Dubai Run 2025 turns Sheikh Zayed Road into a sea of blue
Runners come together for the annual fitness event
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
Here's what you need to know about the routes runners will be taking this morning (they can choose between two):
10km Route: Starts near the Museum of the Future and finishes at The Gate Building, DIFC. This route is ideal for experienced runners.
5km Route: Starts at the same point and finishes on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard near Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa. This flat, family-friendly route is suitable for all ages.
As the run progresses and the road turns into biggest running track in the world, there's more going on than just sneakers hitting asphalt. Daredevils in parachutes carry the UAE National Flag.
With big smiles and a sense of community in their every step, racers rush through Sheikh Zayed; some carry UAE flags with them, others inflatables.
This is the real deal. Dubai Run, which is in its seventh edition, is a brilliant example of what happens when an entire community comes together for aa common goal. Here's a time-lapse of their journey.
What do you see on the Dubai Run?
It's a pretty scenic route, especially if you like architectural marvels. Contenders this morning will cross these Dubai landmarks:
Burj Khalifa,
Dubai Opera,
Museum of the Future, and
Dubai Canal
A family tradition
"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.
Sign up for the Daily Briefing
Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox
