Dubai, United Arab Emirates – adidas is harnessing the power of sport to create change by inviting the city of Dubai to unite and Race for the Deserts on November 27th.  Building on the brand’s continuous efforts to inspire communities to help end plastic waste, Race for the Deserts will raise awareness of the threat of plastic pollution in our deserts while encouraging runners across Dubai to continue leading a fit and healthy lifestyle. 

The race will be the brand’s biggest activity to date in the region, with participants either joining adidas for a 2K fun run or 5K race. Both events are set to take place in Al Qudra and will continue adidas’ strong commitment to irradicating plastic pollution.

Vicki Fitzsimons, Senior Brand Director adidas MENA said: “Race for the Deserts is more than just a run. It’s an event that will inspire and empower residents of Dubai to unite around a common goal through sport and help drive our mission to end plastic waste. At a brand level, we are constantly finding ways to utilize our platform to create change through real action, and this is exactly what we’ll be doing through this event. We’re excited to welcome runners from across Dubai to join us for this incredible initiative and I personally look forward to seeing everyone on the day.”

The desert is a vital area not only culturally for the United Arab Emirates, but environmentally too, serving as a landscape to various wildlife. Unfortunately, plastic waste in the desert is threatening the natural environment of our wildlife and adidas aims to reduce the harmful waste and support the nation to become more sustainable by empowering people of all fitness levels to take part in the Race for the Deserts. 

Race for a cause

For every KM ran on November 27th, 10 AED will be contributed to DGrade, adidas’ local sustainable partner, in an effort to keep our deserts clean. 

Runners can sign up through the following steps:

Download the adidas mobile app on iOS or Google Play

Select ‘the radar’ at the bottom of the page

Scroll down to ‘events in my area’

Select ‘sign up’

In addition to Race for the Deserts challenge, and running from October 29 – November 27, adidas is hosting a variety of curated and engaging sporting sessions for all levels and experience, encouraging Dubai residents to kick start their physical journey through one-of-a-kind fitness challenges and classes.

For more information and to follow the conversation, follow @adidasDXB and #adidasDXB #Dubai30x30 #RacefortheDeserts

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — Lockheed Martin, the U.S.-based global technology leader, will present its vision for 21st-century security solutions at Dubai Airshow 2021, focusing on network-centric technologies.

In addition to showcasing the world’s most advanced defence platforms, Lockheed Martin will present advanced network-based capabilities to counter evolving security threats across all domains – land, air, sea, cyber, and space. The company will showcase how Multi-Domain Operations or Joint All-Domain Operations (MDO/JADO) can synchronize major systems such as aircraft, ships, ground vehicles, satellites, and missile defense systems to improve situational awareness and accelerate decision-making in the field.

Robert (Bob) S. Harward, Chief Executive for Lockheed Martin in the Middle East, said, “The Dubai Airshow presents a great opportunity to meet with our customers and industry colleagues from around the world and is even more anticipated this year because of the disruptions brought on by the pandemic. We are ready to showcase some of our most innovative capabilities and look forward to engaging with our partners to discuss their priorities and how we can advance national security and human capital development agendas.”

Lockheed Martin is also a Gold Sponsor of Dubai International Air Chiefs’ Conference (DIACC) 2021, held this year under the theme, ‘Beyond Joint: The Expanding Role of Air, Space, and Cyberspace in Multi-Domain Operations’. It is hosted by the Ministry of Defense, Air Force and Air Defence, and will take place on November 13 at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai. (WAM)

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: The lives of three lucky winners took a turn for the better when they bagged AED 100,000 each in the first-ever Mahzooz Raffle Draw, launched as part of a new game design. 

The 49th weekly live Mahzooz draw saw a total of AED 1,729,100 given away as prize money. The winning Raffle IDs of 7101086, 7258543, and 7262195 belonged to Benjar, Ralito, and Ganesh, respectively. 

All three winners voiced how the sizeable prize money would help achieve milestones that mean a great deal to them. 

Benjar, a Filipino nurse from Al Ain, will use his winnings as a nest egg for his parents so they can retire early: “My parents are still working abroad, and they’ve always worked so hard to provide the best life they could for me and my sister. Mahzooz has made it possible for me, despite being so young, to gift them a carefree and comfortable life,” says the 29-year-old. 

The dutiful son believes Mahzooz is a lifeline to people. “Even at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Mahzooz draw was a light of hope, something to look forward to and stay positive when times were so tough and I was dealing with death and illness daily as a frontline worker,” Benjar explains. 

Indian expat Ganesh, 37, concurs; winning with Mahzooz on his very first attempt, he says, has restored his faith in luck: “In the 10 years I’ve lived in Dubai, I’ve never participated in a single draw because I’ve never believed in luck, only the power of hard work. I participated in Mahzooz because I was impressed by how the bottles of water we purchase go to charity, and it’s just an investment of AED 35,”

“I will use every single fils of my prize money to secure my daughter’s future. Thanks to Mahzooz, my family and I will have a special Diwali,” says the doting father, who works in the technical field. 

