Select Emiratis will take part in the London 2012 Olympic Games ‘torch relay’ which is set to kick off on May 19, VisitBritain officials said.

The London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay will begin its 70-day journey around the UK taking in many of its cultural landmarks.

Visiting over 1,000 cities, towns, and villages along its 8,000 mile route, the Olympic Flame aims to excite the UK and marks the official start of the London 2012 Olympic Games upon its arrival at the Olympic Stadium on July 27.

Chris Foy, head of 2012 Olympic Unit, said: “One of the most iconic images in all of sport, the official torch lighting of the cauldron at the opening ceremony, signifying the official start of the London 2012 Olympic Games, will be magical for all involved.  That we have Emiratis, and other UAE residents of distinction, taking part in the torch relay makes that moment even more special, as the bond between the UK and the Emirates has grown so significantly in the 40 years since the country was created.”

Abdulla Al Gurg, general manager of Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group, has been confirmed as one of the Olympic torchbearers. He will run a stretch of the journey in the London Borough of Lambeth. 

The torch bearers include some who have fought serious illness, people who have gone above and beyond for their communities, the statement said.

Other London 2012 torch bearers from the UAE include Elham Qasimi, the first Arab woman to trek to the North Pole; Simran Vedvyas, social campaigner; Hassanain Anver, founder of an online UAE youth platform; Jalal bin Thaneya, a social advocate for children with special needs; and Robert Swift, a marketing manager from Etisalat. – TradeArabia News Service