UAE & Middle East Marathon Calendar 2026-27: Upcoming Events

The UAE — Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah — remains one of the safest destinations in the world for international travellers and runners. The country is geographically and politically separate from the ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon and Yemen. All major 2026 UAE marathons including the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon and Ajman Half Marathon are proceeding as scheduled. Always check your government’s official travel advisory before booking, but the UAE itself has not seen any security disruption to sporting events.

The Beirut International Marathon is listed for 29 November 2026. Lebanon experienced significant conflict in 2024, but the Beirut Marathon Association has confirmed plans for the 2026 edition. Registration has not opened yet. We strongly recommend monitoring the official Beirut Marathon website and your government’s Lebanon travel advisory before committing to travel. This page is updated as information becomes available.

Yes. Saudi Arabia launched its tourist e-visa in 2019 and Indian passport holders are eligible to apply online. For major events like the Riyadh Marathon, organisers typically provide visa support letters for registered runners. Women can freely participate — Saudi Arabia has actively opened its major running events to female participants and international runners of all backgrounds since 2018. The Riyadh Marathon 2026 drew over 40,000 runners in its 5th edition. Always verify the current visa rules at the official Saudi e-visa portal before registering.

Indian passport holders require a visa to enter the UAE. A UAE tourist visa is easy to obtain online through the ICA Smart Services portal or via airlines like Emirates and Air India. A 30-day single-entry visa typically costs around AED 300–400 (approximately ₹7,000–9,500). Many Indian runners also hold UAE residency visas, making entry seamless. Apply at least 2–3 weeks before your race date.

The Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon (February) is widely considered the fastest half marathon in the world, regularly producing course records and world-class times on its flat corniche route. For the full marathon, the Dubai Marathon (January) is the UAE’s gold standard — flat course, cool January weather, elite international field and world-class organisation. Both races are held when temperatures in the Gulf are at their most runner-friendly, typically 15–22°C at race start.

January and February are the peak months for running in the UAE and Gulf region. Temperatures typically sit between 14–22°C at race start time — cool enough for strong performances. By April, temperatures climb past 30°C and full marathon racing becomes very challenging. The season runs from October through February, then closes until the following autumn. If you are travelling from India for a UAE race, January is the ideal window to target.

The Wadi Bih Trail Run is one of the UAE’s most iconic and demanding trail races, held near Dibba in the Hajar Mountains on the UAE–Oman border. The flagship distance is 72 km with approximately 2,000m of elevation gain — a brutal but breathtaking route through rocky mountain passes, dry riverbeds and ancient villages. Shorter distances (50K, 30K, 20K) make it accessible to a wider range of runners. It is widely considered the best trail running experience in the Gulf, attracting international runners who want serious mountain terrain without flying to Europe. Highly recommended.

Jordan is considered one of the most stable and runner-friendly countries in the Middle East and has continued to host all its major events without interruption. Tourist areas including Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea have not been affected by the regional conflict. Multiple governments including India maintain active travel advisories — check the MEA’s advisory before finalising any travel plans to Jordan.

Yes — the Riyadh Marathon is fully open to international runners including Indian passport holders. The 2026 edition (World Athletics Elite Road Race) drew over 40,000 participants, making it one of the largest running events in the Middle East. The 4-day festival format makes it worthwhile as a trip. The course starts from historic Mayadeen Diriyah — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Saudi Arabia’s e-visa for Indian nationals is available online. The 2027 edition will likely open for registration in mid-to-late 2026.

Egypt is becoming an increasingly attractive running destination. The Sharm El Sheikh Marathon (November 2026) runs along the Red Sea coast — ideal winter temperatures, stunning coastal scenery, easy visa access for Indian runners. The Pyramids Half Marathon (December 2026) offers what may be the most iconic running backdrop in the world — the Giza Pyramids. And the Luxor Marathon (January 2027) takes runners past ancient Egyptian temples. Visa on arrival is available for Indian passport holders at major Egyptian airports, making logistics straightforward.