UAE to organize Zayed Charity Marathon in Kerala this year

• This international event is being held first time in India
• Huge prize money to attract the top Global athletes
• Charity fund to benefit Kerala Healthcare initiatives
• Will boost tourism and sports sectors in India

Dubai: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijaya, who is on a visit to UAE today held talks with UAE authorities regarding organizing Zayed Charity marathon in Kerala this year. This initiative is being planned as per the direction of HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE to spread the message of the founding father of UAE HH late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan who was known as one of the biggest philanthropists and humanitarian.

The meeting was held in Dubai with Lt. Gen. Mohamed Hilal Al Kaabi, Chairman of Zayed Charity Marathon along with Sanjay Sudhir, Indian Ambassador, Members of the Higher Organising Committee of the Zayed Charity Marathon Hamoud Abdullah Al Junaibi and Ahmed Mohammed Al Kaabi, prominent businessman Yusuff Ali MA.

Lt. General Kaabi explained the details of this unique event which was started in 2005 in New York. The main objective of this marathon is to raise funds for the advancement of the healthcare sector especially for needy people. He also stressed the fact that the main reason for selecting Kerala is due to the high number of Keralites residing in UAE and the love and affection they show towards Emiratis. UAE is home to more than 3.5 million Indians out of which the majority are from the state of Kerala.

Pinarayi Vijayan wholeheartedly accepted the UAE’s gesture in choosing Kerala to be the first state to host this prestigious event in India. It’s an honour and prestige for Kerala to be selected for this global event. He also pledged full support for the successful conduct of the marathon, in connection with the UAE National Day later this year.

Ambassador Sanjay Sudhir said that this initiative will further boost the strong friendly relations between UAE and India especially Kerala which have a large diaspora in UAE. It’s an honour not for Kerala but for the entire country, he added.

As per the decision taken today, a high-level steering committee will be formed by the Kerala Government to coordinate and finalize the various technical and related aspects of holding such a mega international event in Kerala. The various aspects of organizing this event will be coordinated by Indian Embassy. The entire expense of organizing this event will be borne by the UAE authorities.

Lt. Gen. Al Kaabi especially thanked Yusuffali MA for his efforts in this regard and appreciated the role played by him in supporting the UAE-Indo relationship.

Founded over 20 years ago, the Zayed Charity Marathon is an iconic, worldwide humanitarian running race held in honour of Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father of the UAE.