Dubai Women’s Run: A decade of women’s empowerment

DUBAI: Scheduled for November 26 this year, Dubai Women’s Run — the largest sporting event for women in the Arab world — announced the very special 10th edition to be held in Dubai Festival City, part of Al-Futtaim Real Estate.

The event promises an unforgettable experience as it celebrates a decade of women’s empowerment through running.

Organised by Plan b Group, in association with UAE Athletics Federation and Dubai Sports Council, the event is expected to have over 5,000 participants who can choose to either run the 10 kilometres or 5 kilometres race or have the option to join three kilometres run/walk on a well-planned route.

Open to women and girls from 14 years and above, the event has come a long way and major efforts will be put into building the run up to the event with more activities to help inspire women to participate.

The announcement was made during a press conference in Dubai Sports Council’s headquarters, with the attendance of Major General Dr. Mohamed Abdullah Al Murr, President of the UAE Athletics Federation; Dr. Harmeek Singh, Chairman and Founder of Plan b Group; and DSC representative.

Speaking on the occasion, Major General Dr. Mohamed Abdullah Al Murr, President of the UAE Athletics Federation, said, “It is one of our key priorities to ensure that women are given every opportunity to be encouraged in any choices they make for their betterment. The Dubai Women’s Run 10th edition to be held this November is an example of the planning and exciting initiatives that support their enthusiasm in the field of fitness and running.”

“Through the years, Dubai Women’s Run has been empowering and inspiring women to achieve their goals. We are doing all we can to ensure that we reach out to women across the board and help them understand the long terms gains of fitness and running. And in line with the visionary leaders of the country, we aim to help them understand it is not just a run but a community platform for all women to avail of,” said Dr. Harmeek Singh, Race Chairman, Dubai Women’s Run and Founder and Chairman, Plan b Group.

Her Excellency Hala Badri, Board Member Dubai Sports Council and Head of Women’s Sports, said: “The Dubai Women’s Run occupies a distinguished position in the annual events that are organised in Dubai in general and in the events and tournaments dedicated to women in particular. We are pleased to meet today to announce the details of organising the 10th edition of this distinguished race, and this is evidence of the success and continuity of the event. This race is not only the largest in Dubai or the UAE, but also the largest among women’s running events, with the participation of more than 5,000 girls and women of different ages and nationalities, aged 14 years and over.”

Hala Al-Badri added: “The run allows participants to choose between 3 distances to compete, which are 10, 5 and 3 kilometres, according to abilities and technical levels, which allows all participants to benefit and develop their physical and competitive capabilities. This event represents a model of cooperation between national sports institutions represented by the Dubai Sports Council and the Emirates Athletics Federation. The private sector is represented by Plan B. It also embodies, once again the interdependence between sporting events and the many prestigious commercial and residential complexes in Dubai through Dubai Festival City hosting the event again. I am also pleased to announce that the coming period, including the summer period, will witness the establishment of many dedicated events. For women within the activities of our summer sports, whose first edition last year achieved great success, and we will announce in the near future a new second edition, which will be larger and more diverse.”

Commenting on the partnership, Genevieve Colaco, Regional General Manager, Marketing & Customer Experience for Al-Futtaim Real Estate, said, “We are thrilled to host the 10th edition of the Dubai Women’s Run that will start on Festival Bay, Dubai Festival City Mall. A leading retail and entertainment destination, the mall is situated along the beautiful waterfront promenade of Dubai Festival City with stunning views of the Dubai Creek and iconic Dubai skyline. With this partnership, we are proud to offer a platform that encourages women of all fitness levels to begin or reinvigorate their fitness journey in a safe and supportive environment. We look forward to welcoming all participants and cheering them on as they cross the finish line!”

Backed by all relevant government departments, the Dubai Women’s Run has strong support to enhance the experiences with brands like Uform Fitness in this year’s milestone celebration to build in the fitness activities. Special activities will be initiated in the months before the event which include fitness roadshows in corporate offices and schools. They will emphasise the importance of setting clear goals, provide resources to support goal achievement and have team building activities that help participants connect with others who share their goals and aspirations.