UAE’s Zayed Charity Run arrives in Addis Ababa with global message of giving
International runners gather for landmark charitable sporting occasion
ABU DHABI – The Zayed Charity Run is set to take place in Ethiopia’s Addis Ababa tomorrow, reinforcing the UAE’s long-standing commitment to humanitarian outreach through sport.
Scheduled for 7am at Meskel Square, the event brings together participants from multiple countries under a unified message of compassion and global solidarity. Organised as an invitation-only initiative, the run combines athletic participation with a clear charitable purpose, extending the reach of one of the UAE’s most recognised philanthropic platforms.
This year’s edition marks a significant milestone as the initiative expands further into Africa, reflecting a growing international footprint that has already spanned regions including the United States, Egypt, China and Brazil. With a delegation of 50 runners travelling from the UAE, the event highlights both cultural diversity and a shared commitment to humanitarian values.
Zayed Charity Run
Since its launch in 2001, the Zayed Charity Run has evolved into a major global movement, attracting more than 700,000 participants worldwide and raising over $173 million for healthcare and humanitarian causes. The initiative was established in honour of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, embedding his legacy of generosity into a platform that bridges communities through sport.
.@ZayedCharityRun will take place at Meskel Square in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 3 May 2026. Organised as an invitation-only event, a UAE delegation will participate in the run, with proceeds to be donated by Emirates Red Crescent to benefit the Children’s Heart Fund Ethiopia. pic.twitter.com/4i5Mq8gGJ5
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) May 2, 2026
The Addis Ababa run continues this trajectory, emphasising inclusivity and international collaboration. Participants are expected to represent a wide spectrum of nationalities, reinforcing the run’s role as a unifying event that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. The presence of UAE runners alongside local and international participants underscores the initiative’s emphasis on shared purpose and collective goodwill.
Alongside its humanitarian focus, the event also introduces a competitive dimension, with prize money amounting to Dh150,000. This dual approach seeks to attract a broad range of participants, combining professional athleticism with grassroots engagement.
Focus on charity
Central to this year’s run is its charitable contribution to the Children’s Heart Fund Ethiopia. All proceeds from the event will be donated through the Emirates Red Crescent Authority, supporting paediatric cardiac care and contributing to improved health outcomes for children in need.
During a press conference ahead of the event, officials highlighted the significance of this contribution. A financial pledge of $300,000 was announced in support of the fund, underscoring a sustained commitment to advancing specialised healthcare services in underserved communities.
The Emirates Red Crescent Authority, a long-standing partner of the initiative, continues to play a key role in ensuring that funds raised translate into tangible impact. The focus on children’s heart care aligns with the broader humanitarian mission of addressing critical medical needs while improving quality of life.
Speaking at the press conference, Lt General (r) Mohammed Hilal Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Supreme Organising Committee of the Zayed Charity Run, described the event as a continuation of Sheikh Zayed’s enduring humanitarian vision. He emphasised that the run serves as a platform for expressing values of generosity and tolerance on a global stage.
He noted that hosting the run in Addis Ababa reflects the depth of ties between the UAE and Ethiopia, while reinforcing a commitment to fostering goodwill across nations. The participation of international runners, including the UAE delegation, was highlighted as a powerful representation of unity and cultural exchange.
Ahmed Sari Al Mazrouei, Secretary-General of the Emirates Red Crescent Authority, reiterated the organisation’s support for the initiative and its objectives. He pointed to the run’s consistent focus on healthcare as a critical area of impact, particularly in regions where access to specialised treatment remains limited.
Beyond its logistical and financial dimensions, the Zayed Charity Run continues to promote its core message, “Run for Kindness”. This guiding principle positions the event as more than a sporting occasion, framing it as a collective call to action that encourages individuals and communities to engage in acts of giving.