India's Tribute to UAE's Year of Community: UAE Economy Minister H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri Runs at Community Run in Kerala
By Editor_wr On Feb 23, 2025
In a remarkable tribute to the UAE's Year of Community, the South Indian state of Kerala hosted the 'Year of Community Run', a one-of-a-kind event that further strengthened the deep-rooted ties between India and the UAE. H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Cabinet Member and UAE Minister of Economy, participated in the run alongside top-tier athletes and fitness enthusiasts, making his presence a defining moment of the event. The special segment, hosted as part of the 8th Edition of the Kannur Beach Run, celebrated inclusivity, well-being, and global togetherness.
The Minister's participation, which took place during his visit to Kerala for the Invest Kerala Global Summit, came at the special invitation of Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, a renowned global healthcare entrepreneur and mentor of the event. His involvement underscored the enduring partnership between India and the UAE.
The UAE's 2025 theme, the 'Year of Community', encourage active contributions to society through community service, volunteering, and impactful initiatives. In alignment with this vision, H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri participated in the 5KM 'Year of Community' Run, running alongside Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Chairman and Managing Director of UAE-based VPS Healthcare, and hundreds of participants, reinforcing the importance of inclusivity and community engagement. A. N. Shamseer, Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly, flagged off the run, kicking off an event that saw enthusiastic participation from various segments of society.
'In the UAE, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced 2025 as the Year of Community. We started a community engagement initiative here in Kannur, with by my brother Dr. Shamsheer. I am so happy to be here today and take part in it. Next year, we should ensure another run here with the people of Kerala,' H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri told the media after completing the run.
The UAE and India share deep-rooted economic, cultural, and community-driven ties. With nearly one million Keralites calling the UAE their second home, the 'Year of Community Run' also served as a platform to raise awareness about community service initiatives among expatriates, reinforcing the spirit of unity and shared responsibility.
The Kannur Beach Run 2025, organized by the North Malabar Chamber of Commerce, lived up to its reputation as one of Kerala's premier running events, drawing over 1,000 participants across multiple race categories. This year's edition also featured Kerala's highest prize money for a half-marathon, further elevating its competitive status.
'We are honored to have H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Cabinet Member and UAE Minister of Economy, join us for this special event. His presence has elevated the theme and spirit of the 'Year of Community Run.' We hope such initiatives will continue to strengthen community-driven efforts between both countries and inspire greater awareness around sports, wellness, and social engagement,' said the organizers.
The event also saw the participation of six elite Ethiopian runners, invited by Dr. Shamsheer to elevate the event's stature as a premier race in the region. His inspiration for this initiative comes from the Zayed Charity Run, a globally recognized humanitarian running event that honors the UAE's Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Established over two decades ago, the Zayed Charity Run has played a pivotal role in promoting fitness and philanthropy, a vision that continues to inspire community-driven sporting events worldwide.
