Today, 10,000 members of the UAE community joined the seventh annual Walk for Education organized by Dubai Cares, part of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives. The family-fun event attracted UAE citizens, residents and visitors of all ages to walk the symbolic three kilometer route along Riyadh Road in Dubai, raising awareness about children in developing countries who walk on average three to six kilometers every day to attend school. A lineup of fun activities was also hosted inside the park, including face painting, games, music and fitness.
Commenting on the outstanding turnout of the UAE community, Tariq Al Gurg, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Cares said: "Dubai Cares' Walk for Education is one of the pillars we utilize to bring to life the supportive community spirit that we have here in the UAE. It is truly humbling to see our cosmopolitan people come together as one voice and one movement in support of children in the developing world who overcome overwhelming barriers to gain access to education."
The Dubai Cares Walk for Education 2016 was sponsored by Chevron Al Khalij and Midas Safety as Main Sponsors. Other organizing partners included Arabian Radio Network as the Radio Partner, Etisalat, Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police, Dubai Sports Council, RTA and JK58 as well as in-kind contributors: Flying Elephant, Hills Advertising, ITP, Limelight Sports OMD, Sirma Water.
Chris Bradley, Country Chairman UAE, Chevron Al Khalij said: "The Dubai Cares' Walk for Education is now an established highlight of the Dubai calendar and Chevron was again delighted to extend its support. This symbolic 3km walk attracts more and more participants each year. The importance of access to education is a focus which Chevron shares with Dubai Cares and we are pleased to walk alongside the community, raising awareness around this essential cause."
Abbas Kassam, CEO of Midas Safety said: "Midas Safety is not only dedicated to providing safety solutions for all workers, but also to uplifting the lives of those in underprivileged communities. We are extremely proud of our collaboration with Dubai Cares on this very worthy cause. Midas Safety, alongside Dubai Cares and everyone who took part, is committed to the belief that providing sustainable education solutions to every individual worldwide is key – and that without access to this basic human right, the dreams of many children in developing countries will never become a reality. The Dubai Cares' Walk for Education has been a huge success, gaining momentum year after year."
Mariam Eisa Alhosani, a UAE national who participated in Dubai Cares' Walk for Education, commented: "I participated in this Walk today with my friends to experience some of the challenges children in developing countries around the world face every day on their way to and from school, and also to share with them our message of support to their journey of education."
Christy Aprilia, another participant said: "We are happy to be part of the Walk for Education today. We enjoyed our time with our friends and family. We thank Dubai Cares for organizing this event and for giving us the opportunity to support children around the world."
"I am grateful to those who participated in the Walk and to our sponsors, especially our main sponsors Chevron Al Khalij and Midas Safety. I would also like to extend a big thank you to all government departments which facilitated the walk, to the volunteers who took the time to help us manage the Walk; without them, our Walk wouldn't have been a success. As a result of the energy, resources and efforts of these individuals and organizations, Dubai Cares Walk for Education continues to thrive year after year. Through this level of UAE community support, we are able to extend our reach to support a greater number of children in developing communities across the world," concluded Al Gurg.