With the support of Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohamed Al-Nahyan, honorary chairperson of the Abu Dhabi Centre for Autism, Etihad Airways has hosted its fourth annual fundraising Walk for a Cause event.

More than 5,200 participants of all ages gathered at Al Mushrif Central Park in Abu Dhabi on March 18 to take part in the event’s 30-minute walkathon.

All funds raised at the event will go toward the building a new rehabilitation center in Abu Dhabi for the Emirates Autism Society, and the refurbishment of a school in India.

Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohamed Al-Nahyan praised Etihad Airways for organizing the event, which demonstrates the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting initiatives that bring about social development and the sustainable betterment of regional communities.

The event was also attended by Sheikh Thiyab bin Khalifa bin Hamdan Al-Nahyan, Eugenia Davis, Council of the United States of America, Col. Abdulrahman Al-Swaidi, Ministry of Interior, Shayma Nawaf Fawwaz, CEO of GOSSIP, Mariem Al-Rumaithi, board member of Zayed Higher Organization for

Humanitarian Care and Special Needs, and Khawla Salem Rashed Al-Saaedi, president’s representative of Women and Health Alliance International.

Khaled Al-Mehairbi, SVP of Abu Dhabi Airport Operations and chairman of the sports and social committee at Etihad Airways, said: “Etihad Airways is committed to providing better care services to autistic children to improve their quality of life.

This is part of our commitment to the continued development of our local community and improving public health and increasing awareness of autism. The fun walk was open to all ages, and upon registration participants received a pedometer and a T-shirt with the event logo.

Athba Ali, a procurement manager at Etihad Airways and a mother of two, said: “I am so happy and proud to be part of Etihad Airways’ Walk for a Cause event.”