On the morning of 25 November 2016, sharp at 6:30am,  more than 2,000 of the city’s residents gathered at Al Mamzar Beach in Dubai for a ‘Unity Run’ to support Al Noor Training Centre for people with disabilities. The event started with the registrations followed by a warm up session – a 3 km and 7 km run and ended with a prize distribution.

The roads were closed from 7:30am till 10:15am. An amazing turnout for the first ever Unity Run witnessed able and special needs people side by side waiving UAE flags and running together.

The celebration of togetherness and inclusivity was specially organised to motivate Dubai’s initiative of being a disabilities friendly city by 2020. The event was open for everyone and was attended by a large number of people from different backgrounds, age groups and communities. It was also marked with the presence of special needs people from different centers and institutes across UAE.

“We got the fantastic support from the community to make this arrangement not only a special but memorable one.  I want to thank Dubai Police, RTA and all supporting partners and sponsors for their participation and help” said Ruth Dickson, Managing Partner, Fittgroup Middle East, is one of the organisers of the run.

Kris Fade, a famous RJ from UAE came and wowed the crowd and was surrounded with lots of excited fans. There were almost 200 volunteers to assist and cheer for the participants. For special needs adults, the entry was completely free. The Unity Run also celebrated 35th anniversary of Al Noor and the 45th anniversary of the Union. The sportive event was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The winners were appreciated and awarded with prizes and certificates for their special efforts and reaching the finish line.

On the successful wrap up of the event, Ruth Dickson, said: “Anything is possible, it was a heartwarming experience to see the participation from people who have never even tried walking. I just hope like we all ran together for this event, we walk together with special needs people in the society and include them in every possible activity”.