The Zayed Charity Run took over Rio de Janeiro’s waterfront on Sunday, as more than 3,000 participants ran through the city’s streets to take part in 5km and 10km races.
The second leg of this season’s Zayed Charity Run was another inaugural event, coming to the Brazilian capital for the first time. But more than a race, the event aimed to showcase the UAE’s generosity, raising money in support of local hospitals, charities and research institutions.
With golden sands on one side and Rio’s dramatic peaks rising in the distance, the runners set off along one of the world’s most famous waterfronts. The sound of waves mixed with cheers from the crowd and the beats of samba spilling out from the promenade, creating a unique backdrop for an event rooted in community spirit and kindness.
Zayed Charity Run was first held in Abu Dhabi in 2001 in honour of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Over the years, the run has gone to cities such as New York, Miami and Cairo, with proceeds directed to host-country charities.
Beijing hosted the event for the first time last month.
The Abu Dhabi leg remains the flagship event, held each year in late November to coincide with National Day celebrations.
Beneficiaries have included the National Kidney Foundation in the US and Egypt’s Children’s Cancer Hospital. To date, the event has raised more than $173 million for medical research, treatment for chronic illnesses and children’s hospitals.
In Rio, beyond the running course, it also became a cultural exchange, offering Brazilian participants and spectators a glimpse into Emirati heritage while celebrating Rio’s own energy and rhythm.
Among those drawn to the event was Claudia Solito, a Rio resident, who previously worked for Emirates. She signed up for the 5k after hearing about the run from her former boss.
“I think it’s marvellous … Rio needed it,” she says.
Her enthusiasm was shared by fellow Rio resident Hevelyn Silva, who discovered the event through her running clubs and decided to take part in the 10k. After looking into the run, she says she was particularly impressed by its charitable mission. Although she has never visited the UAE, the weekend’s celebrations – from Ayala dancers performing to the friendships she made along the way – have now placed it on her bucket list. After crossing the finish line, she called her medal the “most beautiful one” she now owns.
Even though the event introduced some Brazilians to Emirati culture, for Emiratis themselves, it was an opportunity to proudly share their traditions on the other side of the world.
Friends Saeed AlSuwaidi and Ahmed Banaeimoon, who both live in Abu Dhabi, said running in Rio while representing the UAE spirit was an unforgettable moment. Banaeimoon described the experience as something that felt like a dream.
“We have a completely different culture, language and way of dressing. Seeing my friends perform our national moves in Brazil feels strange, but I’m proud at the same time,” he says.
“Even though we are different, we’re doing our best to represent ourselves, while also learning from others. The differences open doors for collaboration, helping each other and doing more together. This is just one step towards something great.”
AlSuwaidi also spoke of how meaningful it felt to join the race, particularly as someone who had only ever run in smaller events before.
“It’s completely new to me. I’ve only done a few local runs, but this one is huge because we came to the other side of the world,” he says.
“I’m sure this is going to be something amazing for us, and I’m hoping to be there for the next few ones as well – Abu Dhabi, Cairo, Miami. Hopefully we’ll be there.”
That same sense of pride was echoed by fellow Emirati, Mana Al Blooshi, who was also in Brazil for the first time. For him, the warmth of the reception stood out as much as the run itself.
“I’m feeling proud,” he says. “People are joining the celebrations and enjoying it also. You can see everyone is joining – even Brazilians are trying to dance as we do it. So it’s a nice thing.”
“They’re very welcoming, and especially to UAE people. I hope to see more people here from UAE and more races and more tournaments,” he adds.
It wasn’t only Emiratis and Brazilians who felt the impact of the weekend. Visitors to Rio were also drawn into the atmosphere, finding themselves unexpectedly immersed in a cultural exchange.
Among them was Anthony Antoine, an American tourist, who says Brazil is one of his favourite places to visit. He was surprised to witness Emirati traditions up close. Although he has been to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, this was the first time he had seen an Ayala performance. From his Airbnb balcony, he could see the group performing and hear their singing and felt compelled to join the crowd.
“My thing is I love to travel the world and I love different cultures. And so I had to see what was going on,” he says.
“But, you know, like what are the odds? This is why we travel. Today was supposed to be about rest. I was on the phone with my best friend. I just happened to be on the balcony and I’m like, ‘wait, I got to call you back’. I got to get out here in the mix and see what all of this is about. And I’m so happy I did.”
