Emirates Foundation, PureHealth to launch Active Abu Dhabi initiative


ABU DHABI: In the presence of H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs, Emirates Foundation has partnered with PureHealth to launch the Active Abu Dhabi initiative.

H.H. Sheikh Theyab was briefed on the initiative to further promote active and healthy lifestyles in Abu Dhabi through a year-long programme of fitness activities, beginning 18th March 2024 for 14 days.

Recent data by Abu Dhabi’s Department of Community Development highlights that a promising 37.3 percent of Abu Dhabi’s population already meets the World Health Organisation’s global physical activity guidelines. Active Abu Dhabi, whose mission is to spearhead a series of annual active lifestyle events, aims to build on this momentum by promoting sports engagement, advancing positive societal interaction, and encouraging an even greater segment of the community to adopt an active lifestyle.

Powered by Pura, PureHealth’s comprehensive, personalised AI-
enabled longevity app, the collaboration between PureHealth and Active Abu Dhabi is set to impact the community by encouraging a healthier, more resilient society where individual wellbeing is prioritised. Pura will give access to challenges, but will also reward participation through incentives, improving overall engagement in Active Abu Dhabi and progress towards a healthier lifestyle. The partnership is in line with PureHealth’s mission of advancing longevity for all, and encouraging people to enhance their holistic health and overall wellbeing.

Ahmed Al Shamsi, CEO of the Emirates Foundation, said, “This partnership between PureHealth and Active Abu Dhabi marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to bring about positive change. As we unite our expertise and resources, we’re not just forging a collaboration; we’re igniting a movement towards a healthier, more connected community. Together, we will redefine what’s possible in promoting health, wellness, and community engagement, setting a new
standard for impactful partnerships in Abu Dhabi and beyond.”

Shaista Asif, Group Chief Executive Officer at PureHealth, said, “At PureHealth, our vision is advancing longevity to unlock time for humankind, so that people live longer, healthier, happier, and fuller lives. Through our collaboration with Active Abu Dhabi, we’re moving closer to realising this vision of a vibrant, health-conscious community that prioritises wellness. We believe in harnessing the transformative power of community to champion activity, igniting a ripple effect of health benefits across all ages and walks of life. We are proud to be a partner in such a meaningful initiative.’

Mansour Al Dhaheri, Founder of Active Abu Dhabi, said, “Active Abu Dhabi strives to unite the community through activity. Teaming up with PureHealth expands our reach and amplifies our impact as we champion health and wellness as fundamental pillars of a fulfilling life. Together, we can inspire even more individuals to embrace an active lifestyle and reap i
ts countless benefits.”

First Steps is the next Active Abu Dhabi event in a year-long calendar, a 14-day walking challenge, that will begin on 18th March 2024 at Umm Al Emarat Park. The event will be open to people across all fitness levels and participants can access an array of daily challenges and information, along with prizes and incentives that will be linked to the respective challenges. The venue will be open daily during the 14-day period from 15:00 – 18:00 and 20:00 – 23:00 for two weeks from Monday,18th March 2024. Participants can enter the park for free to take part in person or can participate virtually from anywhere via the Pura application.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Abu Dhabi Entertainment Company to enhance sports facilities


ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi Entertainment Company (ADEC) has teamed up with Sanad Strata and Solutions+ to enhance sports facilities in Abu Dhabi.

The signing ceremony, held at ACTIVE Al Maryah Island, marked the beginning of this transformative initiative. ACTIVE, managed by ADEC, is the first beneficiary of this enhancement project. Ismail Ali Abdulla, Head of UAE Clusters – Mubadala, witnessed the ceremony. Ali Alyafei, the Chairman of Abu Dhabi Entertainment Company, signed agreements with representatives of each entity, including Mansoor Janahi, Managing Director and Group CEO of Sanad, Solutions+ CEO Nasir Al Nabhani and Strata CEO Dr. Khaled Al Mazrouei.

Ali Alyafei said: ‘We are proud to establish this relationship with Mubadala’s national champions and for their trust in us to execute this sponsorship to the highest of standards. Having operated in the sport and recreation market for the past 14 years, Abu Dhabi Entertainment Company has gained expertise in community needs and venue operation. This ke
en eye will allow us to identify upgrades and improvements that will create an even better sports experience at sites around the Emirate.’

Mansoor Janahi, managing director and Group CEO of Sanad said: ‘This partnership epitomises Sanad’s dedication to enhancing the Abu Dhabi ecosystem by empowering communities through sports and recreation. We are excited to embark on this transformative journey with ADEC, contributing to the holistic development of Abu Dhabi’s vibrant community.’

Dr. Khaled Al Mazrouei, chief executive officer of Strata Manufacturing, said, ‘Strata Manufacturing is proud to support efforts and collaborate with various national entities and institutions, enhancing the quality of life for all community members. The company recognises that this extensive community involvement will add further incentives to the active lifestyles of individuals and the broader society. Moreover, it supports the local, regional, and global presence of Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates, stemming from a
vision and determination for integration to elevate the characteristics of a society that embodies the goals of comprehensive development through sports and entertainment.’

