On Saturday, Omar Al Shamsi, Deputy Chief of Mission at the UAE Embassy in Washington, DC, along with more than 100 UAE diplomats, staff and friends as well as a number of UAE students, participated in the 2017 'Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure' 5K and one-mile races. The UAE Embassy’s participation in the event underscored the country’s broader efforts to promote healthy lifestyles and advance global public health in partnership with leading US organisations.

This year, the UAE Embassy participated in the Washington event as an official sponsor. In addition to fielding a team of race participants, the Embassy hosted race participants and spectators at a hospitality tent, which included traditional Emirati refreshments, raffle prizes by Etihad Airways, a photo booth with UAE sights in the background and a henna artist.

"The UAE is honoured to support the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure and help achieve a world without breast cancer," said UAE Ambassador to the US, Yousef Al Otaiba. "This important event brings together supporters and survivors to raise awareness of breast cancer and raise much-needed funds to develop breakthrough treatments."

"The Embassy’s support of this race reflects the UAE’s commitment to supporting initiatives that improve lives and advance health care," continued Al Otaiba. "Through partnerships with world-class organisations and institutions, the UAE supports cutting-edge medical research and health care solutions."

According to Al Otaiba, the UAE collaborates with a number of medical institutions around the US. This includes the Sheikh Zayed Building for Personalised Cancer Care at MD Anderson Cancer Centre, the Sheikh Zayed Tower at the Johns Hopkins Heart and Vascular Institute and the Sheikh Zayed Institute for Paediatric Surgical Innovation at Children’s National Medical Centre. The UAE Embassy also supports the New York Road Runners’ annual Healthy Kidney 10K in New York City, which promotes education and awareness of kidney health and kidney disease.

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure is the world’s largest fundraising and education event for breast cancer, and includes more than 140 events around the world, with over one million participants each year. Proceeds from the race will go towards the Susan G. Komen Foundation’s breast cancer screening, treatment, research and training initiatives, as well as its health education programmes. The race also celebrates breast cancer survivorship and honours those who have lost their battle with the disease.