Prev Post
A Ramadan of Sweet Traditions with Ladurée
Comments are closed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Web Release
3 days ago
- Web Release
Majra – National CSR Fund honours top 20 CSR projects at inaugural Sustainable Impact Challenge 2025
National CSR Fund recognised the top three winning projects and honoured 17 other initiatives shortlisted for the inaugural edition of Sustainable Impact Challenge 2025, during a prestigious awards ceremony held at the SEE Institute in The Sustainable City, Dubai. Held under the patronage and in the presence of H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of Majra's Board of Trustees, alongside prominent figures, such as H.E. Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority, the event celebrated innovative initiatives that created tangible impact in the nation's sustainability landscape. H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri said: 'The UAE is deeply committed toward developing national strategies and programs that uphold social responsibility and encourage sustainable practices across all sectors. At Majra, we are pleased to play a key role in this effort by fostering collaboration and building strong partnerships with the private sector. The launch of the first edition of the Sustainable Impact Challenge, which will be held annually, reflects our mission to instil corporate CSR values and nurture a culture of sustainable development. Through this initiative, we aim to support impactful private sector projects that align with the national agenda, contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and promote responsible business practices. This is in line with our broader commitment to shaping a more resilient and sustainable future in accordance with the 'We the UAE 2031' vision.' The Sustainable Impact Challenge is a national platform designed to identify and celebrate outstanding CSR initiatives led by private sector companies, third-sector organisations, universities, and other institutions. It reflects Majra's firm dedication to empowering these vital contributors and directing their efforts toward sustainable development. By recognising impactful initiatives, the Challenge further supports the UAE's broader national drive to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promotes the adoption of CSR and sustainability practices across all major sectors. In her speech, H.E. Hessa Buhumaid affirmed the pivotal role played by Majra through the launching of such CSR initiatives and the identification of effective private sector leadership that would enhance social impact. H.E. highlighted the importance of this Challenge as the first initiative showcasing projects with significant environmental, economic, and social impact in conjunction with the prestigious 'Year of Community' program. Her Excellency praised the efforts of the third sector in providing valuable contributions and actively tackling social, environmental, and economic issues. The top three winners included HeroGo, for its project 'Empowering the GCC to access better quality and more affordable groceries while eliminating food waste'; Thiqa Education's '1 Dirham makes an impact' initiative; and Distant Imagery Solutions' 'Rooted in Innovation UAE Engineered Drones Transform Mangrove Restoration' initiative. Together, they were awarded a total cash prize of AED 600,000 in recognition of their exceptional contributions to sustainable development in the UAE. Additionally, the other shortlisted sustainability initiatives were acknowledged for their outstanding efforts and given the opportunity to showcase their project outcomes. Sarah Shaw, CEO of Majra, said: 'We are delighted to identify and honour the innovative, impactful projects through the Sustainable Impact Challenge 2025. These initiatives highlight the pivotal role of private sector firms in driving sustainable change. At Majra, we look forward to relentlessly supporting such efforts that contribute to the UAE's vision for a sustainable, inclusive and resilient future.' On the sidelines of the event, several sessions and meetings were held to reinforce Majra's lead role in fostering sustainability in various industries. A key session at the event featured H.E. Abdullah Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy and Vice Chairman of Majra's Board of Trustees, along with undersecretaries from five ministries to discuss the main challenges that hinder the advancement of social responsibility in the UAE. Key issues highlighted included the lack of opportunities that encourage private sector involvement, ongoing environmental hurdles and ways to find adequate solutions, and the need for stronger regulatory frameworks that require organisations to implement CSR practices. Another key session titled, 'The Role of Public, Private and Third Sector in Developing an Impact Economy,' explored the importance of cross-sector collaboration in building a sustainable economy. The panel featured thought leaders including Dr. Habiba Al Marashi, Chairperson and Co-Founder, Emirates Environmental Group, Chandran Nair, Founder and CEO, Global Institute For Tomorrow (GIFT) and H.E. Maysa Al Nowais, Executive Director – Community Engagement and Volunteering, Social Contributions Authority – Ma'an. The session was moderated by Mohammed Hanif Al Qassim. The event also hosted the inaugural meeting of the Fashion Sustainability Taskforce, held in the presence of H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri. The meeting laid the groundwork for future collaboration and set the direction for a unified roadmap to promote sustainability within the fashion industry. The Sustainable Impact Challenge 2025 stands as a testament to Majra's unwavering commitment towards establishing a thriving ecosystem that encourages and supports CSR initiatives in line with the UAE's strategic development goals.
