Dubai, United Arab Emirates: 28 October 2019 – On Saturday, 26 October 2019, more than 40 of Marriott International’s properties in the UAE came together to ‘Walk the City’ in support of Al Jalila Foundation’s paediatric program ‘Farah’ which provides life-saving treatment, funds cutting edge research and offers hope to countless children and families.   

The hotels put together four charitable runs and walks during the day which saw over 1,100 Marriott associates and members of the local community descend to the streets to participate.
Each event also handed out prizes for the ‘Best Fancy Dress’, ‘Best Dressed Male’, ‘Best Dressed Female’ and ‘Best Dressed Team’.  Each participant donated AED 100 to the Al Jalila Foundation.

The initiative was in line with this year’s Dubai Fitness Challenge, which aims to transform Dubai into the most active city in the world.

‘Walk the City’ featured #RunTheCreek – a run (2.5km, 5km and 10 Km) across the Dubai Creek; #MarchTheMarina – a 10km walk across the Marina, #CruiseTheCanal – a 10km walk on the Dubai Water Canal; and #SharjahToAjman – a 4km walk from Sharjah to Ajman. 

The ‘Walk the City’ initiative supports the 12th edition of Road to Awareness - Marriott International’s annual associate fundraising campaign that has been making a valuable difference to the lives of children for over a decade across the Middle East & Africa.  Every year, through Road to Awareness, associates organize fundraising events to support the vital work charities and organizations do to improve the lives of children.  In the UAE, the campaign supports Al Jalila Foundation.