The Rahma Run to support fight against cancer during the Year of Zayed
- Dr. Khaled Al Suwaidi to be the first Emirati to run from the UAE’s East coast to West coast
- Initiative developed in honour of the Year of Zayed to raise funds for Cancer Patient Care Society – Rahma
- Two-kilometre run held today at Zayed Port supported by Abu Dhabi Ports employees
United Arab Emirates - In honour of the Year of Zayed, Abu Dhabi Ports announced today its support of Rahma through an inspiring 327km ultramarathon across three major ports in Abu Dhabi. Dr. Khaled Al Suwaidi’s run will start on 3 February from Fujairah Terminal, pass through Khalifa Port and end at Zayed Port.
During a press conference that was held today, Abu Dhabi Ports was announced as the first organisation to support The Rahma Run as both the Presenting Partner, in addition to raising funds for Rahma. The Rahma Run will also be supported by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Abu Dhabi Police, NMC Healthcare, Reviv, Agthia and Cryo Abu Dhabi.
In addition, Abu Dhabi Ports employees joined Dr. Al Suwaidi today in a 2km ‘Fun Run’, ahead of the press conference to show their support for the cause.
Captain Mohammed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports, commented: “Abu Dhabi Ports has actively sought opportunities to give back to the community since its inception in 2006. Where we have supported various activities, especially in the healthcare and education domains, stemming from the belief that such support will help fuel the socio-economic development of the country whilst bringing about tremendous benefits to the community.”
Dr. Al Suwaidi highlighted: “I would like to thank Abu Dhabi Ports and their CEO, Captain Al Shamisi, for their expertise, support and help with planning The Rahma Run. The run is important for many reasons. I made a commitment to changing my lifestyle for the sake of both myself and my family after being diagnosed as pre-diabetic and weighing 125kg three years ago. In the UAE, we all need to consider our own health and the role of both regular exercise and good nutrition.”
Commenting on their partnership, His Excellency, Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, congratulated Dr. Khaled Al Suwaidi for setting up this challenge: “Khaled’s run can help inspire more Emiratis to live healthier lives. We are delighted to support this unique sporting challenge and are supporting the planning of The Rahma Run. We wish Khaled every success.”
Her Excellency Nora Jamal Al Suwaidi, Director General of the Cancer Patient Care Society, added: “Rahma aims to offer care, services and information to help cancer patients receive treatment and information about cancer, while educating the community regarding the types, causes and prevention of cancer. We would like to thank Abu Dhabi Ports becoming the first company to make a contribution in support of Khaled’s run. We hope that others will follow their leadership.”
Prasanth Manghat, CEO and Executive Director. NMC Healthcare., Abu Dhabi, also commented saying: “Cancer is a significant medical and social concern in the UAE and in the broader Middle East. Early detection and prevention of the disease is key. Our very own integrated oncology centre, NMC Vinoda, was named after the sister of Dr. B R Shetty, Founder & Chairman of NMC Health, who lost her battle to cancer. Raising awareness on how to prevent this disease is personal to NMC and we will continue to support Rahma Cancer Patient Care Society in this fight.”
Lee Harris, a specialist ultramarathon coach, has overseen Dr. Al Suwaidi’s training since November, including training camps in both Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain and Al Wathba, commented saying: “Khaled has done a lot of hard training. He will face new challenges in the run itself but he is well prepared. Khaled has a really strong mindset, which is important for any ultramarathon runner.”
Dr. Al Suwaidi will be accompanied by his coach, a physiotherapist, a paramedic and chef, who will travel in an RV on the 327km route supported by two safety cars. Khaled is attempting to run over seven back to back marathons.
Through a number of Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, Abu Dhabi Ports last year had an extensive calendar of community engagement initiatives involving both local and international partners. Most notably, during the Holy Month of Ramadan, Abu Dhabi Ports partnered with Emirates Red Crescent to provide meals to surrounding port communities at tents located at Zayed and Khalifa Ports. In parallel, meals were also distributed in the Port of Kamsar in the Port of Guinea, an international port operated by Abu Dhabi Ports.
Furthermore, and in line with the Year of Giving, a 550-square metre warehouse in Zayed Port, dubbed the “Warehouse of Giving”, was donated to Emirates Red Crescent. The new space is currently being used to store donated furniture after revamping and repackaging it. The Emirates Red Crescent expects to provide furniture to more than 1,000 families in need across the UAE. Warehouse rentals of the same size average about AED 180.000 annually. Abu Dhabi Ports also waived all marine services and storage charges for all humanitarian vessels and cargo calling shipped through its ports for the Red Crescent and the Ministry of Presidential Affairs (MOPA). Abu Dhabi Ports also supports “Enable Foundation”, which trains and employs more than 30 Emirati nationals with mild mental disabilities in commercial and agricultural institutions, as well as helping them launch their own commercial projects.
