In brief
The Zayed Charity Run Organising Committee announced the "Run for the Nation" (Hassantak Ya Watan) will take place on 29 November 2026 in Abu Dhabi, drawing over 20,000 participants. The event, scheduled alongside the National Day celebrations, aims to promote unity, healthy lifestyles and community cohesion, echoing the legacy of Sheikh Zayed.
Abu Dhabi will host the second edition of the "Run for the Nation" (Hassantak Ya Watan) on 29 November 2026, a charity race that the Zayed Charity Run Organising Committee says will bring together more than 20,000 UAE nationals and residents. The date is chosen to coincide with the United Arab Emirates’ National Day, adding a national‑spirit tone to the event.
The charity run follows the tradition of the Zayed Charity Run, which began in 2001 to honour the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE, and to promote his humanitarian vision of giving and community service. The organisers say the new edition will use sport to strengthen community participation and encourage a healthy lifestyle.
Lieutenant General (Ret.) Mohamed Helal Al Kaabi, chairman of the organising committee, said the Run for the Nation "is much more than a sporting event; it is a national occasion that reflects the spirit of the UAE and its deeply rooted values." He added:
"The name of the run carries a profound message: a nation is safeguarded through the cohesion of its community, the health of its people and their positive participation in initiatives that bring them together around a shared purpose. We look forward to establishing the run as an annual event that leaves a lasting impact beyond the day itself and encourages people to adopt healthier and more active lifestyles. True success is not measured solely by the number of participants or sporting results, but by the positive impact we create in the lives of individuals and the community."
Secretary General Aref Hamad Al Awani of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council affirmed that the event builds on the legacy of the Zayed Charity Run and embodies the values of generosity, community cohesion and national belonging instilled by Sheikh Zayed. He stated:
"This national and humanitarian initiative highlights the role of sport in strengthening community ties and encouraging healthy lifestyles. We look forward to broad participation from citizens and residents alike, fostering a sense of unity across the emirate."
According to the committee, participants will start the race in the heart of the city and finish in the historic Corniche area, with checkpoints and medical stations along the route to ensure safety and support for all runners. The event will also feature live music and cultural performances, reflecting the UAE’s vibrant heritage.
Organisers expect the run to raise significant funds for charitable causes, mirroring the charitable nature of its predecessor. “We will keep transparent records of contributions and share the impact reports with the public,” the committee said.
The Run for the Nation has become a growing tradition, aiming to unite the UAE’s diverse communities through physical activity and shared purpose. The 2026 edition is set to reinforce the country’s commitment to health, solidarity, and the lasting legacy of Sheikh Zayed’s vision for society.
