In brief
On November 29, 2026, Abu Dhabi will host the second “Run for the Nation,” an event expecting more than 20,000 participants to promote physical activity, unity, and community values. The run builds on the legacy of the Zayed Charity Run of 2001 and aims to become an annual focal point for national cohesion.
On November 29, 2026 the second “Run for the Nation” (Hassantak Ya Watan) will take place in Abu Dhabi, drawing an expected field of over 20,000 UAE nationals and residents. The event is scheduled alongside the UAE’s National Day celebrations and is organized by the Zayed Charity Run Organising Committee.
The run is designed to encourage physical activity while reinforcing a sense of unity, belonging, and community. It follows the legacy of the Zayed Charity Run launched in 2001 to honor the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and to promote a humanitarian vision rooted in generosity and service.
Lieutenant General (Ret.) Mohamed Helal Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Organising Committee, stated that the "Run for the Nation" goes beyond a sporting event, calling it a national occasion that reflects the UAE’s deeply rooted values. He emphasized that a nation’s security stems from community cohesion, the health of its people, and their active participation in shared initiatives.
Al Kaabi: "We see Run for the Nation as more than a sporting event; it is a national occasion that reflects the spirit of the UAE and its deeply rooted values. 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."
Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Aref Hamad Al Awani, echoed this perspective, noting that the initiative highlights the role of sport in strengthening community ties and encouraging healthy lifestyles. He added that the event aims to mobilize broad participation across all segments of society.
The organizers hope the run will establish itself as an annual tradition, leaving a lasting impact beyond the day itself and inspiring a healthier, more active lifestyle for the UAE’s citizens and residents.
