Latest news with #AlJalilaFoundation
Khaleej Times
25-05-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
Bin Hajar is first Emirati to conquer Great Wall Marathon for a cause close to his heart
When Abdulla Bin Hajar Al Shehhi crossed the finish line at the Great Wall Marathon, one of the most punishing in long-distance running. he wasn't thinking about the pain or the historic feat. He was thinking about the children he was running for—young cancer patients waging battles far greater than his own. The Emirati endurance runner, an engineer by day, became the first athlete from the UAE to complete the gruelling race, known for its punishing terrain and more than 5,000 stone steps winding through one of the world's most iconic landmarks. 'Running the Great Wall Marathon wasn't about chasing a personal record or proving something to myself,' he said. 'It was about standing in solidarity with children who wake up every day to fight battles far tougher than any race. With every step, I wanted to carry their strength, their courage—and let them know they're not alone.' Motivated by the courage of young cancer patients, Abdulla partnered with Al Jalila Foundation, a non-profit healthcare organization established in 2013 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and YallaGive to launch a fundraising and awareness campaign supporting childhood cancer research and treatment. His participation in the race, held near Tianjin in northeastern China, helped spotlight a cause that transcends sport. The Great Wall Marathon is more a test of resilience than speed and Abdulla embraced the challenge not as a competitor, but as a messenger. 'Every marathon has its story,' he says. 'This one was about hope, not finish times.' A Decade-Long Journey of Transformation Abdulla's path to international marathons began over a decade ago, in his home emirate of Ras Al Khaimah where he set out on a personal mission to lose weight. Then weighing nearly 100 kilograms, he struggled to stay on a treadmill for more than a few minutes. But something shifted in 2014. During one of his walks, a marathon advertisement caught his eye. Curious and inspired, he signed up for his first race in Dubai. Crossing the finish line was just the beginning. Since then, Abdullah has completed 15 marathons across the globe—including all six of the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors. In April, he ran the Boston Marathon, becoming the first Emirati to earn the coveted Six Star Finisher Medal. Yet despite these accolades, Abdulla is quick to downplay the medals and milestones. Raising Awareness, Inspiring Others 'It's not about collecting achievements,' he said. 'It's about using sport to give back—to raise awareness and hopefully, inspire others.' Balancing his athletic goals with a demanding career hasn't been easy. As an engineer at ADNOC, Abdulla spends two weeks each month working 12-hour shifts on a remote island. He often trains by running laps around the island before or after work. Abdulla's ambitions stretch far beyond the Wall—or even the continent. He dreams of running a marathon on every continent and one day seeing a race that unites all the Gulf nations. But his message remains grounded. 'Set goals. Stick to them. Keep going, even when it gets tough,' he said. For children facing cancer, those words carry more than motivational weight—they're a lifeline. And for Abdulla, that's reason enough to keep running.
Gulf Today
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
UAE runner Abdulla completes Great Wall Marathon to support children battling cancer
Abdulla Bin Hajar Al Shehhi has become the first Emirati to complete the Great Wall Marathon in China one of the most demanding races in the world, known for its challenging terrain and more than 5,164 steps along the historic Great Wall, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. But for Abdulla, this race was never about records. It was about purpose. Inspired by the strength of children fighting cancer, he dedicated his run to them, partnering with Al Jalila Foundation and YallaGive to launch an awareness and fundraising campaign supporting treatment and research for childhood cancer. 'Running the Great Wall Marathon wasn't about personal achievement,' Abdulla said. 'It was about standing with children facing the toughest battles. Every step I took was for them.' The race, known for its unforgiving climbs and extreme conditions, tested both body and spirit. Completing it was a deeply personal milestone for Abdulla, one that he hopes shines a light on a greater cause. This journey follows his earlier accomplishment of completing all six Abbott World Marathon Majors, becoming the first Emirati to do so. But for Abdulla, these milestones are not about collecting medals, they're about using sport as a platform to inspire, to raise awareness, and to give back. His story serves as a reminder that every step, no matter how difficult, can carry the power to make a difference.
