A guide to FittGROUP
About FittGROUP
FittGROUP is the Dubai team behind the Emirates NBD Unity Run, one of the warmest mornings on the city’s running calendar. Hopasports lists FittGROUP as the organiser of the 2026 race, and its roots go back a long way. When the very first Unity Run was announced in 2016, Khaleej Times named Fittgroup Middle East as one of its organisers, working alongside Al Noor Training Centre for Persons with Disabilities.
That first edition was held at Al Mamzar Beach, with a 3 km walk and a 7 km run. The idea was simple: people of all abilities running side by side, not on someone else’s behalf.
Events they organise
The Unity Run is their flagship, and it has moved around Dubai over the years. Gulf News reported that the third edition, in 2018, took place at Dubai Silicon Oasis, with more than 3,000 people taking part and over a third of them people of determination running with their families. The 2025 edition was held at Al Forsan Park in Expo City Dubai, where more than 4,000 runners, walkers and wheelchair users joined in, according to What’s On.
For 2026 the race heads to Dubai Design District. It runs under the Hamdan bin Mohammed Community Sports Initiative and has been part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge calendar in past years.
Running for a cause
Inclusion is the whole point. The Unity Run supports people of determination and celebrates the UAE as, in the event’s own words, “a community for everyone”. Over the years it has brought together special needs schools, centres, community groups and families. Emirates NBD is the title partner, and the race has long been tied to the bank’s #TogetherLimitless platform. You will see runners on foot, in wheelchairs, pushing strollers and running with support teams. It is a lovely atmosphere.
How to take part
You register online through Hopasports, linked from unityrun.ae. There are three options for 2026:
- 3 km Walk/Run: AED 50, open to all ages. A relaxed fun run.
- 5 km Run: AED 100, timed, for ages 12 and over.
- 10 km Run: AED 150, timed, for ages 16 and over.
Prices include VAT but not the 5% service fee. Under-18s need consent from a parent or guardian, and children under 10 must be with an adult. Stroller runners are welcome as one adult with one child. Registration closes on 12 November 2026, or earlier if places run out.
Your entry includes hydration and refreshments, an event cap, a medal and a finisher’s certificate. The top three men and women in the 5 km and 10 km receive trophies.
Volunteering at their events
We have not seen a confirmed volunteer or marshal programme published for the Unity Run. If you, your school or your company would like to help, we suggest contacting the team directly by phone or through the social channels below and asking what support they need.
Upcoming events
- 15 November 2026: Emirates NBD Unity Run 2026, Dubai Design District. All races start at 06:00.
We have not found other dated FittGROUP events between now and February 2027. We will add them here if they are announced.
Good to know on race day
Some practical tips from us, rather than official rules:
- Get there early. A 06:00 start means leaving home in the dark, and race packs for the 5 km and 10 km are collected on the day.
- Parking is described as plentiful, but a group arriving together will find it easier.
- Stay for the Unity Run Village afterwards, which has entertainment and food for families.
- If you are running with someone who uses a wheelchair or a stroller, start near the back and enjoy the pace.
- Check the refund rules before booking. Refunds are offered up to 7 days before the event, minus a 10% admin fee, and you can transfer your entry or change distance before registration closes.
Medical support, water stations and toilets near the village are all listed by the organiser.
Contact and links
- Website: unityrun.ae
- Phone: +971 50 476 0653
- Instagram: @theunityrunuae
- Facebook: facebook.com/theENBDunityrun
- X: @theunityrunUAE