25,000 join “Your Homeland is Your Fortress” race in Abu Dhabi

Route carrying national symbolism

The race started from Wahat Al Karama and finished at the Heritage Hotel Abu Dhabi (Armed Forces Officers Club and Hotel), following a route that carried profound national symbolism, affirming the strong bonds between the people of the UAE and their deeply rooted values. It conveyed a clear message that protecting the homeland is a shared responsibility embodied in awareness, solidarity, and a spirit of national belonging.

This massive turnout embodied the spirit of belonging that unites everyone living in the UAE, underscoring the importance of community preparedness and reinforcing the concept of shared responsibility among all segments of society.

The race opened with a spectacular display by the Fursan Al Emarat (UAE Knights) team, who painted a harmonious tableau in the colours of the UAE flag across the nation's sky. This spectacle embodied the spirit of pride and national identity, adding a powerful symbolic dimension to the event's launch.

The event witnessed broad participation from senior citizens, people of determination, youth, and families, alongside professional runners, reflecting the unity of Emirati society and the integration of its roles in supporting national initiatives and fostering a culture of positive participation.

The "Your Homeland is Your Fortress" race embodies these values practically, strengthening the concepts of social cohesion and solidarity, and reinforcing the importance of adopting healthy and active lifestyles. This contributes to building a more conscious and cohesive society, capable of contributing to the journey of sustainable national development. Following the race, participants and their families flocked to the accompanying community village at Abu Dhabi Heritage, a vibrant and interactive space that brought community members together in a festive, family-friendly atmosphere. The village featured a variety of activities, entertainment programs, and community initiatives that fostered a spirit of connection and participation.

Organisers highlight community impact

The race is a collaborative effort between the Zayed Charity Race Committee and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, reflecting their ongoing commitment to supporting national initiatives aimed at enhancing quality of life, promoting a culture of physical activity, and encouraging community participation in events that contribute to building a healthy and cohesive society.

The "Your Homeland is Your Fortress" race underscores its position as a leading national initiative that unites community members under one umbrella, reinforcing values of belonging and shared responsibility towards the nation, and reflecting Abu Dhabi's vision of building a cohesive society that strengthens the spirit of community engagement. Her Excellency Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of State, expressed her delight at participating in the event, saying, "I am proud to be present at Wahat Al Karama for the launch of the 'Hasantak Ya Watan' race. This is the greatest testament to the resilience of the UAE, its leadership, and its people. We celebrate with a simple yet powerful expression that signifies our nation's commitment to protecting all who live on its land and its view of global humanity as a vital message."

She added, "We send a message to everyone that the UAE is a country for all, celebrating achievements and consistently emphasizing security and safety."

Lieutenant General (Retired) Mohammed Hilal Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee of the Zayed Charity Race, affirmed that the 'Hasantak Ya Watan' race represents a leading example of national initiatives that reflect the high level of community awareness in the UAE. He noted that it embodies the commitment of community members to the values of belonging and active participation in national initiatives, adding that the widespread participation in this event clearly demonstrates the deep connection of the community to their nation and its wise leadership.

He added that the widespread community presence and active participation from various age groups reflects the high regard Emirati society holds for national initiatives. It also underscores that fostering a culture of community preparedness and strengthening national awareness is a shared responsibility, requiring the integrated efforts of institutions and community members.

For his part, His Excellency Aref Al Awani, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: "We are delighted by this large turnout, which is a message of gratitude from everyone in the UAE to its leadership and institutions, and to all those who have contributed to establishing and maintaining security and safety during the past period."

He added that the presence of such large numbers is historic, as it is the first time we have witnessed such widespread participation in a community sporting event. Several participants in the race expressed their pride in taking part in the event, which they described as a noble humanitarian and social message from citizens and residents to the UAE and its leadership. They emphasized their pride in raising the UAE flag during the event, which brought together everyone living in the UAE in one place.