Dubai: Dubai Holding, the global investment holding company, in partnership with Jumeirah Emirates Towers and in support of Al Jalila Foundation, is proud to sponsor Dubai’s only vertical race and one of the most popular fundraising events – The Dubai Holding Vertical Marathon.
Two hundred fitness enthusiasts will ascend 265 metres up 1,334 stairs to the top of the 52-floor office building of Jumeirah Emirates Towers on Friday, 11 April 2014.
Since the Vertical Marathon’s inception in 2003, Dubai Holding has been a long-standing supporter through its hospitality arm, Jumeirah Group, as the race venue, and has fielded several teams for the past eight consecutive years. In 2014, Dubai Holding formalised its support as the title sponsor of Dubai Holding Vertical Marathon.
This race is a key pillar of Dubai Holding Corporate Wellness Programme that relies on education and targeted interventions to help change behaviours in ways conducive to health by focusing on balanced nutrition, physical activity, stress management and general health. Other events in the programme include the Dubai Marathon, the Dubai Women’s Run, the Global Corporate Challenge, blood donation drives and treks.
In the interest of safety, Dubai Holding Vertical Marathon participation numbers are capped at 200 and Dubai Holding employees are expected to make up 20 percent of the total participants. The company’s Management leads by example with Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer being regular participant of this race.
Ahmad Bin Byat, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding, said: “We place a great emphasis on healthy living amongst our employees, their families and the wider community through our first-of-its-kind Wellness Programme. The Vertical Marathon is a key component of this and I am pleased to see more participants from Dubai Holding every year. This year we will be supporting Al Jalila Foundation, an organisation that we have worked with many times in the past, and has done some very good work in the community.”
Building up on the experience of Jumeirah Emirates Towers hosting the race for last 11 years and along the support of Dubai Holding, Talise Fitness, the organisers of the event, expects 2014 race to be the most successful edition yet in the history of The Dubai Holding Vertical Marathon. All proceeds raised from this year’s event will go to Al Jalila Foundation, a global philanthropic organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical education and research, that was established by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ruler of Dubai, to position Dubai and the UAE at the forefront of medical innovation. 100% of funds raised through the Dubai Holding Vertical Marathon will go towards medical research in the UAE, specifically on diabetes research.
Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, commented: “We are delighted to have been chosen by Dubai Holding as the sole benefactor of its Vertical Marathon, a perfect way to mark our first anniversary. Al Jalila Foundation shares common goals with Dubai Holding in promoting well-being in communities as well as supporting medical advancements to benefit future generations. Dubai Holding has taken exemplary steps to improve employee health and well-being, which is in line with our vision of creating a healthy and prosperous future for the nation.”
The Dubai Holding Vertical Marathon is being organised by Talise Fitness at Jumeirah Emirates Towers, while other sponsors include Premier Timing, Aquafina, Dubai Healthcare City, Planet Pharmacies and Beijing TongRenTang Gulf.
