The Higher Organizing Committee of the Zayed Charity Run has announced the launch of its new 2025–2026 season, which marks a significant and unprecedented expansion with six main international stops: the People’s Republic of China, the Federative Republic of Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the United States of America, and the Republic of Hungary.
This expansion is the largest in the race’s history, as it includes—for the first time—three new countries: China in Asia, Brazil in South America, and Hungary in Europe. This move confirms the race’s growing humanitarian and sporting presence across three new continents, following the success of previous editions in the UAE, the United States, and Egypt.
His Excellency Lt. General (Ret.) Mohammed Hilal Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee, extended his deepest thanks and appreciation to the wise leadership for their continuous support of the race, which bears the cherished name of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may he rest in peace. The race embodies his vision of upholding human values, promoting a culture of giving and generosity, and reinforcing societal solidarity across the globe.
During a press conference held today at the ERTH Hotel in Abu Dhabi, His Excellency stated that this exceptional geographic expansion reflects the international community’s trust in the noble mission of the race and its positive impact on charitable, medical, and humanitarian institutions around the world. He emphasized that the race’s global stature has been significantly enhanced by the leadership’s support, transforming it into a humanitarian sports platform that unites people around the values of love, peace, and solidarity.
He noted that the new season will kick off on September 21 in Beijing, China, which will host the race for the first time. This edition will include a 5 km robot race—a first in the event’s history—alongside two other races: a 10 km run and a 5 km family run, with total prize money of $30,000 USD.
The event will then move to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 5, featuring two races (10 km and 5 km), with total prizes of $20,000 USD. The race will return to Abu Dhabi on November 29 for the third leg, with three races (10 km, 5 km, and a 3 km family run) held in celebration of the UAE National Day, and prize money amounting to 1.5 million AED.
The fourth leg will be held in Cairo, Egypt, on December 26, with races of 10 km and 4 km, and total prizes of 20 million Egyptian pounds. Miami, Florida will host the fifth race on January 31, 2026, with a 5 km run and prizes of $20,000 USD. The season will conclude in Budapest, Hungary, in May 2026, with two races: a 5 km family run and a 10 km run, and total prize money of $20,000 USD.
His Excellency Lt. General (Ret.) Mohammed Hilal Al Kaabi confirmed that the organizing committee continues to work on developing future editions of the race by expanding the number of participating countries and strengthening international partnerships in alignment with the aspirations of the UAE leadership and H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region. These efforts aim to keep Sheikh Zayed’s legacy of boundless generosity and cross-border humanity alive in the minds of future generations.
H.E. Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, conveyed the greetings of H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. He reaffirmed the council’s commitment to supporting the event and its great humanitarian value, especially in the Year of Community, reflecting the UAE’s deep-rooted values and noble approach to supporting global humanitarian and charitable initiatives.
Al Awani anticipated a rise in the number of participants and winners in the upcoming Abu Dhabi and Cairo races and highlighted the inclusion of senior citizens in this major community event. He noted that this marks a qualitative leap in the race’s reach and participation, especially among UAE nationals, through collaboration with the organizing committee and all partners.
H.E. Mohammed Haji Al Khouri, Director General of the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, described the new international stops as a significant and qualitative addition in spreading humanitarian values and achieving the race’s noble objectives. He emphasized the race’s growing global legacy and its role in supporting patients, noting the Foundation’s continued sponsorship of the race as a reflection of the UAE’s outstanding efforts in humanitarian work.
H.E. Ahmed Sari Al Mazrouei, Secretary General of the Emirates Red Crescent, also stressed the importance of the race’s success at every destination, given its national heritage and deeply rooted humanitarian values. He affirmed full support for its success and distinction at each location, to fulfill its intended goals.
Yaqoub Al Saadi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Sports Channels, described the new race destinations as a qualitative leap that reinforces the race’s original values since its inception. He confirmed the channel’s commitment to covering the race and its events worldwide, showcasing the UAE’s exceptional model in humanitarian work and its embodiment of love and loyalty to universal human values.
The Zayed Charity Run was first launched in 2001 in Abu Dhabi, reflecting the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to extend the hand of generosity to those in need and reinforce human values in society.
Thanks to its widespread success locally, the race expanded internationally in 2005, with the first global edition held in New York City. The race later reached Cairo in 2014, establishing itself as a prominent event in the calendar of impactful charitable initiatives.
The Zayed Charity Run aims to achieve noble humanitarian goals, most notably supporting treatment for patients with chronic illnesses such as kidney disease, cancer, and heart conditions. It also supports children’s hospitals and medical research, while promoting health awareness and encouraging communities to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle, making it a multidimensional platform in service of humanity and society.
