UAE delegation to depart on 21 August for the second Brazilian edition of the Zayed Charity Run, advancing its message of giving, solidarity and community impact.
Abu Dhabi / Rio de Janeiro – 21 August 2026: A Zayed Charity Run delegation, led by Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Mohamed Helal Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee, will travel to Rio de Janeiro on 21 August, accompanied by 50 Emirati runners, ahead of the second Brazilian edition of the Zayed Charity Run, set to take place on 23 August 2026 at Flamengo Beach.
The event is expected to bring together professional athletes, amateur runners, families and participants of various nationalities in a community-focused sporting event that combines athletic participation with a meaningful humanitarian purpose.
All registration proceeds will support Grupo Cultural AfroReggae through the Criança Esperança programme, contributing to initiatives focused on education, culture and social inclusion, while creating new opportunities for children and young people across participating communities.
The Zayed Charity Run 2026 will take place at Flamengo Beach in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, 23 August, bringing together participants, dignitaries, sponsors, partners and members of the community for a celebration of sport, solidarity and humanitarian values. The programme will open with entertainment, warm-up activities, community engagement and the introduction of sponsors and partners, followed by the arrival and reception of VIP guests and dignitaries, group photographs and the official ceremony, including the national anthem, welcome remarks, an address by a VIP guest or UAE representative, and a participant safety briefing.
The official 5 km and 10 km races will then commence with a ceremonial flag-off, followed by hydration and recovery services for participants as they complete the course, alongside continued entertainment. The programme will continue with an awards ceremony recognising the top male and female finishers and special categories, as well as cash prize and Emirates Airline ticket draws and acknowledgements of sponsors. A dedicated charity impact presentation will highlight the beneficiaries and social impact of the Run, followed by closing remarks and a group photograph with sponsors and VIP guests. The event will conclude with a networking and community gathering featuring light refreshments, sponsor engagement and media interviews, before the departure of guests and participants
Since its launch in Abu Dhabi in 2001, the Zayed Charity Run has expanded its international presence across major cities, including New York, Cairo, Miami, Beijing, Rio de Janeiro, Budapest and Addis Ababa, establishing itself as a global platform that promotes the values of giving, solidarity and human connection. The Run now returns to Rio de Janeiro for another important chapter in its international journey, continuing its mission to support humanitarian initiatives and strengthen partnerships that contribute to community development.
The total prize value for the 2026 edition exceeds BRL 500,000 across the 5K and 10K categories, alongside raffles and community activities designed to encourage broader participation and engagement with the initiative’s humanitarian purpose.
The Run in Rio connects communities in the UAE and Brazil through the power of sport, solidarity and humanitarian action. The event is organised by the Zayed Charity Run, plateform that connects and Erth Abu Dhabi, with the support of the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Brazil, which plays a key role in strengthening cooperation with local partners and advancing bilateral relations. It is also supported by several prominent UAE companies, including L’imaad, Emirates Airline and Mubadala.
Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Mohamed Helal Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee of the Zayed Charity Run, said: “As we prepare to travel to Rio de Janeiro, we do so with a renewed sense of purpose and responsibility. Returning to Brazil for the second edition of the Zayed Charity Run reflects the growing international reach of this initiative and its enduring mission to bring people together through sport, generosity and humanitarian action. Our preparations are complete, and we look forward to standing alongside the community in Rio in support of a cause that reflects the values on which this run was founded.”
He added: “The Zayed Charity Run carries forward the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose belief in giving and service to others continues to inspire every edition. Through the support of our partners in the UAE and Brazil, we are proud to strengthen this message and create a platform where communities can come together, contribute meaningfully and leave a lasting positive impact.
Event Information
Event: Zayed Charity Run – Rio de Janeiro 2026
Date: 23 August 2026
Location: Flamengo Beach – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Organisers: Zayed Charity Run and Erth Abu Dhabi
Institutional Support: Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Brazil
Sponsors: Erth Abu Dhabi, L’imaad, Emirates Airline and Mubadala
Social Initiative: All registration proceeds will support Grupo Cultural AfroReggae through the Criança Esperança programme.