The annual Dubai Run gives participants free rein to take over the 14-lane Sheikh Zayed Road in what has become one of the world's biggest free fun runs. Last year, more than 146,000 runners, joggers, wheelchair-users and walkers participated in the event, a highlight of the Dubai Fitness Challenge.
Now in its fourth year, the event promises to be even bigger. Here's everything you need to know about the Dubai Run 2022.
When is the Dubai Run 2022 taking place and what time will it begin?
The Dubai Run will take place on Sunday, with the race set to start at 6.30am. Those who have registered to take part in one of the two routes — 5km and 10km — should arrive at 4am.
The run must finish by 8.30am so the roads can open again to traffic, so it's important to arrive in good time to complete the race.
What route will the race take?
Both the 5km and 10km routes will give participants a once-a-year chance to run along Sheikh Zayed Road.
The 5km route begins near the Museum of the Future. It then passes Burj Khalifa and Dubai Opera and ends near The Dubai Mall.
The 10km route follows Sheikh Zayed Road to the Dubai Water Canal, then returns towards World Trade Centre before ending on Al Mustaqbal Street near the Dubai International Financial Centre.
Who can participate?
The Dubai Run is open to everyone irrespective of age and fitness abilities. While the 5km route is suitable for all, the 10km is better suited to more experienced runners.
People of determination are also encouraged to join and should contact PoD@linkviva.com to find their dedicated starting area.
How to register for the run and claim a free race T-shirt
Participants must register for free on www.dubairun.com and then collect their free T-shirts and numbered bib from the locations below. Free T-shirts are available for all participants who register for Dubai Run, however, numbers are limited, so those who register earlier have more chances of getting one.
Having a Dubai Run bib is mandatory to participate. Collection points are at:
- Ibn Battuta Mall (India Court, near the Elephant Clock)
- Dubai Hills Mall (first floor, near FitnGlam)
- City Centre Deira (level 2, near Aloft Hotel)
Bib distribution is open during normal mall opening hours from Thursday to Saturday.
How to get to the event
The routes along the Dubai Run will be closed to motorists on Sunday morning, with the Roads and Transport Authority set to announce specific road closures soon. The Dubai Metro will be open from 3.30am and is the easiest way to travel to and from the event. Make sure you have a Nol card with at least Dh15 credit in order to use the metro.
If you are running the 5km route, head to Emirates Towers metro station to start your run. If you are on the 10km route, head to World Trade Centre or Max (Al Jafiliya) metro stations.
For those who prefer to drive, there is limited parking available near all metro stations. Alternatively, park at one of the Dubai World Trade Centre car parks for the 10km route, or at The Dubai Mall for the 5km route where participants can make their way to the start line using Dubai Metro.
Staying hydrated
Hydration is key during Dubai Run and sponsor Mai Dubai will provide water stations at the start and finish lines as well as along both routes, to ensure participants have access to water throughout the event. This year, Mai Dubai is partnering with DGrade, a company that turns discarded plastic bottles into t-shirts, to recycle bottles after the event.
Dubai Ride participants turn the city's biggest roads into giant cycling track — in pictures
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Cyclists traverse Sheikh Zayed Road as part of the Dubai Ride. All photos: Ruel Pableo for The National -
Cyclists rode past some of the city's landmarks. -
Dubai Ride 2022 participants. -
Authorities closed the busy 14-lane Sheikh Zayed Road for motorists between 4am and 9am. -
Riders take selfies in front of Museum of the Future. -
The Dubai Ride covered Sheikh Zayed Road between Trade Centre Roundabout and the Safa Park interchange, as well as Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard in Downtown Dubai. -
The event was open to cyclists of all ages and abilities. -
The Dubai Ride began at 6.30am. -
The free event is the largest for the cycling community in the emirate. -
The RTA allowed participants who didn't have bikes to rent a Careem Bike for free at certain entrances of the race. -
Families, recreational and professional cyclists take part in the Dubai Ride each year. -
Sheikh Zayed Road is usually closed to cyclists. -
Participants chose either a 4km or 12km route. -
Thousands of people took part in annual Dubai Ride on the skyscraper-lined super-highway that cuts through the centre of the city. -
Participants cycle past the Museum of the Future in the early hours of Sunday. -
The Dubai Ride is a precursor to the Dubai Run, which follows a similar route. -
A cyclist performs a stunt along Sheikh Zayed Road. -
Dubai Police manage traffic for the Dubai Ride. -
The Dubai Ride took place on both sides of Sheikh Zayed Road. -
Riders captured in front of the Museum of the Future. -
Participants after the event. -
The Dubai Ride transformed the city's major roads into a giant cycling track. -
Cyclists ride on Sheikh Zayed Road. -
A cycling group taking part in the Dubai Ride. -
The ride began in the early hours. -
The event takes place as part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge. -
Dubai Fitness Challenge encourages the city’s residents to commit to 30 minutes of daily activity for 30 days. -
The Dubai Ride takes place annually.
