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Ghani Souleymane Reaches Halfway Mark in Guinness World Record Attempt to Complete 100 Triathlon Challenge Supporting Al Jalila Foundation
08 Oct 2025
Athlete Ghani Souleymane has reached the halfway mark of his Guinness World Record attempt, having completed over 50 triathlons in support of Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health.
The challenge supports the efforts of Al Jalila Foundation’s sports philanthropy program, which is dedicated to transforming athletic achievement into meaningful humanitarian impact. To date, and with the support of community partners, the program has raised nearly AED 15 million through more than 450 events, with every donation going directly toward patient care.
The Dubai T100 Triathlon is one of the flagship events in the global T100 series, bringing together athletes and endurance enthusiasts of all ages. Souleymane’s “T100x100” challenge is an attempt to complete 100 triathlons in 100 consecutive days, with each day requiring a 2 km swim, 80 km cycle, and 18 km run.
The Child Fund
Proceeds from Souleymane’s challenge will go directly toward providing treatment for children with cancer through Al Jalila Foundation’s The Child Fund, offering hope to young patients and their families.
Commenting on the occasion, Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, said: "We believe that sport plays a vital role in strengthening the connection between health and community, and in inspiring individuals to become active partners in the journey of giving. Souleymane's experience is a powerful example of how personal dedication can be directed to serve noble humanitarian causes, reinforcing the values of solidarity and compassion, and contributing to improving the quality of life for children while restoring hope to their families.”
He added: "We are confident in Souleymane’s ability to complete the challenge and reach a milestone worthy of recognition in the Guinness World Records. His achievement will serve as a powerful source of inspiration, reflecting Dubai Health’s mission to advance health for humanity."
Highlighting the significance of the challenge, Sam Renouf, CEO of the Professional Triathletes Organisation, said: “Ghani’s T100 challenge captures the true spirit of our sport – using triathlon as a platform to inspire, unite communities and drive meaningful change. The T100 World Tour is built on stories like these, where professional racing and grassroots passion combine to leave a lasting impact well beyond the finish line. We are proud to see Dubai and the UAE leading the way with such an extraordinary effort.”
Sharing his motivation, Ghani Souleymane said: "I’m proud to support Al Jalila Foundation’s mission to use sport as a force for positive change, improving lives, promoting better health, and strengthening the values of compassion and solidarity that define the UAE community. Through this challenge, I carry a humanitarian message to stand with children battling cancer. With every step I take, I hope to turn effort into hope, and give those in need a real chance at life."
Having reached the halfway point, Souleymane’s physical strength and determination have become a powerful source of inspiration and a wide-reaching community rallying call to support Al Jalila Foundation’s mission to fund cancer treatment for children. The challenge is set to conclude at the Dubai T100 Triathlon on November 16, 2025.
Dubai Chambers donates AED15 million to Al Jalila Foundation for the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital
Dubai Chambers announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Al Jalila Foundation, donating AED15 million to support the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital, the first fully integrated and comprehensive cancer hospital in Dubai.
Dubai Chambers’ donation to the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital exemplifies their unwavering commitment to enhancing community welfare and supporting critical initiatives that improve quality of life.
The MoU was signed by His Excellency Abdul Aziz Abdulla Al Ghurair, Chairman of Dubai Chambers, and Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, Chairperson of Al Jalila Foundation Board of Directors and Dubai Health Board Member, at the Dubai Chambers’ headquarters.
His Excellency Abdul Aziz Abdulla Al Ghurair said: “In line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to strengthen social responsibility, Dubai Chambers is keen to support national projects that contribute to improving the quality of life and enhancing community services, thereby fostering social and economic development.”
Al Ghurair added: “Our cooperation with Al Jalila Foundation to support the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital reflects our commitment to the principles of social responsibility and the importance of charitable and humanitarian work, as part of our ongoing efforts to effectively contribute to serving the community.”
Expressing her gratitude for the donation, Her Excellency Dr. Raja Al Gurg said: “We are grateful to Dubai Chambers for their generous contribution toward establishing Dubai’s first comprehensive cancer hospital. Through this collaboration and the power of giving, Al Jalila Foundation is paving the way for enhanced care for cancer patients and their families in Dubai. This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to foster a healthy and sustainable society, enhancing health and wellbeing through humanitarian, developmental, and community-focused efforts.”
Al Jalila Foundation is currently developing the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital, spanning 56,000 square meters. The hospital will feature 50 clinics, 30 clinical research areas, 60 infusion rooms, 10 urgent care rooms, five radiotherapy rooms, and 116 beds, complemented by 19 gardens spread across the campus. These gardens will offer patients space for recovery and opportunities to spend time outdoors with their families, promoting enhanced mental well-being.
The new facility will house a multidisciplinary team, including specialized nursing staff, and will provide integrated healthcare services from initial diagnosis through treatment, ensuring comprehensive care under one roof. Selected treatments and services will also be accessible to patients in their homes, ensuring continuity of affordable care and reflecting Dubai Health’s commitment to prioritizing patient needs.
Meem Foundation donates AED 3 million to Al Jalila Foundation to support health and education programs to empower women and girls
Al Jalila Foundation, which leads the giving mission of Dubai Health, the first integrated academic health system in Dubai, announced that Meem Foundation, a Dubai-based philanthropic organization, has generously donated AED 3 million to support medical education and treatment programs to empower women and girls.
