Abu Dhabi, UAE – September 2026: The Organising Committee of the Zayed Charity Run is preparing to travel to Beijing, China, accompanied by a UAE delegation of more than 100 members, to participate in the second edition of the Great Wall Marathon of Huairou and Zayed Charity Run 2026, scheduled to take place on 27 September in Huairou District. The delegation includes officials and representatives, alongside 50 runners from the UAE, who will take part in the event, which is expected to attract around 15,000 participants from China and around the world.
The UAE delegation heads to Beijing following weeks of preparation and training, ready to represent the country as the Zayed Charity Run returns to the Chinese capital for a second consecutive year. Beyond sporting participation, the delegation carries forward the humanitarian legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the values of giving, solidarity and service to others that have defined the Run since its inception.
The event is organised in cooperation with the People’s Government of Huairou District of Beijing Municipality, the Beijing Athletics Association and the District Sports Bureau, in partnership with the Zayed Charity Run and with the support of the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Beijing. The event is also supported by leading UAE companies, including Erth Abu Dhabi, L’IMAD, EDGE, Mubadala, Emirates and ADNOC.
Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Mohammed Hilal Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Zayed Charity Run, said: “Travelling to Beijing with a 100-member UAE delegation, including 50 Emirati runners, reflects the commitment and sense of purpose behind our participation. Our runners are not only representing the UAE on the course; they are also carrying with them the enduring legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the values of giving and service to humanity that remain at the heart of the Zayed Charity Run.”
He added: “As we return to Beijing for a second consecutive year, we are proud to build on the success of the previous edition and the strong cooperation established with our partners in China. Bringing thousands of participants together through sport demonstrates how a shared sporting experience can create meaningful humanitarian impact and strengthen the bonds between communities.”
The humanitarian mission remains at the heart of the Beijing edition, with 50% of the Run’s proceeds allocated to support Huairou Hospital, translating participation into tangible support for the local community and reinforcing the Zayed Charity Run’s commitment to creating an impact that extends beyond the finish line.
Set against the backdrop of the Great Wall of China, the 2026 edition will bring together participants from the UAE, China and around the world, combining international sporting competition with humanitarian purpose in one of the world’s most iconic historic settings.
As the delegation prepares to depart for Beijing, the 100 Emirati delegation will carry the UAE flag and the message of the Zayed Charity Run to the Great Wall, representing the nation while carrying forward a legacy of giving that extends far beyond the finish line.
ABOUT ZAYED CHARITY RUN:
Renowned as “Run for Kindness,” the story of the Zayed Charity Run began in Abu Dhabi in 2001.
Established by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, the initiative was created to honour the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Its inaugural edition in 2001 brought together a large number of participants in celebration of the Founding Father’s enduring values of generosity, compassion, and humanitarian giving.
The first New York edition of the Zayed Charity Run was held in 2005, with proceeds donated in support of kidney research through the National Kidney Foundation in New York City, in coordination with the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Washington.
In 2014, the run expanded to Egypt, where it has continued to be organised in collaboration with the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Egypt, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and Egypt’s Ministry of Youth and Sports.
In recent years, the Zayed Charity Run has continued to expand its global presence through editions held in major international cities, including Beijing, Rio de Janeiro, Miami, Addis Ababa, and Budapest. Each edition carries forward the initiative’s humanitarian mission, bringing communities together through sport while supporting charitable causes and promoting the values of compassion, unity, and giving.
As its international journey continues, the Zayed Charity Run remains a global platform inspired by the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the UAE’s enduring commitment to humanitarian action.
