Abu Dhabi/ Rio de Janeiro, August , 2026: Rio de Janeiro will host the second Brazilian edition of the Zayed Charity Run on 23 August 2026, bringing one of the world’s most renowned international charity races back to the city. Taking place at Flamengo Beach, the event is expected to welcome thousands of professional athletes, amateur runners, families and participants from different nationalities in a celebration of sport, solidarity and international cooperation.
Recognised worldwide as “Run For Kindness”, the Zayed Charity Run was established in 2001 by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, in honour of the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE. Since its inception, the Run has become a symbol of Sheikh Zayed’s enduring values of generosity, compassion and humanitarianism, bringing people together across borders through the power of sport.
From its home in Abu Dhabi, the Zayed Charity Run has grown into an international movement, with successful editions across New York, Cairo, Miami, Beijing, Addis Ababa and Budapest, and now returns to Brazil, further establishing Rio de Janeiro as one of the host cities on its growing global calendar. In every destination, the event raises funds for charitable causes while promoting unity, wellbeing and social impact, reaffirming its mission of connecting communities through kindness and shared humanity.
The 2026 edition will feature more than BRL 500,000 in prizes, including awards for race winners across multiple categories, prize draws and additional incentives for participants. Beyond celebrating athletic achievement, the event aims to inspire public engagement in a cause that extends far beyond the finish line.
As part of this commitment, 100% of the registration fees will be donated to Grupo Cultural AfroReggae through a partnership with Criança Esperança, promoted by Brazil’s biggest media group, Grupo Globo, in partnership with UNESCO since 2004. The initiative was made possible with the support of the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Brazil, which helped establish the connection between the race organisers and one of Brazil’s most respected social initiatives. The funds will contribute to expanding programmes focused on education, culture, social inclusion and opportunities for children and young people living in vulnerable communities.
In Brazil, the Zayed Charity Run is supported by the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, which serves as a bridge between the international organisers and Brazilian partners, fostering initiatives that strengthen the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the UAE and Brazil. The 2026 edition is also proudly supported by leading UAE organisations, including ERTH, L’imaad, Emirates, and Mubadala, whose commitment to social responsibility and community development reflects the values at the heart of the Zayed Charity Run.
Highlighting the significance of the Run’s return to Brazil, Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Mohamed Helal Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee of the Zayed Charity Run, said: “The Zayed Charity Run is a lasting tribute to the humanitarian legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose values of generosity, compassion, and unity continue to inspire communities around the world. We are proud to return to Brazil as part of the Run’s continued
international expansion, strengthening the bonds between nations through sport and shared purpose. We extend our sincere appreciation to our partners and hosts for their invaluable support in bringing this meaningful initiative to life. Together, we continue to celebrate the spirit of giving, promote healthier communities, and carry forward Sheikh Zayed’s enduring legacy of hope, solidarity, and humanitarianism.”
“The Zayed Charity Run represents one of the most inspiring legacies of His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose vision was built upon compassion, generosity and service to humanity. We are honoured to support another edition of this remarkable event in Brazil, further strengthening the ties between our two nations through an initiative that combines sport with meaningful social impact. The partnership established with Criança Esperança to benefit Grupo Cultural AfroReggae demonstrates how international cooperation can create lasting opportunities and positively transform the lives of thousands of young Brazilians,” said His Excellency Sharif Essa Al Suwaidi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Brazil.
Thousands of participants are expected to gather along Flamengo Beach for the second edition of the Zayed Charity Run in Rio de Janeiro, further establishing the event as one of the leading international charity sporting events hosted in Brazil. More than a race, the Zayed Charity Run invites people of all ages and backgrounds to become part of a global movement inspired by the values of humanity, generosity and hope, where every kilometre completed contributes to creating a lasting positive impact.
Event: Zayed Charity Run Rio de Janeiro 2026
Date: 23 August 2026
Location: Flamengo Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Organised by: Zayed Charity Run, ERTH Abu Dhabi
Institutional Support: Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Brazil
Sponsors: ERTH Abu Dhabi, L’imaad, Emirates and Mubadala
Social Impact: 100% of registration fees will be donated to Grupo Cultural AfroReggae through a partnership with Criança Esperança.
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.