Ganesh’s fellow winner and father of two, Ralito, also a Filipino, harbors similar aspirations for his winning amount. “Besides educating my daughter, I’ll use the winning amount to also pay off my loans back home and upgrade my car,” explains the 39-year-old chef. “I’m so thankful to Mahzooz for helping me acquire such a huge amount of money overnight. It’s a feat I haven’t been able to accomplish in 14 years of hard work,” Ralito adds. 

All three Raffle Draw winners said that they would continue participating in Mahzooz and trying their luck to bag the AED 10,000,000 top prize in the Grand Draw. The 49th weekly live Mahzooz Grand Draw saw 26 winners share the AED 1,000,000 second prize, taking home AED 38,462 each. The top prize of AED 10,000,000 is still up for grabs. 

Entrants can participate in both the Mahzooz Grand Draw and Raffle Draw by registering via www.mahzooz.ae and purchasing a bottle of water for AED 35.  

Harmeek Singh arrived in Dubai an expat worker some 20 years ago.

Today, Harmeek is Chairman and Founder of Plan B, a multi-faceted live experience and event management agency that has offices in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Europe, known for its innovative event concepts and flawless execution standards, using the latest technologies. 

Aside from managing Plan B, Harmeek, who hails from India, is also the Strategic Director for the UAE Athletics Federation as well as Chairman of Visit St. Petersburg for the Middle East region; and regularly collaborate with various stakeholders for the greater success of the events industry in the region.

On the side, Harmeek wears a different hat – that of being a community advocate.

He says social and community activities are an essential part of doing business for him, to be able to give back and to uplift the plight of those who have less in life and are marginalised. 

“I particularly work with the labor sector in the UAE, through our ‘Box of Hope’ project where we have so far flown more than 250 people during Covid-19 back to their home countries, as well as provided shelter to the destitute while delivering more than 50,000 food boxes to labor camps in the UAE. On an ongoing basis, we provide legal assistance and other advice to help our valiant labour force deal with the challenges they face at work,” says Harmeek.

How did it all start?

“It has been a long and fruitful journey. Like many others, I started as an expatriate worker in Dubai, but saw the potential of a city that has progressive leaders and an exciting vision to turn the emirate into a global hub for business, tourism, leisure and entertainment activities,” he said.

“Having seen that potential, I decided to embark on my own entrepreneurial journey and started Plan B with a mere AED2,000 of my own savings. Like any company, we had humble beginnings and started with small projects – with a vision to become a leader and benchmark for creativity and excellence in our sector. 

“Slowly, winning client projects through word of mouth and referrals enabled me to put together a strong team and build the foundation of a growing and resilient business that now has offices in the UAE and Saudi Arabia and will soon expand in Southeast Asia and Russia,” Harmeek said.

It can also be said that Harmeek’s life philosophy has contributed to his company’s success.

“I believe in the dignity of hard work as well as being honest and humble in all my dealings with people,” said Harmeek, who holds a  Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from Delhi University

Harmeek said he has had so many lessons learned in his journey “but nothing beats hard work and perseverance.” 

“At Plan B, we try to be as innovative as we can in developing event concepts for clients and always aspire for flawless executions. We have been rewarded with great projects and have been privileged to work with many reputable local, regional and international brands and organisations that have allowed us to strengthen our position as a leading event management and live experiences company in the region and beyond. 

“Transparency is also key to our success, dealing honestly with suppliers and clients especially on challenges and difficulties that every project entails, so that together we can work on solutions that are beneficial to all concerned,” he said.

Advice to people?

“If work hard enough, you can dream big and achieve those dreams regardless of your colour or ethnic background. I am a living proof of that and always advise people that there are no shortcuts to success. 

“And no matter where I go, I always keep my feet on the ground – it is from humility that I draw the strength to face each challenge as a learning opportunity and a step towards further growth, personally or professionally,” Harmeek said.

For those working in the event industry, the challenge is to always be creative, which is why, Harmeek said, he encourages my team at Plan B to wear that hat all the time in responding to client briefs and developing our proposals. “This is the best tool we have for winning projects and ensuring we have a business ready for the challenges of the future,”  he said.

Harmeek said Plan B has “a robust expansion plan in place, especially in the post pandemic era. 

“I see a bright future as more regional and international events will take place in the UAE and the Middle East; while also taking advantages of opportunities in Europe and Asia, where we hope to see our future operations also becoming firmly established,” he said.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, over the weekend, met with HRH Crown Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg, who is visiting Dubai as part of Luxembourg’s participation in Expo 2020 Dubai.

