Emirati Asian Games Gold Medallist Alia Mohammed Saeed sets sights on Dubai Holding Women’s Run

Dubai, 20 October 2014 - Dubai Holding, the investment holding company, announced today that Emirati distance runner and Asian Games gold medallist, Alia Mohammed Saeed has confirmed her participation for the 5th Dubai Holding Women’s Run further boosting the profile of the event. Alia recently won the 10,000 metres in South Korea, taking 40 seconds off her national record.

Dubai Holding is contributing prize money totalling AED 90,000 annually for this event as part of a five year AED5 million agreement signed with the UAE Athletics Federation to position the race as Dubai’s official women’s international run. In 2013, Dubai Holding instituted special cash prizes for UAE National runners in both the 10K and the 5K races to promote an active lifestyle among the Emirati population and increase participation.

Cedric Betis, Chairman of Dubai Holding Wellness Committee, said: “The Dubai Holding Women’s Run supports the Government’s initiative to encourage healthy living in UAE and our sponsorship demonstrates our commitment to further spreading our ‘wellness’ message’ to the wider community. We are proud to be investing in our community by supporting events like this that empower women and encourage them to live an active life.”

Over 6,000 participants are expected at this year’s Dubai Holding Women’s Run. With just under a month to go before the race on Friday, 7 November 2014, excitement is building up to the most anticipated women’s run in Dubai.

Al Jalila Foundation is the event’s preferred beneficiary, with all participants encouraged to dedicate the funds that they raise to medical research in the UAE. Recently Dubai Holding donated AED 5 million to Al Jalila Foundation Research Centre, which will be the first independent multi-disciplinary medical research centre in the UAE. Dubai Holding’s contribution will support obesity research and build capacities for ground-breaking medical research in the UAE.