Reinforcing the UAE’s enduring humanitarian vision, Zayed Charity Run will take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and marks the launch of a distinctive sporting and humanitarian initiative that embodies unity among peoples and advances a global message of kindness.
The run is scheduled to take place on 3 May 2026, at Meskel Square in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, at 7am. Organised as a special invitation-only event, the run aims to deliver a unique experience for participants and all charitable proceeds will be donated by the Emirates Red Crescent and given to the Children’s Heart Fund Ethiopia.
With a delegation of 50 runners from the UAE, the event builds on a global movement that has engaged thousands of participants worldwide and stands as a powerful reflection of unity and cultural diversity.
Alongside this broad participation, prize money totaling AED150,000 has been allocated for the run, adding a competitive dimension alongside its humanitarian purpose.
A press conference was held on 1 May in the presence of His Excellency Lt General (Ret.) Mohammed Hilal Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Supreme Organising Committee of the Zayed Charity Run, and His Excellency Ahmed Sari Al Mazrouei, Secretary-General of the Emirates Red Crescent Authority.
The Zayed Charity Run is one of the UAE’s most prominent humanitarian and sporting initiatives, launched in honour of the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Since its inception, it has served as a platform combining sport with charitable work, bringing together over 700,000 participants and raising more than US$173 million in support of healthcare and humanitarian causes worldwide.
Guided by its Run for Kindness message, the event transcends athletic competition, with proceeds dedicated to supporting humanitarian initiatives. It fosters a culture of giving and volunteerism, while strengthening values of inclusion and community spirit among nations. It has evolved into a global platform that unites thousands of participants from diverse nationalities under one shared vision.
His Excellency Lt. General (Ret.) Mohammed Hilal Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Supreme Organising Committee of the Zayed Charity Run, emphasised that the event reflects the UAE’s vision of advancing humanitarian work globally, and said: “The Zayed Charity Run represents a message of loyalty to the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. We believe that giving knows no boundaries. Bringing the run to Addis Ababa reflects the depth of humanitarian ties between the UAE and friendly nations and reaffirms our commitment to spreading values of goodness and tolerance worldwide.”
Organisers affirm that this event is not just a run, but a message of giving and humanity aimed at creating a lasting positive impact in communities and reinforcing the role of humanitarian work as a bridge connecting people across the world.
