Sheikh Zayed Road is about to turn into one giant running track. Registration for Dubai Run is now open on the Dubai Fitness Challenge website, and the event takes place on November 22. The organisers call it the world’s largest run.
You can pick a 5km or 10km route and see the city’s landmarks up close. Run, jog or walk. It isn’t a race, so everyone can finish at their own pace.
Choose Your Route
5km route: A good fit for families and beginners. It starts on Sheikh Zayed Road near the Museum of the Future, passes the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Opera, and ends near Dubai Mall.
10km route: A longer challenge. It starts near the Museum of the Future, crosses the Dubai Canal Bridge, loops along Sheikh Zayed Road, and finishes near DIFC Gate.
Race Day Timings
The run starts at 6.30am, but arrival times begin from 4am. You must arrive during the slot you registered for, because capacity at each start time is limited for safety. The start line closes at 8am, so don’t cut it close.
How to Collect Your Bib
Registered participants collect their bib and T-shirt at Dubai Municipality 30×30 Fitness Village, Zabeel Park, from November 9 to 21.
- Monday to Thursday: 4pm to 11pm
- Friday: 12pm to 11pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 8am to 11pm
Someone else can collect it for you if they show your valid registration QR code. Without a bib, you can’t take part. If you lose yours, you’ll need to register again and collect a new one.
Getting to the Start Line
If you’re driving, park at a Dubai World Trade Centre car park for the 10km route, or at Dubai Mall for the 5km route. Then take the Metro to the start line.
- 5km route: head for World Trade Centre Metro Station
- 10km route: head for Emirates Towers Metro Station
Keep at least Dh15 on your Nol card to avoid queues on the day. Taxis are also an option, with set drop-off and pick-up points near the start lines.
One thing to remember: the bus and taxi service road at Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station is closed until the end of 2026. The Dubai Fitness Challenge website suggests using Business Bay Metro as an alternative.
Rules and Tips
- Dubai Run is not a race
- Parents and guardians can register up to three children, and anyone under 18 must be with an adult
- Large bags are not allowed, so bring only essentials
- Strollers are allowed on the 5km route
- Pets are not allowed
- Medical support and water stations will be along the full route
- If you need help, find the nearest Dubai Run Marshal or medic, or call 901
- Toilets are limited and only at the start and finish lines
What We Don’t Know Yet
The announcement doesn’t mention a registration fee or a sign up deadline. Since start slots have limited capacity, it’s smart to register early and check the website for the latest details.
Make It a Fitness Month
Dubai Run is part of a bigger programme. If you want to build up to it, here are 8 Dubai Fitness Challenge events this November, and some of them cost nothing to join.
If you’re after a lighter weekend before the big day, Global Village is giving free entry on November 7 to visitors who buy a ticket on November 6, while the free tickets last. And for something festive, here are 6 Diwali events in the UAE worth planning for the whole family.
Dubai Run is one of the easiest ways to take part in a big city event. Pick your route, register, collect your bib, and plan your Metro trip. Then enjoy the rare chance to walk or run on Sheikh Zayed Road with thousands of others.