Emirates Villages Run Series 2026 Commences in Qidfa under Distinguished Patronage
The second edition of the celebrated Emirates Villages Run Series has been inaugurated in Qidfa, Fujairah, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs. The series will traverse seven emirates through December, combining sport with cultural and heritage discovery.
Under the distinguished patronage of H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs and Chairman of the Emirates Council for Balanced Development, the Emirates Villages Run Series 2026 commenced today in Qidfa, Fujairah, marking an elegant convergence of sporting endeavour, cultural exploration and community enrichment.
Organised by the Emirates Council for Balanced Development, this carefully curated series encompasses seven races across as many villages, extending through 5 December. The initiative represents a thoughtfully designed celebration of the Emirates’ diverse heritage, offering participants and visitors an exceptional opportunity to discover the natural, cultural and archaeological treasures that characterise village communities throughout the nation.
The opening ceremony witnessed the honouring of victorious participants by Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad bin Saif Al Sharqi, President of the Emirates Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation, Mohamed Khalifa Bakhit Al Kaabi, Secretary-General of the Emirates Council for Balanced Development, and numerous dignitaries representing government entities and councils across the UAE.
The second edition demonstrates remarkable expansion, targeting 1,000 participants per race, a significant increase from the inaugural edition’s objective of 500 participants per race. This growth reflects the series’ deepening commitment to fostering community participation and enabling individuals from all segments of society to experience running whilst engaging with the rich tapestry of Emirati villages.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Kaabi articulated the vision underlying this initiative, emphasising that every village possesses distinctive narratives, invaluable assets and deserving local talent. Through sport as a unifying medium, the series connects communities with these villages and celebrates their natural, cultural and heritage diversity, whilst simultaneously supporting local economies through dedicated farmers’ markets featuring home-based businesses and women artisans.
ADNOC continues as principal partner for the second consecutive year, affirming corporate commitment to community health initiatives. The series retains its distinctive journey concept, inviting participants to traverse villages and discover their varied landscapes, cultures and heritage. Accompanying the rounds is Rahhal, an elegantly conceived houbara-inspired character and series ambassador, embodying the qualities of patience, adaptability and exploration.
The International Fund for Houbara Conservation participates in raising awareness of the houbara’s significance within the UAE’s natural heritage, whilst the National Agricultural Centre supports the organisation of farmers’ markets, highlighting agriculture’s vital role in economic development and showcasing the exceptional quality of locally produced goods.
Following Qidfa’s inaugural round, the series continues through seven emirates: Lahbab, Dubai, on 17 October; Wadi Al Helo, Sharjah, on 24 October; Falaj Al Mualla, Umm Al Quwain, on 31 October; Masfout, Ajman, on 14 November; Al Rams, Ras Al Khaimah, on 28 November; and concluding in Al Shuwaib, Abu Dhabi, on 5 December. Two new destinations expand this edition’s geographical reach, enriching opportunities for cultural and tourism discovery as part of the Council’s broader commitment to balanced development and community empowerment.
Source: WAM