Companies to battle it out in Dubai Dash fitness challenge

DUBAI // The UAE’s first corporate sporting event will take place on Wednesday, bringing together 50 companies to pit it out against each other in the Dubai Dash.

The relay race at the Sports City running track will see teams of 10 battle it out around the 1.5km track to complete a 15km run in total, with Dh10,000 raised through admissions donated to a local charity.

“It’s a great way to help team building amongst colleagues whilst promoting health and well-being,” said Arran Mackaill, health officer at offshore drilling company Seadrill that has 20 employees taking part, more than double the number Mr Mackaill hoped for.

The company offers initiatives year-round including daily fitness classes, quarterly health check-ups and an in-office health and fitness professional who provides nutritional and exercise advice as well as suggestions on the healthiest places to eat near work.

“We are looking at making a monthly challenge for our employees starting in January due to the success of this Dubai Dash event,” said Mr Mackaill.

Jennifer Kang, head of sustainability and community engagement at Standard Chartered bank, said employee well-being is a priority.

“We have introduced a number of wellness initiatives over the past couple of years. The bank has been the title sponsor of the Dubai Marathon since 2005 and we encourage our staff to participate. In addition, the bank recently launched a gym at its headquarters in Emaar Square. Staff are encouraged to cycle to work and there are bike racks and changing facilities to support this. Regular health and wellness sessions, awareness talks, group exercise sessions and so forth are also organised. On top of this staff are offered free health checks annually.”

Claire Love, head of corporate development at Dubai Airports, hoped the event would “strengthen our team dynamics and promote wellness”.

“The event is a unique opportunity to get everyone energised outside work, whilst strengthening team unity.”

Sally Corander, Director of the Dubai Dash, said she is pleased with the response to the event with hotels, real estate firms, legal teams and bankers signing up.

“We are delighted with the reaction we have had from organisations,” she said. “We have companies signed up to take part from a wide variety of sectors. It’s great to see more and more organisations in the UAE looking after the health and wellness of their staff.”