What exactly are people in the UAE running from?

Two in five people in the UAE run for fun.

Okay, no, I made that up. I don’t actually know how many people here run for fun, but let me set the scene: spend even a week here, and you’ll notice them. Runners. Everywhere. At sunrise, by the Marina; at sunset, on Reem Island; in your Instagram feed, showcasing their latest PBs.

As someone who joined her first Dubai Run this year, I can confirm the turnout was positively baffling — like Black Friday at a sneaker sale, but make it 280,000 people sprinting down Sheikh Zayed Road at dawn. It was nothing short of cinematic: the mirrored skyline catching the glow of sunrise, the streets temporarily closed off to traffic, alive instead with the rhythmic drumbeat of feet pounding pavement.

In a place built to defy odds, where air-conditioned bus stops and a 150-million-year-old dinosaur skeleton coexist in harmony, it feels only natural that running — something so simple, so human — has become a thriving subculture.

At its core, running is a universal act. You don’t need much beyond a good pair of shoes and some unrelenting willpower

But this isn’t just a story about running. This is about the rise of running clubs of UAE. Part fitness, part performance art but mostly, it's about community.

More than just miles

Coaches like Fuad Naser, the man behind 5:30 RUN Club, are turning their passion for running into something bigger.

"I founded 5:30 RUN Club with a mission to inspire and to make a positive change in UAE through running. My goal was to promote a healthy lifestyle and to put a smile on every runner's face.Since launching in 2019, I've witnessed a significant increase in the number of running groups and clubs in Dubai, making the sport more accessible to people of all levels, People now are more aware of the mental and physical benefits of running," he says.

The club operates across Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi, with 40-50 attendees showing up for each session

When you run with a group, it helps you stay motivated and committed to your training, says Fuad

Chloe works full-time in global sales and marketing, teaches RIDE classes at CRANK, and somehow found the time to start Stronger Together, an all-girls run club in Abu Dhabi back in June. Why?

"Honestly, I’ve found it so hard to make friends over the last decade," she says. "I came to a point where I was so demotivated running alone so I put out an Instagram story hoping to find a girl to run with. Three girls showed up on the first run, and it was AMAZING!"

From that small beginning, Stronger Together has blossomed into a community of over 3,000, with 30 to 40 women showing up for weekly runs, yoga, and even the occasional padel match.

Chloe’s story — of three strangers uniting over a shared Instagram post — is far from unique. Across the Emirates, running clubs have become incubators for friendships, professional connections, and even love stories. There’s something profoundly bonding about tackling physical challenges together, whether it’s the heat of the summer or the steep incline of a hill.

This sense of community extends beyond the city’s expats. Emirati runners are also embracing the sport, with initiatives like the UAE National Sports Day emphasizing inclusivity and participation. For women, in particular, running offers a blend of freedom and empowerment.

Clubs like Dubai’s Creek Striders (founded in 1995!) and 5:30 RUN Club are consciously inclusive, welcoming runners of all ages, genders, and fitness levels. The communal aspect is not just a side benefit; it’s the heart of the experience.

"I quickly discovered I wasn’t the only lonely girl in Abu Dhabi," Chloe admits. "Movement is so much easier and more fun when with other lovely girls."

Chloe's favourite running shoe? The Nike Zoom X Vaporfly

It’s a sentiment that seems to resonate deeply in the Gulf, a region where expat life can sometimes feel isolating. Group runs offer something more than cardio.

Eugenia Sciarrone, who started only earlier this year in July, calls the running culture in Dubai "energetic, dynamic, friendly and absolutely insane".

"I run with Humantra and Elevate both. What’s special about these run clubs is the people that you find there and the energy: you see people who are beginners or pros, but you’ll never know. You just know that this is your journey and you won’t feel alone in the process. If you are new to running, running solo won’t be the best option as you can get bored easily."

"So many girls have just arrived in the city and find our run club within the first week! It’s a perfect place to figure out the best hot spots and to get some support in those early days," said Chloe.

The camaraderie even makes the kilometers fly by. "We get into deep chats about life, and before you know it, you’ve smashed 5K!"

A cultural movement in the making

At its core, running is a universal act. You don’t need much beyond a good pair of shoes and some unrelenting willpower. Yet in the UAE, it also becomes a mirror of the country's layered social structure. Many clubs are free to join, creating a rare opportunity for a diverse range of people — office workers, CEOs, artists, and students — to converge.

For decades, the UAE has been synonymous with speed, from its ultra-luxury cars to its record-breaking architecture. But there’s a certain poetry in the idea of slowing down—of connecting to the human experience of movement, step by step, kilometer by kilometer.

And if there’s one thing Dubai loves more than skyscrapers and soft launches, it’s the idea of wellness. It’s a city of green juices and ice baths, where gyms look like nightclubs and fitness trackers are practically mandatory. Running clubs slot neatly into this lifestyle economy, offering not just physical activity but a holistic package of belonging, routine, and, yes, content opportunities for some.

Social life here also often revolves around brunches and after-work drinks, the purity of a run stands out. There’s a sense of mutual accountability — you’ll show up to a 5 AM run for the same reason you don’t cancel on a friend who’s already en route: because it’s not just about you. Not to mention, the mental health benefits that come with running. Research has shown that aerobic exercise, like running, can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve sleep, and boost overall mood.

"I don’t run for fitness — I run for my sanity. There’s something about the simplicity of it, the space to think — or not think at all — that makes it the best form of self-care," shares Mérouane, 29, who runs with Jumeirah Johns Running Club often.

Here’s the thing they don’t tell you about running clubs: the running is just the bait. The real hook is what happens before and after. The jokes exchanged as you stretch, the way everyone cheers when you cross the finish line, even if it’s more of a wheezing crawl. It’s the communal quiet of matching strides under an early-morning sky, and the smug satisfaction of coffee and a croissant afterward because, hell, you’ve earned it. It’s both competitive and deeply forgiving, solitary yet social, and surprisingly… fun.

I’m not saying I’m about to sign up for a marathon or start tracking my splits. But last week, I caught myself Googling “best running shoes for beginners.” Baby steps. Literally.

Tips on getting started

According to Coach Fuad, here's some things you should keep in mind:

• Start your journey with a coach to teach you the basics of running.
• Put some achievable goals based on your level and move forward.
• Find the right running shoes for you (he recommends ASICS that contain carbon plates).
• Listen to Your body for when to stop and when to push.
• Celebrate your accomplishments (small or big)
• Enjoy the journey!

Eugenia started running in the summer but doesn't advise it.

"For beginners, I would say to start once the temperatures drop. However, as per my experience, my first tip would be to train very early in the morning before the sun goes up, so from 4 AM to 5 AM would be best."

Where to run?

People in Dubai love Kite Beach, especially Fuad for whom it is extra special.

"It's my number one choice, it's where the running club was born and where all our memories are; it’s the perfect place for a short or long run, the route has with everything you need, from water stations, toilets, restaurants, etc."

Eugenia concurs.

"It's ideal because I love the sea, it allows me to breath fresh air and it’s perfect if you want to do an easy 5k short run, or wish to go for a longer run leading to Business Bay on one side, or Marina on the other side. A plus point is that the areas is surrounded by cute and nice coffees where you can sit and enjoy your post-run feels with a good breakfast."