International Fair and Walkathon raises over Dhs600,000 for 'Dubai Cares'

Led by HH Sheikha Maitha Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Walkathon attracted more than 3,000 participants, including families and members of sports, special needs and social clubs.

In addition to Dhs600,000 raised from registration fees and sales, a generous donation of Dhs73,400 by CA Transforming and IT Management will go to the 'Dubai Cares' campaign.

The day-long fair included numerous family attractions such as horse and camel rides, games, prizes, several huge balloon castles, balloon and cotton candy stands and clowns and performers.

HH Sheikha Maitha was joined by Ahmad Saad Al Sharief, Secretary General, Dubai Sports Council; Saeed Hareb, Managing Director, Dubai International Marines Club; and, Ali Bujsaim, a prominent national football figure, and Ghada Shua, the Syrian Olympic gold medalist, to lead more than 3,000 participants in the walkathon.

'I am very proud to have participated in this walkathon, alongside HH Sheikha Maitha, and the amazing number of participants who have joined us to support the Dubai Cares initiative,' said Al Sharief.

'It was very humbling to see the families and communities of Dubai coming together in support of a common charitable cause.'

The campaign was launched 19 September 2007 by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and has tasked his children with the responsibility to drive the campaign at home and represent Dubai in recipient countries.

Dubai Cares is the latest in a line of international initiatives that express Dubai's willingness to play an effective role in securing a better tomorrow for future generations. The campaign is Dubai's contribution to a global drive to help countries achieve their U.N. Millennium Development Goals of providing primary education to every child by 2015.