For weeks, they remained on the frontlines, delivering care when it mattered most. On Saturday evening, they gathered once again. However, this time, it was not in hospitals, but on a sports ground, under one banner, united for the UAE.
In a unique tribute reflecting the nation’s spirit of solidarity, frontline healthcare workers from Burjeel Holdings, a leading super-specialty healthcare provider in the MENA region, set a Guinness World Record for the ‘Most Nationalities Carrying a Banner’, bringing together 64 nationalities in a single coordinated formation at Abu Dhabi’s Hudayriyat Island. The day witnessed rain. Despite it, people poured in by the evening and stood firm in support of the nation.
Held during the closing ceremony of the Burjeel Games, the Group’s annual sports event in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the initiative themed “Our Nation. Our Heartbeat.” transformed a sporting finale into a moment of national reflection. It was inspired by the UAE leadership’s call to raise the national flag and reinforce unity across the country. Organized within 48 hours, it became the first record-breaking event to be staged in the region after the nation reaffirmed its strength following the change in circumstances.
A Guinness Record of Unity, Diversity, and Resilience
At the venue, the participants carried a single banner measuring 85 meters and weighing over 200 kilograms. A total number of 153 people, including the 64 unique nationalities, walked a distance of 100 meters while holding it overhead, surpassing the previous record of 58 nationalities set in Dubai in 2019.
Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Chairman and CEO of Burjeel Holdings, described the initiative as a reflection of both the UAE’s resilience and the commitment of its healthcare workforce. “We are proud to be part of a nation that brings together so many cultures under one vision. This initiative represents the resilience of the UAE and the strength of its people. In the past weeks, we have stood alongside the nation, serving communities with commitment and care. This moment reflects that same spirit, a collective expression of unity from people who call this country home,” he said.
The attempt adhered to strict Guinness World Records guidelines, with each participant representing a unique nationality and completing the required distance in a synchronized formation. Mr. Raafat Tawfik, the official Guinness World Records adjudicator present on-site, reviewed the attempt and confirmed its success. “We are officially congratulating you on the 64 nationalities,” the adjudicator announced.
A Moment Deferred, Then Reimagined
The Burjeel Games, one of the UAE’s largest healthcare sports and community events with over 2,500 participants, was originally set to conclude on February 28. However, in light of regional circumstances at the time, the final was postponed.
As the situation evolved and the nation emerged stronger, the Burjeel community reconvened to complete the Games in a meaningful way. The finale became a platform for a larger expression, a record-setting tribute to the country that unites them.
From Frontlines to a Moment of Unity
For many of the participants, the moment carried deeper meaning
“Our usual days include focusing on care and being present for every patient who needs us,” said Dr. Michael George Uglow from Burjeel Medical City, a native of United Kingdom. “Today, we came together differently, as proud members of the UAE, standing under one banner.”
Dirkie Theunissen, Group Chief Nursing Officer, who hails from South Africa, reflected on the diversity. “We work side by side with colleagues from across the world every day. Today, that diversity came alive in a powerful way. It reminded us why the UAE feels like home.”
The initiative highlights Burjeel Holdings’ commitment to celebrating the multicultural fabric of the UAE, which is home to more than 200 nationalities, and supporting national values of unity and harmony.