Aligned with Meem Foundation's values of creating pathways for women and girls to achieve economic empowerment and access to healthcare, the donation is earmarked for medical scholarships for aspiring female students, providing them with the opportunity to pursue careers in healthcare and medical treatments tailored for women, including mothers and children, ensuring access to essential healthcare services.
Muna Easa Al Gurg, Emirati businesswoman, philanthropist, and founder of Meem Foundation, said: "We invest in strategic philanthropic initiatives in the MENA region to address issues impacting the lives of women and girls while helping to bridge the gender gap. Our partnership with Al Jalila Foundation is a testament to our commitment. Together, we aim to empower aspiring young women to pursue their educational goals and accelerate their medical careers. Our partnership will also support patient treatment programs for women and girls, ensuring that health is never a barrier to achieving their dreams. At Meem Foundation, we envision a future where every woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive, irrespective of the challenges they face."
Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “For over a decade, Al Jalila Foundation has made a significant impact on lives through its patient treatment programs, medical scholarships and research grants. Our collaboration with Meem Foundation exemplifies the collective effort needed to deliver life-transforming health programs. The funds received will enable us to support women and girls, empowering them to step into a more promising tomorrow.”
Meem Foundation is a Dubai-based organization committed to finding innovative entrepreneurial solutions to gender inequality, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5. It is committed to creating sustainable solutions that uplift women and girls, empowering them to thrive in all aspects of life.
Dubai Health, the first integrated academic health system in Dubai, was established to elevate the standard of care and to advance health for humanity. Dubai Health comprises six hospitals, 27 ambulatory health centers, 20 medical fitness centers, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, and Al Jalila Foundation. Through the integration of care, learning, discovery, and giving, eleven thousand employees collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to put the patient first.
For more information on Al Jalila Foundation and its programs, please visit:
https://www.aljalilafoundation.ae
In Mansoor bin Mohammed’s presence Ahmed bin Saeed recognises donors supporting Al Jalila Foundation’s The Hope Fund projects
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dubai Health, honoured partners and donors supporting The Hope Fund projects, an initiative by Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health. Held in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dubai Health, the ceremony celebrated donors whose contributions enhanced medical treatment programmes and services at Dubai Hospital.
Contributions received under The Hope Fund have supported medical facility readiness and improved patient experiences while highlighting the UAE’s enduring humanitarian values and commitment to social responsibility.
Sustainable impact
Launched by Al Jalila Foundation, The Hope Fund is a flagship initiative that supports the development of Dubai Health facilities and expands access to advanced medical services aligned with community needs. Partner contributions have played a central role in delivering sustainable impact and reinforcing Dubai’s commitment to healthcare excellence.
The event was attended by His Excellency Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Director General of HH The Dubai Ruler’s Court and Chairman of DIB; Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, Chairperson of Al Jalila Foundation’s Board of Directors and Member of the Dubai Health Board of Directors; His Excellency Dr. Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority; His Excellency Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health and President of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU); and Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation; alongside partners and donors whose names are inscribed on Dubai Hospital’s Giving Wall.
Strategic partnerships
His Excellency Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani said that Dubai Islamic Bank’s support for the Heart Care Pavilion at Dubai Hospital, delivered through a strategic partnership with Al Jalila Foundation, reflects the bank’s institutional commitment to social responsibility and long-term community value. Such partnerships provide an effective model for aligning national efforts and directing support towards priorities that strengthen specialised healthcare capacity while enhancing quality of life and community wellbeing. The Pavilion includes 29 rooms with a total capacity of 42 beds, providing integrated services in cardiology and cardiac surgery.
Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg said that the development of new departments and wards at Dubai Hospital reflects the power of giving and its capacity to foster a culture of social responsibility within the community. She noted that partnerships with individuals and institutional donors remain a key driver in enabling the healthcare system to evolve in line with international best practices and future demand.
Shared purpose
Her Excellency Dr. Amina Al Rostamani, Board Member of the AW Rostamani Group and Member of Al Jalila Foundation’s Board of Directors, said: “We believe that uniting efforts around a shared purpose can drive lasting impact in healthcare, reflecting Al Jalila Foundation’s mission to embed a spirit of giving that supports better health outcomes.”
Farid Al Mulla, CEO of Emirates Islamic, said: “We are proud of our role as a strategic partner in supporting Al Jalila Foundation’s humanitarian initiatives. Our contribution to the renovation of Dubai Hospital facilities reflects our commitment to corporate social responsibility and humanitarian values that define our community. We remain committed to supporting healthcare services, helping provide an advanced care environment.”
Emirates Islamic contributed to the development of two inpatient care wards at the hospital. The first includes 16 rooms offering a capacity of 18 beds, while the second includes 30 rooms with a total of 38 beds, expanding capacity and supporting the quality of patient care.
Khalaf Ahmed Al Habtoor, CEO of Al Habtoor Motors, said: “Our support for Al Jalila Foundation reflects our commitment to supporting the healthcare sector in the UAE and to elevating healthcare standards and serving patients in need. We are also proud that our contribution was made through the Mohammed Khalifa Al Suwaidi Fund in honour of his legacy.”
The financial pledge included the renovation of the Kidney Care Pavilion, which features 15 single rooms and 13 shared rooms, with a total capacity of 41 beds, providing specialised services in nephrology and urology.
Dr. Omar Al Marzouqi, Executive Director of Dubai Hospital, stated that the support provided by partners and donors will directly contribute to advancing the hospital’s clinical care system by providing an integrated environment that supports patient safety and accelerates the treatment journey, improving health outcomes and elevating the patient experience across every stage of care.