Abu Dhabi – More than 256 volunteers from Takatof Program for Social Volunteering and UAE’s National Emergency Response Volunteer program Sanid, the Emirates Foundation leading voluntary social programs designed to promote the culture of volunteering in the UAE, have concluded another year of successful participation at the largest international sporting event, the 2017 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Grand Prix.

For the 9th consecutive year, Emirates Foundation volunteers played a vital part in the 2017 Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Etihad Airways Grand Prix, including meeting and greeting spectators at Yas Marina Circuit and ensuring the safety of the crowd during the race itself.

As part of the Foundation’s unique contribution this year, the Foundation offered 40 Takatof branded cars, sponsored by Al Futtaim Group, through which the volunteers played a vital role in transporting guests including elderly and people of determination from and to the event. The cars were driven by male and female volunteers coming from reputable universities, and public and private sector companies whose main mission was to represent the UAE and provide guests with valuable information, giving them insight into the culture and touristic attractions of the UAE. 

It is noteworthy to mention that some cars were equipped to support the needs of people of determination and offer them safe and comfortable transport from and to the event.

The 2017 Formula 1 Grand Prix is an is an international auto racing sport held in different countries including UAE. This annual, flagship event attracts people from around the world to visit the host country.

As in previous years, the Takatof and Sanid volunteers played a crucial role in the smooth organization of the 2017 Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Etihad Airways Grand Prix, by ensuring the safety of the crowd during the race itself.

Maytha Al Habsi, Deputy CEO at Emirates Foundation said: “Our Takatof and Sanid volunteers have demonstrated once again through their commitment and dedication, their abilities in organization and facilitating large events such as Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Etihad Airways Grand Prix and we are proud of all their efforts to ensure successful execution of a world class sporting event.”

“As the National Foundation of the UAE, we stand committed to utilize all our expertise and knowledge to serve the vison of the UAE and activate the role of Emirati youth and promote their presence and participation in such successful international economic, sports and cultural events such as F1, Astana and the upcoming 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games ” Al Habsi concluded

The participation of the Takatof and Sanid volunteers is a result of the fruitful collaboration established between Emirates Foundation and the Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management which has engaged hundreds of young men and women in the organization of what is considered to be one of the largest sporting events in the World the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Fatima Lary, a volunteer at Takatof program said: “I have always wanted to be part of the biggest sporting event in my country. So, I logged on to volunteers.ae and found all the information I needed. As a result, I met and assisted thousands of people.”

“To be part of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix event fills me with a lot of joy and I am extremely proud and honored to be serving next to so many experienced and talented volunteers who have taught me the real meaning of giving back and serving our nation.”

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© Press Release 2017