Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri joins ‘Year of Community Run,’ celebrating UAE-India ties
UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri won widespread admiration in Kerala by participating in the ‘Year of Community Run,’ a special event highlighting the UAE’s 2025 theme of community engagement and strengthening bilateral ties with India, reported gulfnews.com.
Al Marri, a Cabinet Member of the UAE, took part in the 5km run at the 8th Edition of the Kannur Beach Run, which promotes global togetherness, well-being, and inclusivity.
Flying in by helicopter before leading the race, his presence was a defining moment of the event, which brought together elite athletes and community members.
During his address to the crowd, Al Marri expressed his joy at participating, emphasizing the importance of community initiatives. “In the UAE, our President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced 2025 as the Year of Community. I am proud to start a community engagement initiative here in Kannur with my brother Dr Shamsheer. Next year, I promise to return for the half marathon,” he said.
The Minister’s participation highlighted the spirit of inclusivity and cross-cultural solidarity
Promoting Community Service and UAE-India Ties
Al Marri’s visit to Kerala was part of the ‘Invest Kerala Global Summit,’ and his participation came at the special invitation of Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, a UAE-based healthcare entrepreneur and mentor of the event. The run reflects the UAE’s 2025 initiative encouraging community service, volunteering, and collective progress.
Running alongside Dr Shamsheer and over 100 participants, the Minister reinforced the importance of inclusivity and cultural exchange.
The event was flagged off by AN Shamseer, Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly, with participants carrying a banner featuring the flags of both the UAE and India.
With over one million Keralites residing in the UAE, the ‘Year of Community Run’ symbolized the deep-rooted cultural and economic bonds between the two regions. Organisers praised Al Marri’s participation, stating, “His presence elevated the spirit of the ‘Year of Community Run,’ strengthening community-driven efforts between our nations.”
Inspired by the Zayed Charity Run
The 2025 Kannur Beach Run, organised by the North Malabar Chamber of Commerce, attracted over 1,000 participants and featured Kerala’s highest prize money for a half-marathon. Six elite Ethiopian runners were also invited by Dr Shamsheer to enhance the event’s profile.
The initiative draws inspiration from the Zayed Charity Run, a globally recognized humanitarian race established over two decades ago in honour of the UAE’s Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. This legacy continues to inspire community-focused sporting events worldwide.
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