Organisers of Swim Burj Al Arab hope this will be the biggest year yet, as they aim to raise more than Dh200,000 for charity.

The 1km swim, organised by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and Wild Wadi, is now in its eighth year raising money for the medical charity that offers much needed aid to trouble spots around the world.

"Last year we raised Dh160,000, but this year we are hoping for at least Dh200,000 and have 500 participants, which is more than any previous year," said Emilie El Jaouhari, Corporate projects Co-ordinator at MSF in Dubai.

All money raised will go towards MSF's worldwide projects. The charity, which was founded in 1971, gives free medical aid to people in Darfur, Pakistan and India, among other places.

Chris Perry, Wild Wadi Waterpark General Manager, said: "We are proud that the funds raised through this event contribute to the success of their work across the globe."

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