Dubai Run 2024: Registration, Metro access, parking, route details explained

[Editor's Note: This guide has been edited with the latest updates.]

It’s time to gear up for one of Dubai’s most anticipated fitness events. Turning the Sheikh Zayed Road into a huge track, Dubai Run 2024 will be the grand finale of the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC), bringing together families, friends, and fitness enthusiasts on Sunday, November 24, for an unforgettable experience.

Here’s everything you need to know:

Parking, Metro access on Dubai Run day

Participants are encouraged to take the Metro to the respective venues for the easiest access, as the Dubai Metro's Red and Green lineswill open as early as 3am on Sunday to accommodate runners.

However, if you opt to drive in, participants in the 5km route can park at Dubai Mall and take the Metro to the World Trade Centre station. For those in the 10km route, parking is available at the Dubai World Trade Centre, with access to the Emirates Towers station via the metro.

Detailed parking maps have been sent to registered participants. Check your e-mail to access the

Road closures

Motorists who are driving out on Sunday morning are encouraged to review their routes as four roads will be closed from 3.30am to 10.30am for the event.

The following roads will be closed during the challenge:

Drivers can take the following alternative routes:

What to bring

Don't forget to bring your Dubai Run bib. You won't be allowed to participate if you don't have one.

Get your Dubai Run T-shirt ready, too. However, the shirts were available in limited quantities so some runners don't have one (See dress code below).

Stay hydrated so remember to fill up your reusable water bottle before leaving home.

What to wear

If you didn't get a shirt, you can wear any comfortable sports clothes, plus appropriate running shoes.

You may want to bring a something to keep you warm as it might be chill early in the morning. You may have to remove it again towards the end of the run as the weather is expected to get warmer as the sun rises.

Which routes are available?

Participants were able to choose between two scenic routes: a 5km run for beginners and families, or a more challenging 10km route for seasoned runners.

Both routes offer an unmatched experience as they stretch along the iconic Sheikh Zayed Road, allowing participants to pass by some of Dubai's most celebrated landmarks in a car-free environment.

While both courses started near the Museum of the Future, the 5km route wound past landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Opera, ending at Souk Al Bahar near Dubai Mall on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard. Meanwhile, the 10km route stretched along Sheikh Zayed Road, crossing Dubai Canal Bridge, and looping back towards DIFC’s Gate Building.

On the other hand, the 10km route begins near the Museum of the Future on Sheikh Zayed Road and finishes at the DIFC Gate Building, near Emirates Towers.

Make sure you're registered

Although the event is free, registration is mandatory for all participants and can be completed at dubairun.com. Once you’re signed up, stay updated by following @dubaifitnesschallenge on Instagram and checking the 'Need to Know' page on the website for all essential event details.

Upon registering, you can select an arrival time for both routes, starting as early as 4am, with limited slots to maintain a safe and enjoyable experience. Arriving early is advised to secure a good starting position, as late arrivals might not have time to complete the full route.

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