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
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%3Cp%3EThe%20new%20UAE%20league%20has%20been%20boosted%20this%20season%20by%20the%20arrival%20of%20five%20Pakistanis%2C%20who%20were%20not%20released%20to%20play%20last%20year.%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%0D%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EShaheen%20Afridi%20(Desert%20Vipers)%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3ESet%20for%20at%20least%20four%20matches%2C%20having%20arrived%20from%20New%20Zealand%20where%20he%20captained%20Pakistan%20in%20a%20series%20loss.%20%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EShadab%20Khan%20(Desert%20Vipers)%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E%0DThe%20leg-spin%20bowling%20allrounder%20missed%20the%20tour%20of%20New%20Zealand%20after%20injuring%20an%20ankle%20when%20stepping%20on%20a%20ball.%20%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAzam%20Khan%20(Desert%20Vipers)%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EPowerhouse%20wicketkeeper%20played%20three%20games%20for%20Pakistan%20on%20tour%20in%20New%20Zealand.%20He%20was%20the%20first%20Pakistani%20recruited%20to%20the%20ILT20.%20%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMohammed%20Amir%20(Desert%20Vipers)%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EHas%20made%20himself%20unavailable%20for%20national%20duty%2C%20meaning%20he%20will%20be%20available%20for%20the%20entire%20ILT20%20campaign.%20%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EImad%20Wasim%20(Abu%20Dhabi%20Knight%20Riders)%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EThe%20left-handed%20allrounder%2C%2035%2C%20retired%20from%20international%20cricket%20in%20November%20and%20was%20subsequently%20recruited%20by%20the%20Knight%20Riders.%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
THE BIO
Family: I have three siblings, one older brother (age 25) and two younger sisters, 20 and 13
Favourite book: Asking for my favourite book has to be one of the hardest questions. However a current favourite would be Sidewalk by Mitchell Duneier
Favourite place to travel to: Any walkable city. I also love nature and wildlife
What do you love eating or cooking: I’m constantly in the kitchen. Ever since I changed the way I eat I enjoy choosing and creating what goes into my body. However, nothing can top home cooked food from my parents.
Favorite place to go in the UAE: A quiet beach.
Tips for used car buyers
- Choose cars with GCC specifications
- Get a service history for cars less than five years old
- Don’t go cheap on the inspection
- Check for oil leaks
- Do a Google search on the standard problems for your car model
- Do your due diligence. Get a transfer of ownership done at an official RTA centre
- Check the vehicle’s condition. You don’t want to buy a car that’s a good deal but ends up costing you Dh10,000 in repairs every month
- Validate warranty and service contracts with the relevant agency and and make sure they are valid when ownership is transferred
- If you are planning to sell the car soon, buy one with a good resale value. The two most popular cars in the UAE are black or white in colour and other colours are harder to sell
Tarek Kabrit, chief executive of Seez, and Imad Hammad, chief executive and co-founder of CarSwitch.com
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A new relationship with the old country
Treaty of Friendship between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates
The United kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates; Considering that the United Arab Emirates has assumed full responsibility as a sovereign and independent State; Determined that the long-standing and traditional relations of close friendship and cooperation between their peoples shall continue; Desiring to give expression to this intention in the form of a Treaty Friendship; Have agreed as follows:
ARTICLE 1 The relations between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates shall be governed by a spirit of close friendship. In recognition of this, the Contracting Parties, conscious of their common interest in the peace and stability of the region, shall: (a) consult together on matters of mutual concern in time of need; (b) settle all their disputes by peaceful means in conformity with the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations.
ARTICLE 2 The Contracting Parties shall encourage education, scientific and cultural cooperation between the two States in accordance with arrangements to be agreed. Such arrangements shall cover among other things: (a) the promotion of mutual understanding of their respective cultures, civilisations and languages, the promotion of contacts among professional bodies, universities and cultural institutions; (c) the encouragement of technical, scientific and cultural exchanges.
ARTICLE 3 The Contracting Parties shall maintain the close relationship already existing between them in the field of trade and commerce. Representatives of the Contracting Parties shall meet from time to time to consider means by which such relations can be further developed and strengthened, including the possibility of concluding treaties or agreements on matters of mutual concern.
ARTICLE 4 This Treaty shall enter into force on today’s date and shall remain in force for a period of ten years. Unless twelve months before the expiry of the said period of ten years either Contracting Party shall have given notice to the other of its intention to terminate the Treaty, this Treaty shall remain in force thereafter until the expiry of twelve months from the date on which notice of such intention is given.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned have signed this Treaty.
DONE in duplicate at Dubai the second day of December 1971AD, corresponding to the fifteenth day of Shawwal 1391H, in the English and Arabic languages, both texts being equally authoritative.
Signed
Geoffrey Arthur Sheikh Zayed
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