MAKKAH — Under the slogan of “I am, and I will,” Shaza Makkah held an event on World Cancer Day to raise awareness of the disease. The event took place at Al Naseem Walking Trail in Makkah on Feb. 18.

Held under the sponsorship of Alrajhi Investments and the Ministry of Health, and in cooperation with the Makkah Municipality and the Tobacco Control Program, the event included the participation of several 5-star hotels owned by the same company as Shaza Makkah, as well as social media influencers and Shaza Makkah employees, who volunteered their services.

The activities of World Cancer Day took place outdoors to highlight the importance of walking to fight and prevent cancer, as specialist Abdullah Al-Maliki, manager of health education at Makkah Health stated: “The activity comes within the framework of the Ministry of Health’s efforts to raise citizens’ awareness of the disease that must be addressed in light of the high number of people diagnosed with cancer, not only in the Kingdom, but also at a global level.

“The Ministry of Health actively supports specific awareness programs targeting all groups and societal segments, with the aim of adopting healthy lifestyles, eating healthy food and participating in sports activities, in addition to regular check-ups for those over the age of 48.”

He added, “We greatly appreciate the participation of Shaza Makkah Hotel and the other 5-star hotels for their continuous collaboration with the General Directorate of Health Affairs in Makkah Al-Mukarramah Region and their support in raising health awareness programs that contribute to spreading important health messages such as this to reach all citizens and residents.”

Shaza Makkah General Manager Sherief Abouelmaged commented: “This World Cancer Day event supports the objectives of the ‘Walk 30’ campaign launched by the Ministry of Health, and our slogan shows that any person can reduce the impact of cancer on themselves and society as a whole. Walking for 30 minutes a day helps prevent the disease and also supports cancer patients by reducing depression and anxiety and increasing energy and vitality.

“Even though we offer a flexible shuttle bus service to the Holy Mosque, which is only a few minutes away from our hotel, we encourage our guests to walk this distance. Through this event, we seek to educate everyone about this disease and its prevention methods and encourage early detection to take preventative vaccines and raise awareness of their importance.”

Shaza Makkah is one of the hotels overlooking the Holy Mosque. It attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world throughout the year and offers them an exceptional stay, with luxury facilities that include a foot massage service offered at a 50 percent discount.

In addition, there are several other services that reflect authentic Middle Eastern hospitality, such as Shalimar, the modern lounge that gives its patrons a ‘buy one get one free’ offer. Shaza Makkah accommodates the needs of guests from all over the world; its main restaurant, Midan, offers different international dishes inspired by the fabled Silk Route with a 30 percent discount for dinner, as well as a lunch menu with meals ranging between SR50,70 and 100. — SG