Dubai Holding introduces UAE National Category to Dubai Women's Run 2013

DUBAI, 7 Oct 2013: Dubai Holding, the global investment holding company, is supporting the introduction of a new category that recognises the fastest Emirati women running the Dubai Women’s Run on 8 November 2013. The new category will award cash prizes to the top three Emirati participants in each of the 5K and 10K races. This is in addition to the cash prizes that Dubai Holding is sponsoring for the ten fastest runners in both races.

The UAE National category was created as part of Dubai Holding’s Corporate Wellness Programme, and is a natural progression from its support of the UAE National Category at the Dubai Marathon each year. The multidisciplinary programme 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. Dubai Holding’s Corporate Wellness Programme includes a number of activities such as the Dubai Marathon, the Dubai Vertical Marathon, Global Corporate Challenge, blood donation drives and sponsored treks and hikes.

Cedric Betis, Chairman of Dubai Holding Wellness Committee, said: “In line with the vision of the UAE leadership for a fitter and healthy nation, we are pleased to extend our support to Dubai Women’s Run and introduce the UAE National prize category. We want to inspire and encourage women, and specifically Emirati women, to live a healthy lifestyle. The objective of our Wellness Programme is to raise awareness on how to lead a healthy life by making small changes to their lifestyles that they could sustain, reducing health risks and enhancing the quality of their life.”

Dubai Holding is contributing a total of AED 90,000 to prize money for this event. In addition, Dubai Holding is extending support to Al Jalila Foundation, which shares the company’s focus on improvements in health and well-being. Dubai Holding is encouraging employees to support Al Jalila Foundation’s fundraising in aid of medical research in the UAE.

Ahmad Al Kamali, President of the UAE Athletics Federation, commented: “Our aim is to create a nation of active women; and make sport and fitness an everyday part of their life. We are working to help shape sport and fitness delivery so that physical activity becomes an attractive proposition and one that can compete with other popular pastimes.”

Liesa Euton, Director of Dubai Women's Run, added: “Our goal is to make physical activity an everyday part of life for the whole community, but for this event we are focusing on women and girls. This year’s new venue will welcome over 5’000 expected racers and will include many activities at the finish area.  We are also adding two crèches for children, face painting, balloons, music and other fun activities and food and beverage outlets for participants and contestants alike.”

To register for the Dubai Women's Run 2013, please visit: www.dubaiwomensrun.com.