Zayed Charity Run Concludes Miami Edition with Thousands Participating

The 18th annual race in Miami drew runners from the UAE and the local community to support the National Kidney Foundation of Florida.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 6:47pm

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The 18th edition of the Zayed Charity Run concluded in Miami, Florida, drawing thousands of participants from the local community as well as 150 runners from the UAE. The 5km race, held at Regatta Park, featured community activities, cultural performances, and a total prize purse of $20,000. Proceeds from the event will support the National Kidney Foundation of Florida, reflecting the race's humanitarian mission.

Why it matters

The Zayed Charity Run serves as a global platform to promote solidarity, charitable giving, and community engagement. The Miami edition showcases the strong ties between the UAE and the United States, with the race's participation and attendance by officials from both countries.

The details

The race commenced with the playing of the national anthems of the UAE and the United States, reflecting the mutual respect and cooperation between the two nations. Lt. General (Ret.) Mohammed Hilal Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of the Zayed Charity Run, gave the start signal. The event was attended by Minister of State Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Aref Al Awani, Secretary General of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, officials from the UAE Embassy in Washington and the Consulate in Miami, as well as local authorities from Miami and Florida.

  • The 18th Miami edition of the Zayed Charity Run concluded on January 31, 2026.
  • The race has been held annually in Miami since its inception.

The players

Lt. General (Ret.) Mohammed Hilal Al Kaabi

Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of the Zayed Charity Run.

Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi

Minister of State.

Aref Al Awani

Secretary General of Abu Dhabi Sports Council.

Reid Buchanan

First place winner in the men's category.

Mohamed Joulid

Second place winner in the men's category.

Everet Silva

Third place winner in the men's category.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The next international stop for the Zayed Charity Run will be in Budapest, Hungary in May 2026.

The takeaway

The Zayed Charity Run continues to serve as a global platform for promoting solidarity, charitable giving, and community engagement, with the Miami edition showcasing the strong ties between the UAE and the United States.