A record-setting 278,000 people took over Sheikh Zayed Road on Sunday morning as part of the sixth annual Dubai Run, led by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence.
The 14-lane motorway was temporarily closed to traffic until 10.30am to allow participants to take part in the event against the backdrop of Dubai's iconic skyline.
This year's event had a twist as paragliders soared above Sheikh Zayed Road, offering a spectacular view to runners below.
Participants had the option to run a 5km or 10km route, with the shorter trail starting near the Museum of the Future, passing Burj Khalifa and Dubai Opera and concluding near Dubai Mall.
The 10km run started near the museum but crossed Dubai Canal Bridge before looping along Sheikh Zayed Road and finishing near the DIFC Gate.
Sheikh Hamdan, who regularly participants in what has been hailed as the world's largest fun run, paid tribute to the huge numbers who put their best foot forward to pave the way for a healthier future.
"Dubai Run is a testament to the power of community and the determination of the people of the city to lead healthier and more active lives," Sheikh Hamdan said, in comments shared by Dubai Media Office.
"Today’s event reflects the city’s energy, its relentless pursuit of excellence, and the community’s awareness of the importance of sports and fitness.
"The remarkable response to this event also highlights Dubai’s emergence as one of the world’s most active cities and a global leader in fostering a lifestyle centred on wellbeing.
"We thank everyone who participated in this challenge and contributed to its remarkable success. Together, we are building a healthier, happier, and more connected society while setting an example for future generations."
This year's huge turnout represented a 23 per cent increase on the 226,000 runners who stepped into action last year.
The Dubai Run was first launched in 2017 as part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge (30x30 challenge) to encourage residents to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
The campaign aims to get people to do 30 minutes of exercise for 30 consecutive days. In support, many venues offer free or subsidised classes and sports sessions, in addition to a packed calendar of community-led fitness activities.
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
Trolls World Tour
Directed by: Walt Dohrn, David Smith
Starring: Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake
Rating: 4 stars
yallacompare profile
Date of launch: 2014
Founder: Jon Richards, founder and chief executive; Samer Chebab, co-founder and chief operating officer, and Jonathan Rawlings, co-founder and chief financial officer
Based: Media City, Dubai
Sector: Financial services
Size: 120 employees
Investors: 2014: $500,000 in a seed round led by Mulverhill Associates; 2015: $3m in Series A funding led by STC Ventures (managed by Iris Capital), Wamda and Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority; 2019: $8m in Series B funding with the same investors as Series A along with Precinct Partners, Saned and Argo Ventures (the VC arm of multinational insurer Argo Group)
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
First-round leaderbaord
-5 C Conners (Can)
-3 B Koepka (US), K Bradley (US), V Hovland (Nor), A Wise (US), S Horsfield (Eng), C Davis (Aus);
-2 C Morikawa (US), M Laird (Sco), C Tringale (US)
Selected others: -1 P Casey (Eng), R Fowler (US), T Hatton (Eng)
Level B DeChambeau (US), J Rose (Eng)
1 L Westwood (Eng), J Spieth (US)
3 R McIlroy (NI)
4 D Johnson (US)
