Tribune News Network
The St Regis Abu Dhabi, in partnership with Al Jalila Foundation, will host the Abu Dhabi's Darkness into Light event, as part of a worldwide awareness campaign. Darkness into Light is an international event that take place in over 100 venues across Europe, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the Middle East on May 6, to unite communities and raise mental health awareness.
Started in Ireland, the event brings thousands of people together at the darkest point of night, to walk a 5km route as dawn is breaking. Commencing the walk in darkness towards sunrise symbolyses the struggles of those suffering from mental illness and delivers a message of hope.
The Abu Dhabi event is partnered with the Al Jalila Foundation, a global philanthropic organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical education and research with special attention in the area of mental health. The foundation was founded by United Arab Emirates Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum in April 2013, positioning the UAE at the forefront of medical innovation.
Al Jalila Foundation Chief Executive Officer Dr Abdulkareem Sultan al Olama said,"We are delighted to be the charity partner of the Darkness into Light event and be part of a global movement to give voice to people suffering from mental illness. According to the World Health Organization depression affects 350 million people worldwide and is the leading cause of disability. Barriers such as stigma and discrimination prevent people with mental illness from seeking help resulting in cases going untreated. Community events like Darkness into Light will give hope and healing to many."
St Regis Abu Dhabi General Manager Moustafa Sakr said,"It's wonderful to be able to direct our hotel's essence of hospitality towards a great cause, which highlights awareness on mental health issues through this global effort. This event will be a significant moment that reinforces the capital's strong local community spirit."