The Emirates Wildlife Society in association with WWF, EWS-WWF, has announced its launch of the first ‘Oceans 24-Hour Football Challenge’, organised in partnership with PICO and GoFor24, and is set to take place from November 23rd to 24th at The Royal Emirates Sports Academy in Dubai Sports City.

Created in support of EWS-WWF’s nation-wide Marine Conservation Programme, the ambitious challenge will see an all-star team comprised of footballers making up 24 teams who play for 24 hours. All funds raised from the challenge will contribute directly to the groundbreaking marine research conducted by EWS-WWF, ultimately serving to protect the UAE’s most important natural marine habitats and endangered species.

The Marine Conservation Programme encompasses crucial projects such as the Gulf Green Turtle Conservation Project, and serves to create a network of marine protected areas with the united support of regional players. Contributing substantially to worldwide ocean conservation efforts, it aims at building resilience to the impacts of climate change.

This latest initiative comes as part of EWS-WWF’s strategy to provide the private sector with an opportunity to demonstrate their corporate commitment to the UAE vision and sustainability goals during the UAE #Year of Giving.