Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Welcomes Head of Zayed Charity Race Organizing Committee

Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with organizers to review preparations for the upcoming Zayed Charity Run, which expects 15,000 participants this year. All proceeds will go directly to stem cell research programs at the Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre, funding cancer treatments and medical innovations that could benefit patients worldwide.

The meeting at Al Nakheel Palace focused on final preparations for what has become one of the UAE's largest charitable sporting events. Participants will run 3, 5, and 10-kilometer distances from Wahat Al Karama to Abu Dhabi Heritage site, bringing together families, students, athletes, and community groups.

Sheikh Hamdan emphasized that the event has grown beyond just an annual race. "The race expresses the spirit of the Emirates and transforms sport into a bridge of hope and a platform for humanitarian giving that extends its impact to various communities," he said during the briefing.

This year's funds will support three specific research areas at the Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre. The money will help develop personalized cancer treatments, advance precision medicine based on biological data, and fund innovative research in perinatal medicine. These programs represent cutting-edge medical research that could lead to new treatments for patients globally.

The race continues the humanitarian legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE's founding father known for his charitable work. Sheikh Hamdan noted that President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's continued support for humanitarian initiatives provides essential backing for such events.

Major General Mohammed Hilal Al Kaabi, who heads the organizing committee, presented details about the research programs that will benefit from this year's race. The stem cell center's work on personalized medicine represents a growing field where treatments are tailored to individual patients' genetic profiles.

Public enthusiasm for the event continues to grow as the race date approaches. The organizers reported strong registration numbers across all age groups and categories. The route itself carries symbolic meaning, starting at Wahat Al Karama, the nation's memorial to fallen heroes, and ending at a heritage site that celebrates UAE culture.

The event demonstrates how the UAE positions charitable giving within sporting events to maximize both community participation and fundraising impact. By combining fitness goals with medical research funding, organizers create a direct connection between participants' efforts and tangible scientific outcomes.