Rahma Run to support fight against cancer during Year of Zayed

In honour of the Year of Zayed, Abu Dhabi Ports on Wednesday announced its support to Rahma through an inspiring 327 km ultramarathon across three major ports in Abu Dhabi.

The run will start on 3rd February from Fujairah Terminal, pass through Khalifa Port, and end at Zayed Port.

During a press conference that was held on Wednesday, Abu Dhabi Ports was announced as the first organisation to support The Rahma Run as the presenting partner and raise funds for it. It will also be supported by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Abu Dhabi Police, NMC Healthcare, Reviv, Agthia and Cryo Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi Ports employees also joined Emirati Runner, Dr. Khaled Al Suwaidi on Wednesday in a 2 km 'Fun Run', ahead of the press conference to show their support for the cause.

Captain Mohammed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports, said, "Abu Dhabi Ports has actively sought opportunities to give back to the community since its inception in 2006. 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.

"This partnership with The Rahma Run is an initiative that we are proud of as it falls at the beginning of this New Year, the Year of Zayed, and follows in the footsteps of the UAE’s founding father whose noble deeds for supporting the needy all over the world are well known."

Dr. Al Suwaidi highlighted, "I would like to thank Abu Dhabi Ports and their CEO, Captain Al Shamisi, for their expertise, support and help in 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, 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."

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 for becoming the first company to make a contribution in support of Khaled’s run. We hope that others will follow their lead."

Dr. Al Suwaidi will be accompanied by his coach, a physiotherapist, a paramedic and chef, who will travel in an RV on the 327 km route supported by two safety cars. He is attempting to run over seven back-to-back marathons.