Olympic champion runner leads people on 360-degree virtual tour of Dubai on YouTube

The British Olympian stars in a 53-second clip posted online by the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing.

Screen grab from promotional video featuring British Olympian Mo Farah. Courtesy Visit Dubai

DUBAI // People can now experience a 360-degree virtual running tour of Dubai on YouTube with British Olympian Mo Farah, who talks of what inspires him.

In the 53-second clip posted by the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), Britain’s double Olympic distance running champion starts his journey in the Dubai desert, then on to tarmac to Downtown Dubai, where he runs past The Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa.

He continues along the emirate’s coastline before finally stopping in front of the Burj Al Arab.

Using the 360-degree Nokia OZO camera, viewers will be able to get up close and personal with Farah.

“Dubai is a city like nowhere else in the world,” he said. “I have visited a number of times and I am always blown away by the architecture, the culture and the experience.

“It’s been great to be involved in something that manages to really highlight everything Dubai is about, and showcases the city to those who haven’t yet been here. I can’t wait to visit again, although perhaps with a bit less running.”

Issam Kazim, chief executive of DTCM, said Dubai was an iconic city with diverse attributes and clear aspirations.

“It is fantastic to welcome a highly respected world-class athlete like Mo Farah to tell our story in such a unique way,” he said. “The 360-degree technology really showcases the city’s offering through Mo’s eyes and experiences, taking viewers as close to the actual journey as possible.”