Zayed Charity Run in Abu Dhabi Brings Together Over 10,000 People in a Big Celebration of Kindness
Image used for illustrative purpose. Photo: WAM
ABU DHABI: More than 10,000 people joined the 24th Zayed Charity Run in Abu Dhabi, one of the UAE’s most loved community events. The race took place at Wahat Al Karama and ERTH Abu Dhabi under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Families, friends, and runners of all ages came together. Some were young children running for the first time, while others were top athletes. Many children of the nation’s martyrs also took part to honor the memory of their fathers who gave their lives for the country. Teams from China and Brazil, who joined past runs, returned again this year. Their participation added an international feel to the event and showed how the message of kindness from the UAE reaches the world.
Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan started the race, marking the beginning of a morning full of energy and joy. People cheered, drums played, and runners wearing colorful shirts filled the area with excitement. Participants ran 3 km, 5 km, or 10 km, each step supporting medical research at Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre. Along the race route, runners enjoyed views of famous Abu Dhabi landmarks like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Zayed Sports City, and Wahat Al Karama. These places reminded everyone of the UAE’s values of unity, strength, and generosity.
Since it began in 2001, the Zayed Charity Run has welcomed more than 613,000 runners around the world, making it one of the most important charity races today. At ERTH Abu Dhabi, families enjoyed fun games, food stalls, traditional shows, and National Day celebrations. Supporters waved UAE flags and cheered for every runner, including para-athletes who showed great strength and courage. The event was filled with a strong sense of togetherness.
Winners across all race categories shared a prize pool of AED 1.5 million. Loud applause filled the area as runners stepped onto the podium to receive their awards. Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Mohamed Helal Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee, said the event once again proved the UAE’s strong spirit of compassion. He thanked everyone for supporting medical research that will help many patients in the future.
Aref Hamad Al Awani from the Abu Dhabi Sports Council said the event showed how sport brings people together and keeps the values of the late Sheikh Zayed alive. Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi from Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre shared her gratitude, saying the funds raised will help improve stem-cell treatments and give hope to patients and their families.
The next stop for the Zayed Charity Run will be Cairo on December 26, 2025, where more people will come together to honor Sheikh Zayed’s legacy and support important humanitarian causes.
