Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Middle East Race Guide
The UAE and Middle East road racing season runs from October to April, when cooler temperatures make distance running possible across the Gulf region.
This page lists the major marathons, half marathons and road races across the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan. Whether you are chasing a personal best on a flat coastal course or planning your first international race in the region, this calendar helps you compare events, confirm dates and plan your season.
All dates listed below are for the 2026 edition. Where official confirmations are pending, they are marked as TBC.
Last updated: February 2026
| Event | City | Date 2026 | Distances |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai Marathon | Dubai | 1 February 2026 | Marathon, 10K, 4K |
| Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon | Ras Al Khaimah | 14 February 2026 | Half Marathon, 10K |
| ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon | Abu Dhabi | 6 December 2026 | Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K |
| Sharjah Marathon | Sharjah | January 2026 (TBC) | Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K |
| Ooredoo Doha Marathon | Doha | January 2026 (TBC) | Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K |
| Muscat Marathon | Muscat | February 2026 (TBC) | Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K |
| Riyadh Marathon | Riyadh | February 2026 (TBC) | Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 4K |
| Jeddah Marathon | Jeddah | January 2026 (TBC) | Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K |
| Kuwait Marathon | Kuwait City | December 2026 (TBC) | Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K |
| Bahrain Marathon Relay | Bahrain | December 2026 (TBC) | Relay, Half Marathon |
| Dead Sea Ultra Marathon | Dead Sea | April 2026 (TBC) | Ultra, Marathon, Half Marathon |
🇦🇪 UAE Marathon Calendar 2026
The UAE hosts some of the fastest and best organised road races in the Middle East, particularly between December and February.
Dubai
Dubai Marathon
Date: 1 February 2026
One of the fastest marathon courses in the world, run along Jumeirah Beach Road. Ideal for first time marathoners and runners targeting personal best times.
Official website: https://www.dubaimarathon.org
Abu Dhabi
ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon
Date: 6 December 2026
A large scale capital city race featuring Corniche views and multiple distance categories from 5K to marathon.
Official website: https://www.adnocabudhabimarathon.com
Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon
Date: 14 February 2026
Globally recognised for elite half marathon performances and a fast flat waterfront course.
Official website: https://www.rakhalfmarathon.com
Sharjah
Sharjah Marathon
Date: January 2026 (TBC)
A growing road race attracting runners from across the Emirates with multiple distance options.
Official website: https://www.sharjahmarathon.com
🌍 Middle East Marathon Calendar 2026
Beyond the UAE, several established winter races attract international participation across the Gulf and Levant region.
🇶🇦 Qatar
Ooredoo Doha Marathon
Date: January 2026 (TBC)
A popular winter race along the Doha Corniche offering marathon, half marathon and shorter distance categories.
Official website: https://www.ooreddomarathon.qa
🇴🇲 Oman
Muscat Marathon
Date: February 2026 (TBC)
Scenic coastal routes combined with strong regional participation make this one of Oman’s flagship running events.
Official website: https://www.muscatmarathon.om
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
Riyadh Marathon
Date: February 2026 (TBC)
A major capital city marathon attracting growing international participation.
Official website: https://riyadhmarathon.sa
Jeddah Marathon
Date: January 2026 (TBC)
A coastal road marathon offering relatively flat sections and sea views.
Official website: https://www.jeddahmarathon.sa
🇰🇼 Kuwait
Kuwait Marathon
Date: December 2026 (TBC)
A long standing road race event with marathon and half marathon categories.
Official website: https://kuwaitmarathon.org
🇧🇭 Bahrain
Bahrain Marathon Relay
Date: December 2026 (TBC)
Known for its team relay format alongside a half marathon distance.
Official website: https://www.bahrainmarathonrelay.com
🇯🇴 Jordan
Dead Sea Ultra Marathon
Date: April 2026 (TBC)
A unique desert race finishing near the Dead Sea, offering ultra and marathon distances.
Official website: https://www.runjordan.com
Best Time to Run in the UAE
Peak racing season runs from November to March.
Typical race morning temperatures range between 12°C and 22°C.
Summer months from June to September are generally unsuitable for long distance road racing due to extreme heat.
Planning Your UAE Race Season
When selecting a race in the region, consider:
• Climate and humidity levels
• Course profile flat or rolling
• Travel access and accommodation
• Registration deadlines
Check our UAE & ME News section for the latest running and racing-related information from the UAE and the ME region.