Rio de Janeiro set to host second Brazilian edition of Zayed Charity Run
Thousands expected at Flamengo Beach for international event
ABU DHABI – The Zayed Charity Run will return to Rio de Janeiro on August 23 for its second Brazilian edition, bringing the international charity race back to one of the world’s most recognised sporting cities.
The event will take place at Flamengo Beach and is expected to attract thousands of professional athletes, amateur runners, families and participants from different nationalities. Among those taking part will be 50 male and female runners from the UAE.
The event, recognised internationally as "Run For Kindness", was established in 2001 by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in honour of the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Since its inception, the run has promoted values of generosity, compassion and humanitarianism, bringing communities together through sport.
Zayed Charity Run
From its home in Abu Dhabi, the Zayed Charity Run has expanded into an international initiative, with editions held in New York, Cairo, Miami, Beijing, Addis Ababa and Budapest. Its return to Brazil further adds Rio de Janeiro to the event’s growing international calendar.
Each edition combines sporting participation with fundraising for charitable causes, while promoting unity, wellbeing and social impact. The 2026 Rio edition will feature more than BRL500,000 in prizes, including awards for winners across multiple categories, prize draws and additional incentives for participants.
Charity support
All registration fees from the event will be donated to Grupo Cultural AfroReggae through a partnership with Criança Esperança, an initiative promoted by Brazil’s Grupo Globo in partnership with UNESCO since 2004.
The UAE Embassy in Brazil helped establish the connection between the Zayed Charity Run organisers and the Brazilian social initiative. Funds raised through the event will support programmes focused on education, culture, social inclusion and opportunities for children and young people living in vulnerable communities.
The 2026 edition is also supported by UAE organisations including ERTH, L'imaad, Emirates and Mubadala. Their involvement adds further backing to the event’s focus on social responsibility and community development.
Lt Gen (r) Mohamed Helal Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of the Zayed Charity Run, said the event remained a tribute to the humanitarian legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his values of generosity, compassion and unity. He said the return to Brazil was part of the run’s continued international expansion, strengthening ties between nations through sport and shared purpose.
Al Kaabi also expressed appreciation to the event’s partners and hosts for their support, saying the initiative would continue to promote healthier communities while carrying forward Sheikh Zayed’s legacy of hope, solidarity and humanitarianism.