Dubai Duty Free formally presented a cheque for US$70,400 to Al Jalila Foundation on 25th February during a ceremony held at the Dubai Duty Free Head office in Umm Ramool. The funds were raised through the company’s participation in The Moodie Davitt #KickCancerThon initiative.

The #KickCancerThon was the brainchild of Sinead Moodie, Chief Operating Officer of The Moodie Davitt Report. Sinead called upon the travel retail industry to raise awareness and funds for Cancer Research during the month of February. In her August 2025 blog, Sinead shared with the industry that she had been diagnosed with NUT Carcinoma lung cancer, a rare and highly aggressive disease. Tragically, Sinead lost her battle on 1st February 2026, the very day #KickCancerThon began. The campaign continues in her honour and memory.

The cheque was presented by Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free to Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, in the presence of senior representatives from both organisations, including Salah Tahlak, Deputy Managing Director, Dr. Bernard Creed, Senior Vice President – Finance, Sinead El Sibai, Senior Vice President – Marketing, Olympia Pineda, Manager – Corporate Responsibility, Carla Duarte, Director of Partnerships and Shamma Alrafi, Director of Fundraising, Al Jalila Foundation.

The donation follows a powerful show of unity and compassion on 14th February, when 704 Dubai Duty Free employees, joined by some of their family and friends, took part in a charity marathon at the iconic Meydan Racecourse. Participants ran or walked all or part of the full marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres in support of #KickCancerThon.

For everyone who participated in the marathon Dubai Duty Free pledged US$100 through the Dubai Duty Free Foundation. With 704 participants, the total contribution reached US$70,400, with 100% of the funds directed to Al Jalila Foundation’s cancer programme.

Commenting on the initiative, Dubai Duty Free Managing Director, Ramesh Cidambi said, It was an absolute honour to formally hard over this donation to Al Jalila Foundation. The enthusiasm and solidarity shown by our team have been truly inspiring. Seeing 704 participants unite for such a meaningful cause reflects the caring spirit and strong sense of community that defines Dubai Duty Free.

‘This initiative not only honours Sinead Moodie’s inspiring legacy but also reinforces our ongoing commitment to supporting vital healthcare initiatives in the UAE. We hope this contribution will help advance critical cancer research and treatment programmes and make a difference in our community,’ added Cidambi.

The #KickCancerThon once again demonstrated how collective action can create real impact. Through unity, compassion and generosity, Dubai Duty Free and its employees proved that their commitment extends beyond business, standing together in the fight against cancer.