Dubai Holding Vertical Marathon raises AED 280,000 for Al Jalila Foundation

Dubai: April 11, 2014: Dubai Holding, the global investment holding company, in partnership with Jumeirah Emirates Towers, has announced that a record AED 280,000 was raised at the UAE’s leading Vertical Marathon this weekend, in support of Al Jalila Foundation, a global philanthropic organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical education and research. All proceeds will support medical research in the UAE, specifically diabetes research, through the Foundation.

Over 150 participants climbed 1,334 steps, 265 metres, 52 floors, to the top of Jumeirah Emirates Towers’ office building. The fastest female runner, Vicki Matheson reached the top in 12:36 minutes and the winning male runner, Paul Drury, ascended in 09:52 minutes. The Dubai Holding Vertical Marathon is the fifth highest of its kind in the world after Taipei, Hanoi, Beijing and New York.

Further reinforcing its support for the event and the cause, Dubai Holding saw teams from its companies, Jumeirah Group, Dubai Properties Group and TECOM Investments, participate in the race, as part of its Corporate Wellness Programme. The multi-disciplinary programmes aims to improve the health and wellbeing of employees and impact the wider community through balanced nutrition, physical activity, stress management and general health. Dubai Holding is also one of the main sponsors of Dubai’s official marathon.

Ahmad Bin Byat, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding, said: “The Emirates’ leading Vertical Marathon has established itself as one of Dubai’s main fund raising events with more than AED 1.3 million raised so far for life-improving charities. Dubai Holding aims to actively change behaviours and encourage healthy living through our Corporate Wellness Programme. With the funds raised during the event’s 12^th edition today, for Al Jalila Foundation’s efforts to combat diabetes through medical research, we hope to further this goal and increase the health and wellbeing of UAE’s population.” 

Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, Chief Executive Officer of Al Jalila Foundation, commented: “Al Jalila Foundation was established to elevate the UAE’s healthcare sector through championing medical education and research. We share the commitment of Dubai Holding to health and well-being, and are honoured to have been selected as the charity partner for the Dubai Holding Vertical Marathon. Our collaboration is in line with our medical research strategy which focuses on five health issues: diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, obesity and mental health – which can be prevented, in part, by increased sports activity. We look forward to a successful event and to building a healthier nation together.”

The Dubai Holding Vertical Marathon was organised by Talise Fitness at Jumeirah Emirates Towers, while other sponsors include Premier Timing, Aquafina, Dubai Healthcare City, Planet Pharmacies, Mediclinic and Beijing TongRenTang Gulf. Leading local and international corporates including du, Majid Al Futtaim Properties, Al Tayer Motors, Linklaters and Park Hyatt also participated in this unique event.

The prizes for winners provided by Jumeirah Emirates Towers included hotel stays, gourmet meals, spa vouchers, beach passes and vouchers to the Wild Wadi Waterpark.

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