environmental footprints by using the green services we provide."

The station generates half of its energy requirements from renewable sources. The site uses solar powered lights with a longer life span. These lamps do not need to be replaced for up to 12 years.

New features have also been installed to cut water consumption. The service station recycles car-wash water and also provides customers the option to use a waterless car wash system, which cleans car without using a single drop of water.

The waterless car wash concept uses an eco-friendly liquid made from natural ingredients. The product does not contain petroleum distillates, silicone, abrasives, harmful chemicals or detergents that pollute water.

The service station also reduces noise, through an integrated sound barrier on the compound wall. In addition, it also uses biodegradable plastic bags.