Dubai Holding partners with International SkyRunning Federation

Dubai Holding partners with International SkyRunning Federation

March 16, 2016
  • Dubai Holding SkyRun joins Vertical World Circuit of iconic skyscraper races across the globe
  • Dubai Holding SkyRun recognised as the 3rd highest race in the circuit
  • Race in aid of obesity research by Al Jalila Foundation; supported by Dubai Sports Council
  • Celebrating 14 years of race at Jumeirah Emirates Towers

In a first-of-its-kind sporting circuit in the region, Dubai Holding, the global investment holding company, partnered with International Skyrunning Federation to bring the Vertical World Circuit of ‘skyscraper racing’ to Jumeirah Emirates Towers.

2016 Vertical World Circuit kicked off in London on March 8, which will then head to Dubai on April 8, followed by Paris and on to Manila, Sydney, Beijing, Shanghai to conclude with the Grand Finale in Hong Kong on December 4, 2016. Recognised as the Vertical World Circuit’s third highest run, the Dubai Holding SkyRun is a climb of 52 floors; 1,334 steps or 265 metres to the top of Jumeirah Emirates Towers’ office building, which is hosting the 14th edition of the race in 2016.

As per the ranking system of the Vertical World Circuit, the Dubai Holding SkyRun will be one of the eight races counted for the final ranking, where World Champion titles and cash prizes are awarded. Some of the top ranked Vertical World Circuit athletes, including the 2015 World Champion will participate, in addition to employees of UAE corporates focused on health and wellness as well as fitness enthusiasts from the wider region.

The 2016 Vertical World Circuit is scheduled as:

  1. LONDON: March 8
  2. DUBAI: April 8
  3. PARIS: May 20
  4. MANILA: June 26
  5. SYDNEY: August 21
  6. BEIJING: September 3
  7. SHANGHAI: October 23
  8. HONG KONG: December 4

All funds raised through participation fee will contribute to Obesity Research in the UAE by Al Jalila Foundation, a global philanthropic organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical education and research. Dubai Holding is a long-term partner of Al Jalila Foundation and shares a common vision of promoting health and wellness in the UAE.

Dubai Holding also funds AED 5 million to the foundation’s obesity research to build capacities and conduct ground-breaking medical research that is UAE-centric, but yields global benefits.

H.E. Saeed Hareb, the Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council, said: “It’s pleasing to see the sporting events conceived and staged in Dubai gain international recognition. The inclusion of the Dubai Holding SkyRun in the 2016 Vertical World Circuit is a wonderful achievement; we thank Dubai Holding for their efforts in emphasising the standing of sport in Dubai globally. The endorsement will serve to raise awareness of the opportunities for the different types of sport available in Dubai. Knowing that there are world-class platforms where one can participate alongside professional athletes from across the world is likely to inspire people in Dubai to become fitter and more active.”

H.E. added: “Dubai Sports Council will be fielding our finest sportsmen to compete with other health-conscious corporates and we encourage every member of the community to sign up and raise funds for Al Jalila Foundation’s Obesity Research.”

The race is a key component of the Dubai Holding Corporate Wellness Programme, an award-winning multi-disciplinary programme that aims to improve the health and wellbeing of employees and impact the wider community through balanced nutrition, physical activity, stress management and general health. Jumeirah Emirates Towers, part of Dubai Holding’s hospitality arm Jumeirah Group, has been organising the race annually for over a decade, in partnership with Talise Fitness.

Last year, the race saw close to 300 participants, including H.E. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA), and Dr. Abdulla Al Karam, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), as well as several teams from Dubai Holding and its companies.

Beyond being a fitness platform, the Dubai Holding SkyRun offers companies the opportunity to encourage health and wellness and team building amongst their employees, and network with participants from other corporates.

Marino Giacometti:

Dubai is a fitting addition to the league of cities that define the Vertical World Circuit, given the high level of tourism it drives and its robust calendar of international sporting events. The vertical race organised annually by Dubai Holding is aligned with our standards and has proven quite popular in the region. I am certain our regular runners and other supporters will be thrilled with the opportunity of racing up another one of the world’s finest tall towers – Dubai Holding’s Jumeirah Emirates Towers.