RAS AL KHAIMAH, UAE, May 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone Authority (RAK FTZ) - one of the fastest-growing and most cost-effective free trade zones in the UAE - announced its sponsorship of the Annual UAE Healthy Kidney 10k Race in New York, which will take place on 14 May in New York City's Central Park.

As sponsor, RAK FTZ contributed a large donation to the charity race. The sponsorship initiative is a major step in RAK FTZ's corporate social responsibility programme.

The race is an implementation of the directives of HH General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, with the support of HH Sheikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and HH Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.

Nearly 10,000 people, from all walks of life, representing 40 nationalities, including Arab students studying in the United States, are expected to take part in the charity race, and the number of registrations has shown a significant increase compared to last year.

Commenting on RAK FTZ's support for the event, Oussama El Omari, CEO of RAK FTZ, said: "We are privileged to take part in, and sponsor the UAE Healthy Kidney 10k Race in New York, which comes as part of our commitment to support social causes and community programmes, that are in line

with our mission and vision. Our teams around the world are engaged in a wide variety of community support initiatives and charity commitments, and it made sense to consolidate it all by sponsoring this world-famous race in New York City."

The race is held in honour of the late 'Father of the UAE', Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who was treated for kidney disease in the United States, and benefited from the expertise, knowledge and professionalism of US institutions and doctors.

The race, benefiting the National Kidney Foundation in the fight against kidney disease, features professional male runners from around the world. The race, which is in its eighth year, is being organised by the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Washington D.C.

About the Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone Authority:

Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ) is one of the fastest-growing and most cost-effective free trade zones in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). With a reputation for affordability, flexibility and broad geographical reach, RAK FTZ is rapidly emerging as the preferred business hub in the region, from which investors can easily access and branch into the emerging markets.

2010 marks RAK FTZ's 10th year in operation, and in the past decade, it has gone from strength to strength, garnering accolades and awards along the way. Since its establishment in 2000, with only a handful of staff and a few offices, the free zone has grown by leaps and bounds and is now home to some 5,000+ active companies from 106 countries around the globe, employs more than 350 fulltime staff, operates business and promotion centres in four locations in the UAE and has an expanding international presence, with liaison offices in Germany, Turkey, India and the USA.

To learn more about RAK FTZ, visit: http://www.rakftz.com

    
    For further information, please contact:

    Cleo Eleazar
    Public Relations and Media Officer
    Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone Authority (RAK FTZ)
    Phone: +971-7-2077173
    E-mail: c.eleazar@rakftz.com

SOURCE Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone Authority (RAK FTZ).