Al Etihad
4 days ago
- Al Etihad
Majra – National CSR Fund honours top 20 CSR projects at inaugural Sustainable Impact Challenge 2025
4 June 2025 20:46 SHARJAH (ALETIHAD)Majra – National CSR Fund recognised the top three winning projects and honoured 17 other initiatives shortlisted for the inaugural edition of Sustainable Impact Challenge 2025, during a prestigious awards ceremony held at the SEE Institute in The Sustainable City, under the patronage and in the presence of Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Chairman of Majra's Board of Trustees, alongside prominent figures, such as Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority, the event celebrated innovative initiatives that created tangible impact in the nation's sustainability landscape. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri said: 'The UAE is deeply committed toward developing national strategies and programs that uphold social responsibility and encourage sustainable practices across all sectors. At Majra, we are pleased to play a key role in this effort by fostering collaboration and building strong partnerships with the private sector."The launch of the first edition of the Sustainable Impact Challenge, which will be held annually, reflects our mission to instil corporate CSR values and nurture a culture of sustainable development. Through this initiative, we aim to support impactful private sector projects that align with the national agenda, contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and promote responsible business practices. This is in line with our broader commitment to shaping a more resilient and sustainable future in accordance with the 'We the UAE 2031' vision.'The Sustainable Impact Challenge is a national platform designed to identify and celebrate outstanding CSR initiatives led by private sector companies, third-sector organisations, universities, and other institutions. It reflects Majra's firm dedication to empowering these vital contributors and directing their efforts toward sustainable recognising impactful initiatives, the Challenge further supports the UAE's broader national drive to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promotes the adoption of CSR and sustainability practices across all major her speech, Hessa Buhumaid affirmed the pivotal role played by Majra through the launching of such CSR initiatives and the identification of effective private sector leadership that would enhance social impact. She highlighted the importance of this Challenge as the first initiative showcasing projects with significant environmental, economic, and social impact in conjunction with the prestigious 'Year of Community' Minister praised the efforts of the third sector in providing valuable contributions and actively tackling social, environmental, and economic top three winners included HeroGo, for its project 'Empowering the GCC to access better quality and more affordable groceries while eliminating food waste'; Thiqa Education's '1 Dirham makes an impact' initiative; and Distant Imagery Solutions' 'Rooted in Innovation UAE Engineered Drones Transform Mangrove Restoration' the winners were awarded a total cash prize of Dh600,000 in recognition of their exceptional contributions to sustainable development in the other shortlisted sustainability initiatives were acknowledged for their outstanding efforts and given the opportunity to showcase their project outcomes. Sarah Shaw, CEO of Majra, said: 'We are delighted to identify and honour the innovative, impactful projects through the Sustainable Impact Challenge 2025. These initiatives highlight the pivotal role of private sector firms in driving sustainable change. At Majra, we look forward to relentlessly supporting such efforts that contribute to the UAE's vision for a sustainable, inclusive and resilient future.'On the sidelines of the event, several sessions and meetings were held to reinforce Majra's lead role in fostering sustainability in various industries. A key session at the event featured Abdullah Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy and Vice Chairman of Majra's Board of Trustees, along with undersecretaries from five ministries to discuss the main challenges that hinder the advancement of social responsibility in the issues highlighted included the lack of opportunities that encourage private sector involvement, ongoing environmental hurdles and ways to find adequate solutions, and the need for stronger regulatory frameworks that require organisations to implement CSR key session titled, 'The Role of Public, Private and Third Sector in Developing an Impact Economy,' explored the importance of cross-sector collaboration in building a sustainable economy. The panel featured thought leaders including Dr. Habiba Al Marashi, Chairperson and Co-Founder, Emirates Environmental Group, Chandran Nair, Founder and CEO, Global Institute For Tomorrow (GIFT) and Maysa Al Nowais, Executive Director – Community Engagement and Volunteering, Social Contributions Authority – Ma'an. The session was moderated by Mohammed Hanif Al event also hosted the inaugural meeting of the Fashion Sustainability Taskforce, held in the presence of Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri. The meeting laid the groundwork for future collaboration, and set the direction for a unified roadmap to promote sustainability within the fashion industry. The Sustainable Impact Challenge 2025 stands as a testament to Majra's unwavering commitment towards establishing a thriving ecosystem that encourages and supports CSR initiatives in line with the UAE's strategic development goals. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Al Etihad
