UAE: Bollywood star joins 10,000 residents walk for sustainability

Three years after their last one, the Lulu Walkathon was back on Sunday with nearly 10,000 people participating in the 2km walk including Bollywood star Dino Morea.

The walkathon was in support of sustainability and was held at Safa Park, Dubai and at Kuwaitat in Al Ain. Salim MA, Director, Lulu Hypermarket Group said that this was the largest turnout that they had ever had in the walkathons.

Every year they focus on a different theme – previously the walkathons supported causes such as Diabetes and Breast Cancer. In the first one after a 3-year Covid hiatus, this walkathon is in support of the 2023 cause declared by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan– sustainability.

“Lulu will donate Dh5 for every registered person and the money will be given to the sustainability projects organised by the government,” he said adding that the specific initiatives are yet to be identified.

In the presence of Bollywood actor and fitness enthusiast Dino Morea, Salim said that people usually follow public figures and that he is a celebrity who happens to also be a health buff – “He walks, runs and a lot of people follow his lifestyle,” he added.

Dino, who came specifically for this event, said that people need to become more aware of all-things-sustainability. “I’m here because first of all it’s always good walk and also, as the

UAE President has announced this year to be the year of sustainability, Lulu has taken it upon themselves to encourage the movement and organized this walkathon. People need to be aware of these topics,” he told Khaleej Times.

“I’m here to promote this cause and to encourage people to walk and be fit. The Lulu group contacted me and since many participants are from the Indian diaspora, I was invited to promote health and fitness and hopefully inspire,” he said.

“A big shout out to Lulu and a bigger one to you for showing up. It’s a walkathon! It’s good to stay fit and be healthy. Keep dancing, keep moving, smile, love you all!” said Dino to the crowds that cheered loudly.

Emirati actor, entrepreneur and influencer Ahmed Al Hashimi said that he was there because he supports any event that has to do with fitness and sustainability – a cause announced by the UAE President. “Lulu invited me to be part of their event and I was glad to be here. It was great to see my good friend Dino and everyone in the Lulu Group,” he said adding, “We had an amazing time. I’ve never seen a crowed as big as this.”

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