University student to climb stairs of 100 towers in Dubai for charity

Jalal will begin his attempt, being sponsored by DP World, on Sunday, January 20, starting with the Emirates Towers, and climb the stairs of all towers to the top till the Burj Al Arab, then on to the buildings in the Dubai Marina, and finally return to climb the stairs of Dubai World Trade Center. The adventure is expected to last for 12-15 days, with Jalal going day and night from one tower to another, sleeping in his car, having vowed not to return home until he accomplishes the task he has set for himself.

The 21-year-old business management student is aware that this task is extremely difficult, because it requires excellent fitness and psychological preparedness.

"Despite the busy schedule I have at college, I have been exercising throughout the last three months to get ready for this. I am determined to finish this task. ... it is for a noble cause," he said.

"It is going to be very difficult initially. I know this from my experience when I went on a trek across UAE last year. But the body gets used to fatigue," he explained.

"Currently feel tremendous inner satisfaction, and I am looking forward to realizing this dream, especially that we are raising money for the people with special needs. I have set up a website to receive donations as well. It is great to accomplish memorable things that you can cherish forever, and achieve noble goals through which you are able to extend help others and ease their suffering," Jalal added.

Jalal Bin Thaniah had previously set out on an over 600 km charity walk across the UAE to become the first UAE national to do this since the inception of the Federation between the seven emirates in 1972.

Jalal also aims at setting a model for his UAE peers to contemplate about life and have a more serious look at it.

"It is time we rolled up our sleeves and stopped relying on others to perform work for us. We have to remember the harsh life our forefathers used to live before the discovery of oil and that only by determination can we overcome difficulties," Jalal says.

Firas Dahlan, Business Relations Development Manager for DP World is personally handling the coordination of Jalal's task.

Commenting on Jalal's attempt, Mr. Dahlan said: "Jalal's attempt comes within DP World's keenness on honoring its responsibilities towards society and encouraging charities which aim at assisting social and humanitarian bodies."

"Jalal's attempt will also contribute to promoting Dubai's image as one of the fastest growing cities in the world which occupies a prominent position on the global economic map," Mr. Dahlan added.