Zayed Charity Run: The Event To Bookmark Where You Actually Feel Like You’re Giving Back
The event is back this November, staying true to its “the run for kindness” reputation with a focus on giving back to life-changing research
In the Year of Community 2025, Abu Dhabi’s calendar is set to get a feel-good event worth circling. The Zayed Charity Run returns on November 29, inviting families, first-timers and regular runners to take on the route between Wahat Al Karama and Erth Abu Dhabi, all under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region. It’s the third stop of the 2025–2026 season after Beijing and Rio, and the task is simple, show up, move together, and support health-driven research that is bound to make a difference.
The route offers 3 km, 5 km, and 10 km distances and welcomes participants of all ages and fitness levels. Alongside the runs, community villages will feature entertainment, activities, and F&B offerings, creating a festive atmosphere that brings the city together.
Renowned worldwide as “the kindest run in the world,” the event pays tribute to the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, promoting compassion, generosity and unity. “The Zayed Charity Run is not just a sporting event, but a deep tribute to the eternal values instilled by the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may his soul rest in peace, reflecting his enduring legacy of generosity, compassion, and humanity,” says Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Mohamed Helal Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee.
This year’s Abu Dhabi edition will dedicate its proceeds to three groundbreaking programmes at the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center (ADSCC), advancing personalised cancer therapy through Tumour Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TILs), developing a Bioinformatics and AI platform for precision medicine targeting multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes, and supporting the Perinatal Project, which transforms donated placental tissue into treatments for skin care and wound healing.
“Through innovative approaches, we are advancing personalised cancer therapies and creating new treatments for autoimmune diseases and conditions that currently have no cure,” says Prof. Yendry Ventura, ADSCC CEO, noting that the run’s support reinforces the centre’s human-focused mission.
Since its launch in 2001 under the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Zayed Charity Run has grown into a global initiative that unites cities from New York to Cairo, Beijing to Budapest. This year marks its largest season yet, continuing through Cairo in December, Miami in January, and Budapest in May 2026.
Supported by Emirates Red Crescent, Al Habtoor Group, and NORINCO, the run underscores the UAE’s ongoing commitment to health, innovation and philanthropy. As Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, notes, it stands as “as a symbol of civilisation that embodies the vision and values of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may his soul rest in peace. It reflects his legacy of giving and humanitarian work, an eternal heritage that continues to inspire generations.”
If you too want to participate in the event, you can register here.
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