6 days ago
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi to get Dh40bn wellness island as Aldar bets big on lifestyle-led urban growth
3 June 2025 01:00 ISIDORA CIRIC (ABU DHABI)Abu Dhabi's real estate ambitions just got a Dh40 billion wellness upgrade, with Fahid Island — Aldar's newest development — indicating that intent, rather than scale alone, has become a defining feature of the emirate's urban planning between Yas Island and Saadiyat, the 2.7 million square metre masterplan blends residential, recreational, and natural spaces, creating a mixed-use community where every resident lives within a five-minute walk of the sea and no more than 250 metres from green island, marketed as Abu Dhabi's first wellness-focused destination, includes more than 6,000 homes, a top-tier international school, retail and hospitality offerings, and 30% of the land reserved for green areas. 'Wellness is a mega trend, and for Aldar, that's not a new thing. Whether it's spa and hospitality, food and nutrition, sleep and breathing - it's everywhere,' Jonathan Emery, CEO of Aldar Development, said in an interview with Aletihad on Monday. 'The challenge for Aldar is, how do we bring that into a physical real estate solution? How do you actually make it real? Rather than just an experience, we have to build the stage for it, and that's what we're trying to do.' Designing for Wellbeing, Rooted in Community Fahid Island's masterplan builds on what Aldar has learned from years of work on Yas and Saadiyat. But Emery is quick to point out that this isn't a cut-and-paste version of previous he said, the project aims to respond to the new expectations of both local and international buyers, many of whom are looking for something different post-pandemic - more nature, less distance, and a quieter, more intentional way of a result, Fahid Island is being designed as a fully walkable and connected environment, with 15km of shaded pedestrian routes and bridges connecting both sides of the island to limit car use. It will also feature a 10km landscaped Berm Park, complete with cycling routes and running trails, and a 2km promenade.'We've learned how to optimise the natural benefits of the island,' Emery said. 'How to work with the mangroves, even with the wind, the sea, and the sun. Just understanding what those things mean to people.'The emphasis on proximity, ecology and liveability also ties into the UAE's current national theme, the Year of Community. In the case of Fahid Island, that has meant prioritising walkability, shared public areas and amenities that bring residents into contact with one another. Emery described this approach as rooted in the UAE's sense of 'generosity', not in scale, but in how space is shared.'It's about how we allocate space and how we create opportunities for people to meet. That's very much in line with the values of the UAE, and the kind of community we're trying to build.' Backed by Strong Funding and Market Momentum The first phase of Fahid Island, which includes the school and residential buildings, is expected to be completed by 2029. Later phases will be delivered over the following three developer acquired the land in early 2023 for Dh2.5 billion, initially estimating the site's gross development value at Dh26 billion, which has since grown to surpass Dh40 to Aldar, the project is already fully funded through a mix of corporate financing, bonds, sukuk, and projected sales. Sales are expected to begin shortly after the Eid Al-Adha, with one-bedroom units starting at Dh3.5 company is forecasting total development sales of between Dh36 billion and Dh39 billion in 2025, up from Dh33.6 billion last year, and Fahid Island is likely to play a substantial role in meeting those targets. Its launch comes amid a broader upswing in Abu Dhabi's real estate market, where demand for high-end, waterfront communities surged by 15% in 2024, according to a recent report by MPM Properties. Investor confidence received an added boost last month with the announcement of a Disney theme park on nearby Yas revealed that interest in Fahid Island has come from both international and local buyers, though the domestic market has shown particular strength. He attributes this resilience to a mix of ambition, talent, and the UAE's solutions-oriented approach.'The talent that now exists in the UAE is sort of unprecedented - it's an incredible place to be,' he said. 'It's an amazing talent pool that can help it achieve its ambition.' 'That, combined with a focus on quality and problem-solving, is what's driving the next phase of development.'