Mid East Info
15-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
du unveils Sustainability Report 2024, building a sustainable future through digital innovation - Middle East Business News and Information
du champions the UAE's sustainability goals in 2024, setting a benchmark for responsible growth in the telecommunications industry. Dubai, UAE, May, 2025: du, the leading telecom and digital services provider, today announced the release of its Sustainability Report for 2024, marking significant achievements in environmental stewardship, digital inclusion, and social responsibility. Adel AlRais, Head of Corporate Communication & Protocol at du, said : 'Aligning with the UAE government's objectives, our holistic approach to sustainability reflects our determination to lead by example in corporate responsibility, innovation, and digital transformation. With a clear vision and commitment from company leadership, we are not only advancing our operational excellence but actively contributing to a sustainable and inclusive future for all.' du's 2024 Sustainability Report categorizes the company's significant strides under three major themes, reflecting a commitment to community, ethical operations, and accessible services: Make Our People and Communities Happier: du notably achieved global recognition in the annual Culture & Employee Engagement survey conducted by Microsoft Viva Glint, where du ranks in the top 25% of technology sector performers globally and within the top 10% across all industries worldwide. additionally, du awarded 'Organization of the Year' for Youth Empowerment at the GCC GOV HR & Youth Awards 2024. A standout achievement under this pillar is the diversity within its workforce, with women constituting 54% of Emirati employees and active participation from over 2,000 employees and their families in various initiatives. du's FutureX Program is a key initiative launched to upskill Emirati graduates in digital and leadership capabilities, fostering innovation and grooming future leaders. Focused on increasing awareness around cyber safety, du has launched several campaigns to educate its community about the importance of online security and governance. In support of national causes and societal advancement, du sponsored AccessAbilities Expo, advocating for the inclusion of People of Determination, contributed AED 1 million to Al Jalila Foundation and raised AED 4.9 million for the UAE Mothers' Endowment Fund. Operate Ethically and Responsibly: In alignment with the UAE's Net Zero by 2050 vision, du successfully reduced its carbon footprint by introducing 169 solar-powered telecom sites and optimizing cooling systems across its operations, leading to a reduction of 8.6 KtCO₂ emissions. du made significant efforts in reducing paper waste through 100% digital invoicing and minimizing energy consumption using AI-driven technologies. Emphasizing on circular economy principles, du reported diverting 31% of its waste from landfills, while composting 20,685 kg of food waste, contributing to a more sustainable ecosystem. These operations are bolstered by achieving an ISO certification for sustainable procurement, reflecting their commitment to global best practices. By leveraging AI in Radio Access Network (RAN) optimization, du has significantly reduced its power consumption, showcasing a commitment to environmental sustainability through technological innovation. In recognition of its sustainability efforts, du was awarded the prestigious ESG Label by the Dubai Chamber, achieving a remarkable score of 91.48%. Further affirming its position as a leader in corporate learning and innovation, du received the Udemy Business MENA Excellence Award. Deliver the Benefits of Our Services to All: The launch of 'du Pay' further embedded inclusive practices, enhancing digital payment solutions for its customers. A significant enhancement in customer service is announced with a 94% reduction in MNMI retail visits, streamlining services, and significantly enhancing the overall customer experience with the successful adoption of self-service kiosks and eSIM technology, paving the way for a more digital and efficient service model. As part of its commitment to social well-being and economic prosperity, du launched the UAE's first AI-driven agritech platform with Gracia Group, focusing on advancing agricultural sustainability. du's collaborative efforts with global leaders like Microsoft, AWS, NVIDIA, and Huawei have cemented its reputation as a frontrunner in AI and digital transformation, driving the UAE's journey towards sustainable development. Additionally, du has showcased commitment to global standards by aligning its sustainability reporting with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Dubai Financial Market ESG reporting guidelines. About du: du adds life to life with a comprehensive portfolio of mobile, fixed, broadband, entertainment services, and fintech solutions. Through a digital-first approach powered by ultra-reliable fiber and 5G technology, du delivers bespoke solutions leveraging cloud computing, AI-driven analytics, advanced cybersecurity, and IoT integration. As a trusted digital telco enabler spearheading the UAE's digital transformation, we collaborate with a dynamic partner ecosystem to propel industries and society toward operational excellence, shaping a more connected and digitally advanced future across the region.