The meeting, held at the country’s Pavilion in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, explored ways of strengthening bilateral relations between Luxembourg and the UAE, with a focus on future development and means of expanding cooperation in the fields of economy, technology and culture. The meeting also discussed ways of enhancing partnership between the private sectors of both countries in areas of investment and trade.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed praised the fast-paced development of Luxembourg as a key global financial and industrial destination.

He also expressed the hope that the country’s participation in Expo 2020 in Dubai will facilitate further cooperation between the two countries in areas of mutual interest.

HRH Crown Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg expressed his admiration of the UAE’s comprehensive development drive, which represents an inspiring model of sustainable development.

He also praised the ambitious vision of the UAE for the future, noting Luxembourg and the UAE’s strong ties in the fields of financial services, logistics, space, health and fintech.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed and HRH Crown Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg toured the Luxembourg Pavilion being held under the theme ‘Resourceful Luxembourg’.

The design of the Pavilion is based on the idea of ​​the Möbius ribbon, an infinite form, like the circular economy, but also a symbol of openness and dynamism.

Being held for the first time in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region, Expo 2020 Dubai houses the pavilions of 192 countries participating in the event as well as those of diverse organisations from across the world.

The mega global show runs for 182 days until 31st March, 2022. (WAM/Hazem Hussein)

Jessica Smith, who hails from the Land Down Under and a mother of three children, has an incredible story of triumphs and tribulations. 

Born without a left arm, then suffering an horrific accident when she was a toddler where she sustained burns to 15% of her body, Jessica defied odds and went on to represent her country in the sport of swimming for seven years, culminating in her selection onto the Australian Paralympic team in 2004. 

Sport gave Jessica ambition and focus while she tried to confront societal obstacles around body image and disability acceptance. She was able to eventually break free from personal struggles with depression and eating disorders in her 20’s. 

But perhaps the most important story there is to tell about Jessica, is that of the inspiring woman she is today; since retiring from her international swimming career Jessica has gone on to become an internationally recognised advocate for positive body image, diversity & inclusion, and disability awareness. 

Jessica, who moved to Dubai in 2019, is an accomplished motivational speaker and MC, she has taken the stage at schools, universities, businesses and community organisations – including the UN, where she shares her personal journey and expertise on diversity, inclusion and equality. After completing a BSc. Population Health from the University of Wollongong, Australia, she went on to complete executive studies in Gender Diversity at INSEAD. 

Jessica is also part of Gap’s incredible new campaign –  “Come As You Are,” which features four of the region’s most inspiring women.

“I was delighted to be asked to take part in this campaign with a global brand that is truly leading the way when it comes to inclusion and diversity.

“Growing up, I never saw myself represented in any mainstream media. There were no images of women with a diability in the magazines or on TV. This lack of representation sent a very loud message to me, and every other young female living with a disability – a message that we aren’t good enough, pretty enough, smart enough, strong enough, nor worthy. 

“Times are changing though, thanks to brands such as GAP who understand that diversity is what drives society and business. So in order to maintain current and relative and in order to ensure customers are happy, then customers need to feel seen and heard. 

“Taking part in this campaign allows me to share my story and my voice, but in so many ways my story is a metaphor for thousands of others who are on a similar journey of self acceptance,”  Jessica said.

Meantime, Jessica’s journey into motherhood inspired her to write a series of children’s books about disability and acceptance. After growing up with limited resources on these topics, Jessica wanted to create characters that represent what kids see in every day life. Her first book ‘Little Miss Jessica Goes to School” is about a young girl with one hand on her first day at school, where she learns that being “different” is OK.

Her advice?  “Accept what you cannot control by surrendering and trusting that you are exactly where you are supposed to be at any given stage, often it won’t make sense at the time, but we cannot control the uncontrollable, we can simply trust the process and listen and learn from each moment.” 

Jessica said she will be releasing, in January 2022, a series of children’s books based on the character of a young girl with one arm and her journeys in discovering that her disability and her differences are what unite her with new friends. “It’s a series of beautiful stories about friendship and self acceptance, so please stay tuned because I know these books will be a valuable resource for all parents and teachers wanting to start important conversations about difference with younger children,” she said.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The UAE’s busiest road was transformed into a giant cycling track last weekend for families and fitness enthusiasts for the second edition of Dubai Ride. 

A total of 32,750 cyclists took to their bikes on the 14km Sheikh Zayed Road route and 4km family route to participate in the free, non-competitive community event, organized as part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) 2021.

Launched last year, Dubai Ride has become a firm favorite on the Dubai Fitness Challenge calendar of activities, attracting citizens, residents and visitors to join together and cycle past some of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks.

Beginners to seasoned cyclists aged 10 and above rode the 14km route from five different start gates along Sheikh Zayed Road and Lower Financial Centre Road, past some of the city’s most prominent landmarks including Museum of the Future, Dubai Canal, Downtown Dubai and Emirates Towers. A second 4km route for families, with cyclists as young as five on their own bikes, and even younger children travelling safely with their parents, looped around Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard with magnificent views of Burj Khalifa, lit especially for the occasion, courtesy of Emaar.

