In a remarkable tribute to the UAE’s Year of Community, the South Indian state of Kerala hosted the ‘Year of Community Run’, a one-of-a-kind event that further strengthened the deep-rooted ties between India and the UAE. H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Cabinet Member and UAE Minister of Economy, participated in the run alongside top-tier athletes and fitness enthusiasts, making his presence a defining moment of the event. The special segment, hosted as part of the 8th Edition of the Kannur Beach Run, celebrated inclusivity, well-being, and global togetherness.
The Minister’s participation, which took place during his visit to Kerala for the Invest Kerala Global Summit, came at the special invitation of Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, a renowned global healthcare entrepreneur and mentor of the event. His involvement underscored the enduring partnership between India and the UAE.
The UAE’s 2025 theme, the ‘Year of Community’, encourage active contributions to society through community service, volunteering, and impactful initiatives. In alignment with this vision, H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri participated in the 5KM ‘Year of Community’ Run, running alongside Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Chairman and Managing Director of UAE-based VPS Healthcare, and hundreds of participants, reinforcing the importance of inclusivity and community engagement. A. N. Shamseer, Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly, flagged off the run, kicking off an event that saw enthusiastic participation from various segments of society.
“In the UAE, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced 2025 as the Year of Community. We started a community engagement initiative here in Kannur, with by my brother Dr. Shamsheer. I am so happy to be here today and take part in it. Next year, we should ensure another run here with the people of Kerala,” H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri told the media after completing the run.
The UAE and India share deep-rooted economic, cultural, and community-driven ties. With nearly one million Keralites calling the UAE their second home, the ‘Year of Community Run’ also served as a platform to raise awareness about community service initiatives among expatriates, reinforcing the spirit of unity and shared responsibility.
The Kannur Beach Run 2025, organized by the North Malabar Chamber of Commerce, lived up to its reputation as one of Kerala’s premier running events, drawing over 1,000 participants across multiple race categories. This year’s edition also featured Kerala’s highest prize money for a half-marathon, further elevating its competitive status.
“We are honored to have H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Cabinet Member and UAE Minister of Economy, join us for this special event. His presence has elevated the theme and spirit of the ‘Year of Community Run.’ We hope such initiatives will continue to strengthen community-driven efforts between both countries and inspire greater awareness around sports, wellness, and social engagement,” said the organizers.
The event also saw the participation of six elite Ethiopian runners, invited by Dr. Shamsheer to elevate the event’s stature as a premier race in the region. His inspiration for this initiative comes from the Zayed Charity Run, a globally recognized humanitarian running event that honors the UAE’s Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Established over two decades ago, the Zayed Charity Run has played a pivotal role in promoting fitness and philanthropy, a vision that continues to inspire community-driven sporting events worldwide.
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