Emirates NBD announces 6th edition of annual Unity Run

UAE’s leading community run for inclusion of people of determination will take place Saturday, 19 November 2022 in Dubai Design District

Emirates NBD, a leading banking group in the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey (MENAT) region has announced the 2022 edition of its annual Unity Run will be hosted on Saturday, 19 November at Dubai Design District. 

The Emirates NBD Unity Run is held under the patronage of His Highness 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. 

Led by the banking group’s flagship advocacy platform #TogetherLimitless, the Emirates NBD Unity Run aims to promote diversity and the social inclusion of people of determination (people with disabilities) in the UAE. Over the years it has grown into an iconic popular run that is now the UAE’s leading event for people of determination. The Unity Run is open to children and adults of all abilities and ages and offers free entry to people of determination as well as their friends and family.

The event will include a three-kilometre fun walk as well as five-kilometre and ten- kilometre timed runs. Participants can choose to run, walk, use wheelchairs, or push strollers towards the finish line. There will be special spot prizes for the three kilometre walk and trophies for the top three rankings in the races with finisher certificates for all. 

The Emirates NBD Unity Run supports two major UAE institutions for children and young people of determination; Al Noor Training Centre for Persons with Disabilities and Senses Residential and Day Care Centre, as well as Emirates Red Crescent.

Moadh Bukhash, Chief Marketing Officer, Emirates NBD Group said: “As part of our long-term commitment to the inclusion of people of determination, we are pleased to continue to support the Unity Run for the sixth year. We are delighted to enable this inclusive initiative that unites people across all walks of life in the UAE to come together and support a common cause.”

He added, “Year after year we continue to receive support from participants, public and private sector entities across the UAE, working together to spread positivity and happiness among people of all abilities. As a socially responsible Bank, we will continue to champion initiatives that encourage diversity and are aligned to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council.”

Ali Omar, Director of Sports Events Department at Dubai Sports Council, said:"Dubai Sports Council is pleased to be part of this great event, which is generously sponsored by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Higher Committee for the Protection of the Rights of People of Determination, and the Unity Run derives its importance from its support to the category of people of determination and allocating its revenues to charitable causes, and it is considered one of the beneficial events for the community, where a large number of people of determination will participate in it, and its proceeds will be allocated to support Al Noor Centre for People of Determination, Senses Residential and Day Care Centre and the Emirates Red Crescent . This event also confirms the role of the Dubai Sports Council in spreading awareness of the importance of exercising and physical activity among all sectors of society by organizing and supporting sports events that enhance Dubai’s position as a preferred global sports destination.”

He added: "The Dubai Sports Council is making great efforts to provide an atmosphere of success for all organizers of sporting events from the public and private sectors, and we thank Emirates NBD for sponsoring this event and its contribution to spreading the culture of exercise and physical activity in general, and its interest in the category of people of determination in particular."

Ruth Dickinson, Event Director & Managing Partner, FittGROUPME, said: “The Emirates NBD Unity Run is a very special annual celebration that brings together the community to highlight the importance of accessibility and inclusion of people of determination across all areas of UAE society. The event is included in the annual 30x30 Dubai Fitness Challenge and taking part is a fun way to participate in the challenge whilst supporting people of determination and the cause for inclusion.  Dubai Design District as our new venue, is an exciting new development with the walk and run routes taking in the fabulous views of Downtown Dubai. The Emirates NBD Unity Run is a great family event – come down and enjoy the fun”