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.