Commenting on the occasion, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said: “Dubai Ride demonstrates the commitment of the people of Dubai to prioritizing health and wellbeing. Witnessing this community event, and the 32,750 cyclists who took part today, was a moment of pride. Every cyclist participating has helped show the world that Dubai is one of the greatest cities to live in, work in and visit. We have continued the legacy created with the inaugural Dubai Ride in 2020, and grown in numbers – with people of all ages and abilities taking part.” 

”We are now one week into this year’s Dubai Fitness Challenge, and I call on every citizen, resident, visitor, government entity and business to keep up the positive momentum, and help make Dubai an even happier and healthier city. I would also like to thank the organisers, partners and everyone who contributed to the success of this remarkable event.”

Running until Nov. 27, DFC’s action-packed calendar features a more diverse and inclusive range of fitness activities and events than ever before – with a focus on getting outside in the cooler weather as participants complete their 30 minutes of daily activity across the 30 days. 

Everyone of all ages and abilities can enjoy the three, free Fitness Villages at Kite Beach, Expo 2020 Dubai and Mushrif Park; 14 Fitness Hubs in business and residential communities across the city; major sporting events; and over 5,000 free live and virtual fitness classes. The signature Dubai Run will also return to Sheikh Zayed Road on 26 November with families taking part alongside recreational and professional runners for this coveted event. There’s still a chance to register and take part at www.dubairun.com .

Dubai Ride, which happened Friday, Nov. 5, was organized by Dubai Tourism and Dubai Sports Council; with presenting partner DP World; association partners Aviv Clinics, Emaar and Emirates NBD; official partners Emirates Airline, Mai Dubai, and Noon; government partners Event’s Security Committee, Dubai Police, Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Ambulance and media and app partners Arabian Radio Network (ARN) and STEPPI. (WAM) 

Dubai, United Arab Emirates:  About 300,000 people visited the Italian Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai in its first month, making it one of the most viewed among those of the 190 countries participating in the Universal Exhibition.

With a growth of 100,000 visitors in the latest week (twice as many as in the previous one), the pavilion also benefits from an increase in the total visits to Expo, set to a further boost during the winter holidays.

In addition to physical visitors, who have explored the exhibition path and participated in many events held outside and inside the Pavilion, there were 4 million virtual visitors who viewed the exhibition and followed the events on the Pavilion website, its social channels (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube) and thanks to the different pages and communities involved.

Large and small companies of the Made in Italy, institutional partners, Regions, Art and Metropolitan Cities, the network of the European Capitals of Culture and great musicians participated in dozens of initiatives, talks, temporary exhibitions and   sporting events.

The accesses to Expo 2020 Dubai since the opening on October 1st totaled 2.35 million, Expo’s press office said, adding that the figure includes visitors who have crossed the gates of the site more than once to visit on different days. The visitors were of 185 different nationalities, with almost a third younger than 18-year-old.

Dubai clearly emerged as the top destination in a LinkedIn survey that Italy’s tour operators used to test the willingness of Italians to travel after the introduction of “tourist corridors” — a special agreement between states to simplify the way they travel abroad. 

The UAE city – which hosts Expo until March 31, 2022 – is first among the international destinations booked until the end of the year, with 41% of the preferences over 2000 interactions. 

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: EWINGS, on behalf of Mahzooz, sponsored the Pink Caravan mobile clinic managed by the Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP) in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The fully equipped mobile medical clinic provided free breast cancer screening to residents of a female labour camp in the Al Quoz area.

Pink Caravan is a Pan-UAE breast cancer initiative that falls under FOCP’s umbrella ‘Kashf’ for early detection of cancer.

“Making breast cancer screening accessible to women, especially blue-collar workers who can’t afford it, is key to fighting the disease. We will continue to support such initiatives and give back to the community to build a brighter future for various segments of society,” said Farid Samji, CEO of EWINGS.

The mobile medical clinic conducted free clinical breast exams for women under 40 years of age, and mammograms for those over 40 who are at a higher risk of breast cancer.

Such medical services help save women’s lives as well as educate them about the importance of screening, early detection and how to look out for symptoms of breast cancer,” said Dr. Sawsan Al Madhi, Director General of FOCP.

She added: “FOCP is grateful for the support extended by EWINGS and their commitment to partner in our mission of early detection strategies including clinical breast exams and mammograms.”

The Pink Caravan mobile medical clinic was sponsored by EWINGS, for the second year running, as part of a financial contribution agreement signed with FOCP.

The Pink Caravan has facilitated over 75,000 clinical examinations between 2011and 2020 across the UAE, including 13,000 cases detected amongst men.