Web Release
13-05-2025
- Business
- Web Release
Bold Is Beautiful, Benefit Cosmetics' Philanthropy Campaign celebrates its 10th Year Anniversary!
A brow wax at Benefit means your brows will be giving. And with our global philanthropy program, Bold is Beautiful (now in its 10th year!), your waxed brows won't just be serving a look – they're also giving access to mentorship, education, and resources for women's wellness. This May, Benefit Middle East will donate 100% from EVERY brow service done in Dubai to Al Jalila Foundation & in Saudi Arabia to Alnahda Society* Giving has never looked so good! $28.4 MILLION+ RAISED GLOBALLY SINCE 2015! 92,000+ GIRLS REACHED through educational & mentorship opportunities 28,000+ WOMEN AND FAMILIES SUPPORTED in overcoming domestic abuse 117,000+ WOMEN EQUIPPED with job readiness skills #BoldIsBeautiful @benefitmiddleeast
Zawya
09-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Dubai Health upgrades Thalassemia Center facilities with support from DP World
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Dubai Health has announced the inauguration of Majlis Al Saada and High Dependency Unit at its Thalassemia Center, with support from DP World. This initiative aligns with Dubai Health's ongoing efforts to elevate the standard of care and coincides with World Thalassemia Day, observed annually on 8 May. The inauguration was attended by Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health; Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation; Dr. Abdulla Al Khayat, CEO of Al Jalila Children's Hospital, Ayoub Al Mulla COO of We One by DP World GCC, and Nabil Qayed, Executive Vice president – Corporate Support, Marwan AlJassmi, Senior Vice president, Alia Al Janahi, VP of HSE, Jill Lambert, Vice President Communications from DP World GCC along with several senior officials from both sides. Majlis Al Saada and High Dependency Unit at the Thalassemia Center were renovated with the support of DP World through Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health. Established 30 years ago, the center provides medical treatment to approximately 8,872 patients every year, including citizens and residents across various age groups. Over the past decade, 160 patients have undergone bone marrow transplants, reinforcing the center's position as a leader in thalassemia care. Abdulla bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director, DP World GCC, said: 'This partnership with Dubai Health to renovate the Thalassemia Centre's Happiness Majlis and Special Care Unit demonstrates a commitment to enhancing the therapeutic experience for patients. Collaborating on projects that raise the quality of healthcare is integral to DP World's social responsibility efforts and our contribution to the advancement of the medical sector.' Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health, said: "Collaborations are fundamental pillars to achieving transformation in the healthcare sector. Our cooperation with DP World reflects a shared vision focused on people and improving quality of life. We remain deeply committed to expanding these collaborations, ensuring they translate into meaningful initiatives that elevate the patient journey, in line with our 'Patient First' promise.'' Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, said: "We extend our sincere appreciation to DP World for their generous support in renewing Majlis Al Saada and the High Dependency Unit at the Thalassemia Center. We believe that delivering holistic care, addressing psychological and medical needs of patients, is a fundamental pillar of healthcare services. We are proud of the lasting impact the Thalassemia Center has made in serving thousands of patients over the past decades.' The renovations at the Thalassemia Center included Majlis Al Saada and the High Dependency Unit. The Majlis now features a dedicated recreational area, a lecture hall, and a relaxation lounge. The High Dependency Unit was redesigned to better serve patients requiring close medical monitoring and is now equipped with advanced technology in line with the highest international standards. Awareness programs The Thalassemia Center runs an annual awareness campaign program, including educational lectures held both within and outside the center. It also provides training to school nurses on how to support students with chronic genetic disorders, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. The program also includes social campaigns to support medical cases, along with educational and treatment assistance. It also organizes recreational events and initiatives throughout the year to raise funds for providing medical equipment and devices to patients.
