During Dubai Run 2021. JONATHAN YBERA/EXPAT MEDIA

Dubai’s most iconic fitness tradition returns this Sunday (November 23), with Dubai Run 2025 once again transforming Sheikh Zayed Road into the world’s largest running track for one morning only. The annual citywide run — now one of the biggest inclusive fitness events in the world — is part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC), running until November 30 under the theme “Year of the Community.” Last year, the event shattered records with 278,000 participants, led by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. Similar crowds are expected this year.

FULL LIST OF ROAD CLOSURES (3am to 10am)

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) confirmed the following full and partial closures: Fully or partially closed routes • Sheikh Zayed Road — stretch between Trade Centre Roundabout and Al Hadiq Road bridge • Lower Financial Centre Street — between Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road • One-way direction of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard • One-way lane of Al Sukook Street • All parking areas parallel to Sheikh Zayed Road Authorities say the large-scale traffic plan is required to secure the running route and ensure safety for all participants. Alternative routes Motorists are advised to use: • Upper Financial Centre Street • Zabeel Palace Road • Al Wasl Road • Al Khail Road

The routes: 5km & 10km options

Dubai Run remains free and open to all ages and fitness levels. Participants can choose: 5km route • Passes Burj Khalifa, Dubai Opera • Ends near Dubai Mall • Ideal for families, beginners, casual joggers 10km route  • Extends across Dubai Canal Bridge • Passes DIFC Gate Building • Suitable for experienced runners

Key times

• 3:30am - arrival begins • 6:30am - route opens • 8am - last run before starting lines close • 9am - finish your run

FULL ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE

Organizers have prepared the biggest entertainment lineup in the event’s history, based on an entertainment deck shared with Expat Media. Here is the full schedule: Aerial Stunt Paramotors Three 15-minute flights with LED lights, smoke effects, pyrotechnics and flags • 4:45am • 6:30am • 7:15am Orbs Distribution 60 orbs in three colors • 4:30am – 4:45am • Distributed across both the 5km and 10km side Inflatable Costume Characters 300 inflatable costumes — camel, bunny, rooster, horse, dinosaur, flamingo • Available at designated zones throughout the route Giant LED Puppets (5km holding area) • 5:00am • 6:15am • 7:30am LED Warrior Drum Show (5km & 10km holding areas) • 5:30am • 6:30am • 7:45am Modesh and Dana Appearance (5km starting line) • 5:10am • 6:30am • 7:45am Stilt Walkers with LED Costumes • From 6:50am Polka Drummers • 6:45am • 7:15am • 7:45am Taiko Drummer • 7:00am • 7:30am • 8:00am Hype Bears • 7:15am • 7:45am • 8:15am Marching Band – Philippine School Dubai Drum & Lyre Corps 55 performers, three 20-minute sets • 6:50am • 7:25am • 8:10am Latino Circus Acts • 7:15am • 7:45am • 8:15am Motivational Ushers • Carrying “motivational lollipop” signs throughout the route Mobile DJ Stage (near Dubai Mall) • DJ Untold: 6:30am – 10:00am WATER STATIONS Water points will be located: • After Business Bay Metro • After the underpass • By CCA • At Lower Financial Murooj Complex FINISH LINE • Mascots will congratulate finishers • Free water will be distributed ICA/CAM/Expat Media
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