Dubai: A UAE minister has won hearts of people in the South Indian state of Kerala by taking part in a community run that paid tributes to the UAE’s Year of Community.

Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Cabinet Member and UAE Minister of Economy, participated in the ‘Year of Community Run’, a one-of-a-kind event organised to further strengthen the deep-rooted ties between India and the UAE, alongside top-tier athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

Flying down in a helicopter before leading the run, his presence made a defining moment of the special segment hosted as part of the 8th Edition of the Kannur Beach Run, which celebrated inclusivity, well-being, and global togetherness.

“In the UAE, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced 2025 as the Year of Community. We started a community engagement initiative here in Kannur, with by my brother Dr Shamsheer. I am so happy to be here today and take part in it. Next year, we should ensure another run here with the people of Kerala,” Al Marri told the media after completing the run.

In his speech, he revealed that he decided to take part in the 5km run as he was informed about the half marathon only the previous day. “Good thing is, I have my shoes and T-shirt ready … and I said I will go 5K at least. But, I promise you next year, I am here for the half marathon,” he told a cheering a crowd, addressing them as lovely people of Kannur, Kerala, ‘God’s Own Country.’

He was also seen being greeted and thanked by people of different nationalities present.

The Minister’s participation, which took place during his visit to Kerala for the ‘Invest Kerala Global Summit,’ came at the special invitation of Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, UAE-based global healthcare entrepreneur and mentor of the event.

The UAE’s 2025 theme, the ‘Year of Community’, encourages active contributions to society through community service, volunteering, and impactful initiatives. It aims to promote a culture of shared responsibility and drive collective progress.

In alignment with this vision, the minister participated in the 5km ‘Year of Community’ Run, running alongside Dr Shamsheer, Chairman and Managing Director of Abu Dhabi-headquartered VPS Healthcare, and more than 100 participants, reinforcing the importance of inclusivity and community engagement.

AN Shamseer, Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly, flagged off the run, kicking off an event that saw enthusiastic participation from various segments of society who held a banner carrying the name Year of Community Run and images of the flags of both the UAE and India.

Both the countries share deep-rooted economic, cultural, and community-driven ties. With more than one million Keralites forming a majority of the four million-strong Indian expat community calling the UAE their second home, the ‘Year of Community Run’ also served as a platform to raise awareness about community service initiatives among expatriates, reinforcing the spirit of unity and shared responsibility.

“We are honoured to have the minister join us for this special event. His presence has elevated the theme and spirit of the ‘Year of Community Run.’ We hope such initiatives will continue to strengthen community-driven efforts between both countries and inspire greater awareness around sports, wellness, and social engagement,” stated the organisers.

The Kannur Beach Run 2025, organised by the North Malabar Chamber of Commerce, drew more than 1,000 participants across multiple race categories. This year’s edition also featured Kerala’s highest prize money for a half-marathon, said the organisers.

The event also saw the participation of six elite Ethiopian runners, invited by Dr Shamsheer to elevate the event’s stature as a premier race in the region. His inspiration for this initiative comes from the Zayed Charity Run, a globally recognised humanitarian running event that honours the UAE’s Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Established over two decades ago, the Zayed Charity Run has played a pivotal role in promoting fitness and philanthropy, a vision that continues to inspire community-driven sporting events worldwide.

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