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The Dubai Marathon
- Sapphire Running Team
- Jul 20, 2025
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 5, 2025
Everything you need to know about the Dubai Marathon
Dubai shares the spotlight with some of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. One of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, the city is home to more than 200 nationalities and offers an unforgettable experience to all visitors. One of these is the marathon and 10k that starts in the shadow of the iconic Burj Al Arab. It's a flat course and the weather during race month is perfect.
The Destination
Dubai has a population of 3.5 million and is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. Dubai grew into a regional trading hub, from humble beginnings as a small fishing village in the 19th century. Its revenues are from trade, tourism, aviation, real estate and financial services, unlike many of its neighbors who depend on oil for their futures; here it's less than 1 percent of the emirate's economy. It has the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, the second most five star hotels in the world and the only seven star hotel, that's a big park of the marathon course.
It's not all about skyscrapers. There's a rich cultural heritage here that's well explained at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding and visits to the Dubai Museum and the Etihad Museum will fill in any gaps. There's plenty of art on Alserkal Avenue and must see opera at the Dubai Opera House. The multicultural mix here means the cuisine is as varied as you could wish for, from local home grown eateries and food markets to Michelin restaurants. The working week here is different than you might be used to. Most don't work on Fridays and as a result restaurants are busy and malls are also packed with shoppers until late.
One major change to the visitor attraction landscape over the past few years is the growth in theme parks. Four opened in 2016 alone. Motiongate with rides based on blockbusters such as Madagascar and Ghostbusters.and there's the world’s largest indoor theme park with dedicated Marvel and Cartoon Network zones, called the IMG World of Adventure. The Aquaventure Waterpark is the largest waterpark in the world, with 105 different slides and rides, including some of the highest and fastest on the planet. There is also Legoland, where 60 million bricks were used in its construction.
And then there are desert safaris. From dune bashing (high speed 4 wheel driving adventures) to buggy tours, to camel riding, to sandboarding and then a relaxing evening dinner under the stars, the desert gives a Dubai stay a whole different twist.
History
The first Dubai Marathon was held in 1998 , starting outside the Al Wasl Club, and finishing inside the Al Wasl Stadium. Only 150 runners entered, and only 48 of them finished.
The event changed management during 1999, with no race held that year. In 2000 it moved to January where it has remained. It is one of the fastest marathons in the world and has extensive prize money, meaning some of the top athletes in the world have run here. Before the pandemic hit it had produced 24 of the 100 fastest men’s times in history and 18 of the 100 fastest women’s times. In 2008, one million dollars were offered for a world record and $250,000 to both the men’s and women’s winners. Haile Gebrselassie took the win in that race with an impressive time of 2:04:53, but not quite fast enough for the biggest prize.
The event has grown to 25,000 runners and has been organised by the same team since their first event in 2000.
Race Organiser
Pace Events FZ LLC
When?
The race is held annually in January
Distances
Marathon, 10km and 4km fun run
Is there an Expo?
Race pack collection is at the Adidas store in the Dubai Mall from Wednesday through Saturday.
How many runners?
25,000
Course
The start and finish of the Marathon and the 10km is on the Umm Suqeim Road opposite the Madinat Jumeirah and in the shadow of the iconic Burj Al Arab. Both these starts will be at the Madinat Jumeirah end of Umm Suqeim Road. The 4km will start off the Umm Suqeim Road on Al Sufouh opposite the Madinat Jumeirah. All the finishes will be at the Dubai Police Academy end of Umm Suqeim Road. This is a different course from 2023 when the race was focused around Expo City.
The marathon starts at 6.00am 10km Road Race is at 6.30 and the 4km Fun Run at 10.00am. The elite wheelchair event is five minutes before the marathon..
The Marathon Route starts on the Umm Suqeim Road near the Madinat Jumeirah turning left onto the left hand side of the carriageway heading up Al Sufouh, running past Dubai College Junction at mile 2. It's then past the Dubai Media City, a free zone dedicated to all forms of media. It's the very first of its kind to be established in the region in 2001 and includes major companies and institutions specialised in the fields of media and communications. At. mile 4 is the first turnaround at The Westin Dubai and it's then past the entrance to Palm Island. Built from reclaimed land in a series of artificial archipelagos, Palm Jumeirah is shaped like a palm tree when viewed from above, hence its name. The unique island is home to some of Dubai's top luxury resorts, including Atlantis, The Palm, FIVE Palm Jumeirah Hotel, the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, and many more.
Past the Royal Mirage the route heads east back to the Madinat Jumeirah and onto the Jumeirah Beach Road running past the Burj Al Arab on the left. The Burj Al Arab is one of the most famous landmarks and tourist attractions in Dubai and is renowned for its 'seven-star status'. The luxury record-breaking all-suite hotel includes a range of fine-dining restaurants, incredible beaches and the expansive Burj Al Arab Terrace. It opened in 1999 and is built on its own island, the sail-shaped building rising 321m giving guests incredible views of the Arabian Gulf. The Jumeirah Beach Hotel next to the Burj Al Arab is also spectacular. It's one of the original beach hotels, one of Dubai’s superstars, and has a private white-sand beach, 21 bars and restaurants, and uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf. This is now the 9 mile mark.
From here runners head up the Jumeirah Beach Road on the left carriageway towards the bridge at the Creek and then doing a U turn just after the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club and before the bridge at the Al Mehemal Road junction . Established in 1974 the Sailing Club has excellent facilities enjoyed by over 700 members, including a marina with 152 berths. It's then back west to the Madinat Jumeirah junction and then running this loop section for the second time. Jumeirah Beach Road is one of the coolest streets in Dubai with a combination of five-star hotels, old-school shawarma shops, quirky independent restaurants and shops that sell everything from beach essentials to nicknacks, so you won't be bored having another look.
After the second lap runners will turn left after the Burj Al Arab at the Madinat Jumeirah junction running along Umm Suqeim Road for 500m heading to the finish line before the Dubai Police Academy.
The 10k route is the first out and back section of the marathon course.
There are aid stations at 15k, 20k, 25k, 30k, 35k,40k for the Marathon and at the finish. 500ml bottles of Masafi Water are at every 5km and intermediary stations in between the 5km points from 5km to 40km.
This course is a return to courses from previous years so don't expect big crowds and it's unlikely there will be much music along the way.
What's unique?
Dubai is a busy place and to be able to run in some of its popular areas on traffic free roads is a special opportunity.
Do charities benefit?
There is no official charity programme, but runners are encouraged to raise funds for their preferred charity.
Our verdict
It's a great time to head to Dubai for a marathon. The weather is perfect and the crowds are not as heavy as they are at other times of the year. It's a really flat course so you should get a decent time, but don't rely on crowd support for motivation.
How to register
Online via the race website. It closes a month before race day.
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