Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 17 February 2018:   15,000 members of the UAE community participated today (Friday, 16 February 2018) in the 9th edition of the annual Walk for Education organized by Dubai Cares, part of Mohamed bin Rashed Al Maktoum Global Initiative. The community engagement initiative, which is in line with the Year of Zayed 2018, was held in solidarity of millions of children and young people in developing countries who walk an average distance of 3km every day to get to school. Compared to previous years, this year’s Walk saw an increase in participation among corporations and education institutions in the UAE.

 

Commenting on this year’s remarkable turnout for the Dubai Cares Walk for Education, Tariq Al Gurg, Chief Executive Officer at Dubai Cares, said: “We are extremely impressed with the exceptional support that members of the UAE community continue to demonstrate towards the noble cause we support. We extend our sincere thanks to our partners, sponsors, volunteers, supporters and the local authorities who have been continuously supporting Dubai Cares’ annual walk. The generous support we receive from all corners of the UAE will certainly help us extend the scope of our efforts to reach as many children and young people as possible in developing countries.”

 

Dr. Abdulla Al Karam, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director-General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) said: “I am extremely happy to participate every year in Dubai Cares’ Walk for Education. The event is getting better and better every year as I see an increase in the number of both participants and organizations supporting this initiative. I am also very delighted to see more kids this year walking and having fun because this what the event is all about. This event is certainly the best way to start the weekend.”

 

David Healy, CEO EMEA of Aetna International, added: “The success of today’s Walk for Education proves that there is a true sense of community here in the UAE and a genuine desire to help others who are perhaps less fortunate. Dubai Cares’ Walk for Education initiative has allowed people to have fun and be active whilst also gaining an understanding of the struggles experienced by some children in reaching school each day. We feel proud to have been a main partner of the event, and we would especially like to thank our colleagues and their family and friends for supporting the cause.”

 

Rizwan Ahmed, Executive Director of IFFCO, one of the main sponsors of the event, commented after the walk: 'It is really heart-warming to see thousands of people from different walks of life and different parts of the world come together to show solidarity towards this noble cause. And, on behalf of IFFCO, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dubai Cares for taking this initiative to help improve access to education for children around the world.'

 

Ninoscha Mendoza who participated in this year’s walk, said: “It’s been great to see so many families and friends come together to support an important cause today. There’s a strong sense of community that bonds the people of Dubai and the UAE, which Dubai Cares has successfully tapped into to engage us all in making a difference in this world.”

 

This year’s main sponsors are IFFCO and Aetna, joined by Chevron as a sponsor. Al Tayer Group and The Kindergarten Starters were among the first organizations to sign up, confirming the participation of 2,100 staff and 1,414 students and staff respectively. Dubai Cares’ other supporting partners for the Walk for Education 2018 include Arabian Radio Network (ARN), Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police, Dubai Sports Council, ExpatWoman, JK58, Hills Advertising, ITP Media Group and RTA.