Dubai will host the “Mother of Relay Races” next January

Dubai hosts the world famous “Hood to Coast” relay race, known internationally as “the mother of relay races”, which is held for the first time in the Middle East, with the support of the Dubai Sports Council, on January 10, 2026, in the Al Marmoum Desert Reserve area, and extends for a distance of more than 100 kilometers.

The race aims to enhance community cohesion and encourage an active and comprehensive lifestyle through sports, endurance and teamwork. The organizing committee announced the opening of registration via the website htcdxb.pacex.ae/race-info, and will continue until December 10, 2025. It indicated that participation is available to all segments of society, including running clubs, corporate teams, communities, families and friends, in addition to international teams from America and China, by forming teams that include three to five runners accompanied by one four-wheel drive vehicle.

Participants will pass a path that extends within the Al Marmoum Desert Nature Reserve, embodying Dubai’s commitment to the principles of sustainability and nature preservation. The path includes passing through the Flamingo Lake, Al Qudra Lakes, the Golden Dunes, and the Mohammed bin Rashid Solar Energy Park, reaching the finish line between wildlife scenes and distinctive landscapes. Runners will enjoy watching rare animals, including the Reem gazelle, the damani, and the Arabian oryx.

For his part, Secretary-General of the Dubai Sports Council, Saeed Hareb, said: “Dubai’s readiness to host international sporting events reflects the competence of national cadres and the city’s continuous development in various sectors in accordance with the highest international standards.”

He added: “We are pleased that Dubai is hosting this international race, in which competitors challenge their endurance by running on the most beautiful sand in the Al Marmoum Natural Reserve, which is considered one of the most beautiful natural reserves to which the Council pays special attention. It is of special importance in the agenda of annual sporting events, with the aim of promoting them, and educating the public and athletes about the natural capabilities that the reserve enjoys, as it is the most appropriate environment to host these types of tournaments.”