Dubai Holding Burj Al Arab Swim joins Global Swim Series, world's largest series of open water swim races
Dubai Holding Burj Al Arab Swim joins Global Swim Series, world's largest series of open water swim races
March 27, 2017- Race part of a network of 94 swimming races in 29 countries
- 13th edition on March 31, 2017 offers swimmers 1,600m or 800m races in the pristine waters of Arabian Gulf
- Celebrates Year of Giving through fund raising for Al Jalila Foundation’s Obesity Research
- Official event of Dubai Sports Council contributes to enhancing sports tourism in the Emirate
- Part of 10th anniversary celebrations of Dubai Holding Corporate Wellness Programme
Dubai Holding Burj Al Arab Swim joins Global Swim Series, the world’s largest series of open water swim races globally bringing together more than 63,000 passionate swimmers from 29 countries. This announcement was made today at a press conference addressed by Dubai Holding, Dubai Sports Council, Jumeirah Group and Al Jalila Foundation. The fund-raising event that offers the only chance to swim around the iconic Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is set to take place on March 31, 2017. Up to 500 swimmers are expected to participate in the 13th edition of the event in the 1,600 meters and 800 metres race categories in the pristine waters of the Arabian Gulf.
An official event of Dubai Sports Council, the Dubai Holding Burj Al Arab Swim is open to participants aged 16 years and above with all fitness levels and proficiencies. Marking the UAE’s 2017 Year of Giving, Dubai Holding has also pledged that all funds raised at the event will be donated to the Obesity Research Fund of Al Jalila Foundation, Dubai Holding’s longstanding Wellness partner.
Commenting on this year’s event, Cedric Betis, Chairman of Dubai Holding Wellness Committee, said: “We are very excited to have the Dubai Holding Burj Al Arab swim join the prestigious Global Swim Series that brings together more than 63,000 open water swimmers. We are very pleased to offer our staff, the community and participants from around the world the rare opportunity to dive in and participate in a unique race around this global icon of Dubai. 2017 marks the 10th year anniversary of our award-winning Dubai Holding Corporate Wellness Programme, and we are proud to offer a diverse range of activities – including running, vertical running, obstacle races and open water swimming – to foster a culture of health and fitness. We are equally pleased that these efforts will serve to benefit a good cause, with all proceeds from the event going towards Al Jalila Foundation, which is dedicated to transforming lives through medical education and research.”
Hessa Al Kous, Director of Sports Events, Dubai Sports Council said: “Dubai Sports Council is pleased to collaborate with Dubai Holding in this exciting event, which is set to highlight the most unique tourist attraction in Dubai. Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is one of the most remarkable and iconic landmarks that has played a pivotal role in attracting tourists to the Emirate. Dubai Sports Council is committed to providing the necessary support to organise more sports events that would help further enhance sports tourism in the Emirate, and encourage the wider community, of all ages and nationalities, to participate. We are confident that Dubai Holding Burj Al Arab Swim will be a successful event on all levels, from the quality of competition and organisation to the exciting entertainment offerings.”
Al Kous added: “Dubai Sports Council is keen on supporting all sports events and physical activities, especially swimming, at the local, regional and international levels. We have hosted tournaments organised by various community initiatives, encouraging swimmers from all parts of society to participate, which has significantly helped promote the sport in the UAE. We strongly encourage people to participate in this event and enjoy the opportunity to swim around Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, one of the most luxurious hotels around the globe.”
Charlie Taylor – Group Director – Brand Communications, Jumeirah Group, said: It is with great pleasure that we once again host the Dubai Holding Burj Al Arab Swim. Offering swimmers of different abilities the chance to swim around one of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks, this event not only promotes exercise and a healthy lifestyle, but is also aligned to the UAE’s 2017 Year of Giving – with all funds being donated to the Al Jalila Foundation’s Obesity research – a great cause that we proud to support. We wish all contestants the very best of luck.”
Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO, Al Jalila Foundation, said: “Al Jalila Foundation is delighted to be the charity partner for the Dubai Holding Burj Al Arab Swim. Through our longstanding partnership with Dubai Holding, one of the region’s leader in corporate wellness, we have managed to raise thousands of dirhams to fund obesity research – one of the UAE’s most pressing health issues. The high incidence of obesity in the UAE highlights the need for scientific research to develop life-saving discoveries to reverse the alarming statistics and ensure the future health of the nation. Through our research we aim to delve deeper into the causes and treatments of obesity and its effect on other health problems such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. We also know that prevention is better than cure and by raising awareness we hope to reduce obesity rates in the UAE. Initiatives like the Dubai Holding Burj Al Arab Swim inspire the community to be active for a good cause whilst enabling us to move closer to our goal to transform lives through medical innovation.”
Top finishers will receive a range of exciting prizes sponsored by Jumeirah Group. All participants will receive free access to Wild Wadi for the day, along with 50 percent discounted entry for a friend.
The swim is a key element of the Dubai Holding Corporate Wellness Programme, a multi-disciplinary programme that has been a recipient of various local awards and recognitions. In addition to Burj Al Arab Swim, Dubai Holding has sponsored and supported a series of activities. Earlier this month, Dubai Holding kicked off the 2017 World Vertical Circuit with its flagship Dubai Holding SkyRun held at Jumeirah Emirates Towers. Last month, Dubai Holding concluded Sandstorm - the first-ever home-grown obstacle race in the UAE, where nearly 3,000 participants were led by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. In January, Dubai Holding fielded 3,400 employees as the largest corporate team in Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon.
The Dubai Holding Burj Al Arab swim is organised by Wild Wadi WaterparkTM and Talise Fitness in partnership with Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. To register for the event, please visit www.burjalarabswim.ae
Cedric Betis, Chairman of Dubai Holding Wellness Committee
We are very excited to have the Dubai Holding Burj Al Arab swim join the prestigious Global Swim Series that brings together more than 63,000 open water swimmers. We are very pleased to offer our staff, the community and participants from around the world the rare opportunity to dive in and participate in a unique race around this global icon of Dubai.