Emirates NBD announces 7<sup>th</sup> edition of annual Unity Run

3 Min | 14 November 2024

Community run to celebrate the inclusion of people of determination with the 2024 edition to be held at Expo City Dubai

Dubai, UAE, 14 November 2024: Emirates NBD, a leading banking group in the Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye (MENAT) region has announced the 2024 edition of its annual Unity Run (Walk/Run for Unity in Diversity), scheduled to take place on Sunday, 17 November at Expo City Dubai.

Centred around inclusivity for all members of society, the event is organised annually under the Patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Sports Council and Chairman of the Higher Committee for the Protection of the Rights of people of determination and organised under the umbrella of the Hamdan bin Mohammed Community Sports Initiative.

The community event is open to children and adults of all abilities and ages and is aligned with Emirates NBD’s key CSR community pillar of advocacy for people of determination. The event aims to raise awareness on the importance of accessibility and inclusion for people of determination in education, the workplace and social settings as well as physical access.

Participants can choose their challenge, be it a short 3 km fun run/walk or a more challenging 5 km and 10 km timed distance. There will be special spot prizes for participants, trophies for winners in the timed distances and every participant will be rewarded with a finisher certificate. The excitement will continue at the Emirates NBD Unity Run Village, which includes a designated chill-out zone for visitors to relax, a diverse range of food outlets and stalls displaying arts and crafts creating a memorable experience for all.

The event supports two major UAE institutions for children and young people of determination; Al Noor Rehabilitation & Welfare Association for People of Determination, Senses Residential and Day Care Centre for Special Needs as well as Beit Al Khair Society.

Vijay Bains, Chief Sustainability Officer and Group Head of ESG at Emirates NBD, said: “We are pleased to continue our longstanding support for the Unity Run, a community programme encouraging everyone in the UAE to come together to support the advocacy of diversity and inclusion. As part of our long-term commitment to the inclusion of people of determination, we are proud to be associated with an initiative that unites individuals from diverse backgrounds to support a common cause.”

He added: “Each year, we see an overwhelming response with thousands participating in the event and are confident that this year will also see strong support from the UAE community.”

Ruth Dickinson, Event Director & Managing Partner, FittGROUPME, said: “We are delighted to announce that this year’s Emirates NBD Unity Run will be held at its new location, Expo City Dubai. A beautiful venue with excellent facilities and access for people of determination and persons of all abilities. It’s a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community to celebrate the inclusion of people of determination in all areas of UAE society.

It is part of the annual 30X30 Dubai Fitness Challenge and participating is a fun way to be included in the challenge whilst supporting people of determination and the cause for inclusion.”

As a leading GCC bank for ESG, Emirates NBD plays a vital role in driving social impact and change. The bank’s commitment to social sustainability continues to grow through internal and external initiatives as it continues to strive to create a positive change for employees and the communities it serves.

To register for the Emirates NBD Unity Run 2024, please visit the website.

For more information, please visit the website.

IACAD permit number: PRHCE-003554324.

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