Dubai Run 2025 turns Sheikh Zayed Road into a sea of blue

It’s go-time. Runners from across the Emirates gathered this morning for the annual Dubai Run, which began on Sheikh Zayed Road at 6.30am.

The annual run is a flagship event of Dubai Fitness Challenge and turns Sheikh Zayed Road into the world’s largest running track.

Before the run began, the event kicked off with a show of pyrotechnics.

Dubai Police, meanwhile, reiterated that Sheikh Zayed Road will be closed for the duration of the run and that people should look for alternative routes if they need to travel during this period.

SNAPSHOTS FROM THE EVENT

"Our family has taken part in the Dubai Run for three years in a row, and it has become something we truly look forward to every year. We participate not just for fitness, but to feel the amazing spirit of Dubai, feel the versatile crowd .seeing people of all ages running together is really motivating. Each year, the energy of the event inspires us to return . It’s something that reminds us why we love being part of this amazing city," says Shehna Samjith.

She and her son, Safal, have been taking part in the Dubai Run since 2023.

"Sheikh Zayed Road turned into a sea of blue jerseys from 5am, and once the flag was raised, watching thousands of people run together was truly mesmerising. People of all ages cheered as they ran, many with UAE flags draped across their backs. The parachute display was also impressive, with pyrotechnics painting the sky in the colours of the UAE flag. But what stood out to me most was the finish line, where I expected tired faces, I instead found bright smiles. Families and kids celebrated their achievement together, happier than ever to have completed the run," says Areeba Hashmi.