DRDubai: Speed, agility and balance challenged at every turn as waiters from 10 of Dubai’s hotels raced through the streets of Barsha Heights. James Dunuan, from Grand Gourmet, beat off stiff competition to win the third annual TIME Hotels Dubai Waiters’ Race, which took place on November 23, 2018.
Mohamed Awadalla, CEO, TIME Hotels, said, “The Waiters’ Race, which coincided nicely with the conclusion of Dubai’s Fitness Challenge, is now firmly fixed on the hotel sector’s calendar as one of the most keenly contested competitions in the Emirate, and this year was no different with a record entry of top talent.
“With a corporate mandate which focuses on adding value to people’s lives, our community outreach programme has seen TIME Hotels initiate and take the lead on a number of projects across the Emirate, with the annual Waiter Race being one of these key events.”
Co-ordinated by TIME Oak Hotel & Suites – the only CSR labelled hotel in the Barsha Heights community – which also acted as the starting point for the hotly contested race, waiters had to negotiate the course through the Byblos Hotel and the Auris Metro Central, before sprinting back to the start line – a circuit of 720m.
Commenting on his win, James Dunuan, said, “I am delighted to be taking home the trophy for the individual race. My team-mates and I have been working hard and obviously training every day because it’s our job.
“We are already looking forward to returning next year – hopefully we can clinch the relay race next time too!”
Runners faced a unique challenge as they were required to complete the run carrying a loaded tray containing two full glasses and a bottle of water. Speed, agility and balance were challenged at every turn as they raced through the streets of Barsha Heights. The racing waiters were judged on the amount of water lost, standards of waitering (posture, grooming, smile) and timing.
Sponsored by Fit Fresh, NRTC, Rich Printing Press, Masafi and Water Hygiene Technologies – the 8am start didn’t deter entrants, with a total of 10 competing hotels, each fielding a waiters-only team of five runners.
Participating hotels this year included TIME Hotels, First Central Hotel Apartment, Grand Gourmet, Flora Park Hotel, Citadines Metro Central Hotel, TRYP at Wyndham, JA Resorts & Hotels, Golden Tulip, Park Regis and Gloria Hotel & Resorts.
In the individual race, Mohammed Mozabeer from Citadines Metro Central Hotel finished in second place, and Ram Kumar, from Flora Park Hotel, came in third. The Relay Race was won by JA Resorts & Hotels, followed by Flora Park Hotel, with Citadines Metro Central Hotel in third place.
