Dubai: The Dubai-based Al Jalila Foundation is honouring the UAE National Day through its ‘United in Health’ campaign to raise funds for medical research in treating disease.

The campaign will run from November 26 to December 2, which will mark the 42nd National Day of the UAE.

Under the ‘Towards a Healthy Nation’ theme, the Foundation will be selling heart-shaped tokens at The Dubai Mall’s Bloomingdale Atrium. For a minimum donation of Dh10, people can write messages pledging support and seal the tokens on a two-metre-tall sculpture designed for the occasion.

Any member of the community or mall visitor can participate.

Tokens will be offered ahead of the campaign to students at GEMS Education schools and Amity University Dubai, both of which have pledged support. The Foundation said this gesture will allow the theme’s message to reach more than 100,000 students.

The Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation “dedicated to transforming lives by making lasting and significant contributions in health care”.

Raja Al Gurg, the Foundation’s member of the board of trustees and chairperson of the board of directors, said: “On this special occasion, we extend our warmest congratulations to the leadership of the UAE, wishing them health and more success in the years ahead. Their wisdom and vision have enabled the UAE to stand amongst the world’s greatest nations.

She added: “The National Day is an opportunity for us to express our pride, and share it with the UAE community so we can be united in our approach to a healthier and more prosperous nation in line with UAE’s Vision 2021.”

The campaign is being organised in association with Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, and sponsored by Dubai Healthcare City and Paris Gallery. Support sponsors include The Dubai Mall, Watani, Ahmed Seddiqi and Sons and Hills Advertising.

The Foundation’s CEO, Dr Abdul Kareem Al Olama, added: “Changing the community’s thinking around health — making choices around medicine that is more sustainable in the long-term — is at the core of what we do.

“For this reason, the ‘United in Health’ campaign is an opportunity for us to inspire people to start thinking about their own lifestyle choices, especially as the UAE leadership has always been such a strong supporter of health and wellness.”

He went on to say that “all the campaign’s proceeds will go towards the main objective of our organisation: developing medical research capacities that can yield life-transforming treatments for the UAE’s most pressing health issues, thus contributing to a more prosperous and sustainable nation.

“We are thankful to our supporters and to The Dubai Mall for allowing us to be part of the week-long National Day festivities.”

Participants can find more information by contacting Al Jalila Foundation on info@aljalilafoundation.ae or 800-ALJALILA.