Source: Emirates News Agency

Liverpool, Rome excel in first leg of Europa League round of 16


ABU DHABI: English Premier League side Liverpool beat their hosts Sparta Prague of the Czech Republic 5-1 in the first leg of the Europa League round of 16.

In the meantime, Italy’s Roma defeated their guests Brighton of England 4-0 in the same round.

Also in the same round, Azerbaijan’s Qarabag FK drew 2-2 with German side Bayer Leverkusen at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium.

Source: Emirates News Agency

UAE Presidential Camels win Emir of Qatar’s Sword in Purebred Arabian Camel Festival


DOHA: His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, witnessed the final four rounds of the annual festival of purebred Arabian camels racing on His Highness’ Sword for the season 2023-2024, which was held at Al Shahaniya Camel Racetrack on Thursday.

Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Adviser to the UAE President and Chairman of the UAE Camel Racing Federation, along with a crowd of camel racing fans attended the event.

H.H. crowned the winners of the four main races as well as the winners of the six main races of the tribal camel competitions, which were held yesterday afternoon.

The closing day’s competitions were attended by a number of sheikhs, ambassadors accredited to the state, heads of camel federations from brotherly and friendly countries, and a large audience of camel sport fans.

Source: Emirates News Agency

UAEFA celebrates National Sports Day


DUBAI: The UAE Football Association (UAEFA) today organised a range of sporting activities at its Dubai headquarters to commemorate the ninth National Sports Day, held under the theme ‘The UAE Unites Us.’

The initiative is in line with the directive of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to celebrate National Sports Day, which symbolises the unity and solidarity of Emirati society and fosters harmony among the entire community through engagement in sports, leisure, and cultural pursuits.

The day’s activities, which were attended by the staff from various departments and members of the technical staff of the UAE national teams, featured a diverse range of recreational sports activities, kicking off with a walking challenge and culminating in football matches between the employees of various UAEFA departments.

Speaking about the importance of National Sports Day, Mohammed Abdullah Hazam Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of the UAEFA
, highlighted the day’s role as a leading social sporting event that motivates community members to participate in all types of sports.

He also underscored the UAEFA’s commitment to being involved each year in this important sporting occasion, which bolsters national identity and reflects the guidance and priorities of the UAE’s leadership across diverse humanitarian, social, sporting, and cultural endeavours.

Al Dhaheri stressed that National Sports Day is a platform for promoting the ambitions that underpin the well-being and protection of the community, and is celebrated for fostering a collaborative spirit among the UAE’s population, reflecting the nation’s ethos of harmony, tranquillity, and safety.

Source: Emirates News Agency

9th National Sports Day attracts over 77,000 participants


DUBAI: The 9th edition of the National Sports Day initiative saw an unprecedented participation of 77,230 individuals from all segments of society, surpassing the previous year’s 70,000 participants. The event, themed “The UAE Unites Us,” was organised by the National Olympic Committee in collaboration with Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club, with significant participation from schools, including 5,000 students engaging in fair competition across various sports.

The day began with a sports march led by committee members, club representatives, athletes, and students, followed by competitive matches and fitness sessions. The diverse activities attracted participants of all ages, with 23% men, 16% women, 21% children, 10% people with determination, and 9% elderly individuals taking part.

Fares Al Mutawa, Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee, stressed the importance of this day in embodying the values and principles of the Olympic movement through sports practices and major events; Characterized by commun
ity participation, whether from seniors, families, and people of determination, which contributed to doubling the number of sports events with the launch of the ninth edition and the endeavor of all entities to organize more accompanying activities and register them on the website, which witnessed great turnout with the actual start of the event.

He appreciated the directives of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, President of the National Olympic Committee, and his affirmation that practicing sports is a societal culture that our wise leadership has reinforced and provided the appropriate environment that encourages its sustainability and increases its percentage among all age groups while spreading the positives resulting from it. It has become a fundamental approach and a major component in building the society of the UAE.

Al Mutawa expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club for the good hospitality, organization of the events of th
e National Sports Day, and coordination as well with the working teams of the Olympic Committee to make the main event a success.

For his part, Abdulaziz Al Salman, a member of the Board of Directors of the National Olympic Committee, Chairman of the Executive Working Group for the National Sports Day initiative, praised the increase in the percentage of events compared to the previous edition, which had 70 thousand participants, reflecting the growing interest in sports and the interaction of all categories with the National Sports Day initiative and the inclusiveness that the event succeeded in achieving, by targeting institutions, entities, organizations and individuals in a series of activities that did not stop throughout the day across the country, which translated the message of the initiative and its title “The UAE Unites Us”.

Al Salman added, ‘The National Sports Day affirms the ability of the sports sector to play an effective role in supporting the commitment to government orientations by encoura
ging sustainable practices and educating athletes and various segments of society about the importance of sustainability and ways to enhance commitment to it based on daily sports activities, in addition to entrenching effective cooperation between sports institutions, government agencies and private sector institutions with the aim of contributing to the advancement of the sports sector.”

Source: Emirates News Agency