A UAE-based doctor began his grueling 80-hour run through the Emirates on Saturday to raise awareness of cancer.

Dr Khaled Al Suwaidi embarked on his inspiring Rahma Run ultramarathon attempt from Fujairah Terminals at 06:00, with Al Suwaidi expected to complete the 327-kilometre journey by 18:00 on Monday, ending at Zayed Port in Abu Dhabi.

Al Suwaidi is aiming to raise awareness and funds for Cancer Patient Care Society-Rahma, with the event coinciding with the Year of Zayed celebrations.

In attendance was Al Suwaidi’s father, Professor Jamal Sanad Al Suwaidi, director general of the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR) and chairman of the board of directors of the Cancer Patient Care Society-Rahma.

He said: “It shows the commitment of the UAE’s youth to follow in the footsteps of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan who instilled in all of us the love of humanitarian work. The result is that our beloved country has become a pioneer in this field.”

Yesterday evening, Al Suwaidi had passed the 55km mark in eight hours and was due to arrive in Maleha, Fujairah with his coach, ultramarathon specialist Lee Harris, who was very happy with his progress so far.

“It is important for Khaled to maintain a pace we have been working on during training,” said Harris.

“Running the distance he is trying to achieve is incredible and he is putting his body through extreme stresses. He will receive physiotherapy treatment and take on lots of nutritious food during small rest breaks throughout the run.

“He can’t stop for too long otherwise his body will start to seize up and starting to run again will become too difficult.”

The run is expected to take between 60–80 hours. You can follow Al Suwaidi’s journey via a live GPS link on www.therahmarun.com and on Twitter and Instagram @therahmarun.