Emirates NBD Unity Run 2026 in Dubai

The Emirates NBD Unity Run in Dubai returns for its ninth edition on Sunday 15 November 2026, starting and finishing at Dubai Design District (d3). This community race is built around people of determination and inclusion, with a 3km walk or run, a timed 5km and a timed 10km all setting off at 6am. Families with pushchairs, wheelchair users running with a buddy and club runners chasing a time all share the same start line.

Why the Emirates NBD Unity Run in Dubai Matters

The Unity Run is held under the Hamdan bin Mohammed Community Sports Initiative and organised by FittGROUP, with Emirates NBD as title partner. Its aim is to rally the wider community behind people of determination and to show that sport is for everyone. The organisers sum up the morning as a celebration of the UAE as a community for everyone.

That message shows in who turns up. In earlier editions FittGROUP reported that more than a third of participants were people of determination running with their families, and people of determination are encouraged to sign up and take part with a buddy beside them. The 2024 edition also raised funds for the Al Noor Rehabilitation and Welfare Association and Senses Residential and Day Care, two Dubai organisations supporting people with disabilities.

A Race That Moves Around Dubai

The Unity Run has changed address several times since it began. Dubai Silicon Oasis hosted early editions, including the fourth, which Gulf News reported drew around 10,000 participants, and the 2019 race on 15 November. In 2022 the run came to Dubai Design District, then moved to Expo City Dubai in 2024 and to Al Forsan Park at Expo City on 16 November 2025. This year it returns to d3 for edition number nine.

Sign-ups opened on 31 July 2026 and close on Thursday 12 November 2026, unless places run out sooner. In 2025, people of determination were able to enter free; check the registration page for the current terms.

Choose Your Distance

3km Walk or Run

The shortest route is a relaxed fun run or walk with no age limits at all. It is the natural choice for families with young children, first-timers and anyone who would rather chat than race. Stroller runners are welcome, with one adult per child in a stroller.

5km Timed Run

The 5km uses automated timing and is open to participants aged 12 and over, split into age groups of 12 to 15, 16 to 24 and 25 and above. It is a sensible step up for teenagers or anyone working towards their first proper race.

10km Timed Run

The longest distance is for runners aged 16 and over, again with automated timing and age categories. The course is graded as easy, so it suits steady club runners as much as people chasing a personal best.

What Every Runner Receives

Every entry includes an event cap, a participation medal and a paper finisher’s certificate, along with technical and medical support, hydration and refreshments. Trophies go to the first three men and first three women in both the 5km and the 10km.

Race Morning at d3

Runners in the 5km and 10km collect their race packs on the morning during registration, so allow time before the 6am start. According to the organisers, there is plenty of parking in the event area, toilets close to the village, and changing rooms and showers on site. Water is available along the route and back at the village, and medical cover includes a registered nurse and emergency medical services.

After the finish, the Unity Run Village keeps the morning going with entertainment, food outlets for the whole family and water stations, which makes it easy to turn the race into a full morning out in the design district.

Rules Worth Knowing

Anyone under 18 needs a parent or guardian’s consent to enter, and children under 10 must run or walk with an adult. Refunds can be claimed up to seven days before race day, minus a 10% admin fee. Until registration closes, you can also switch distance or hand your place to someone else under the organiser’s terms. If the race is cancelled, refunds are processed automatically, and if it moves to a new date you can ask for a refund should the new date not suit you.

Who Should Sign Up

This is a race with room for almost everyone. Families can walk the 3km together, people of determination can run with a buddy, and schools, companies and community groups can enter as teams for a morning with a purpose. Keen runners who want a timed result in a friendly setting will find the 5km and 10km a welcome change from more competitive events.

Making a weekend of it? The Ajman Neon Run lights up Al Safia Park the evening before, and the Public Prosecution Run takes place at Quranic Park on the same morning. Browse more sports events in the UAE, our guide to things to do in Dubai and the full list of things to do in November, then register before 12 November and join the community at d3 on 15 November.