Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – The Zayed Charity Run concluded its second leg of the 2025-2026 season in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. More than 3,000 runners from around the world, along with nearly 200 Emirati runners, participated in a humanitarian and interactive atmosphere that embodied the spirit of giving and solidarity inherent in this global race.
The UAE’s haul in the Zayed Charity Run, which reached South America for the first time, totaled five medals out of a total of 12 medals awarded to winners in the various race categories. These included one gold, two silver, and two bronze medals, while Brazil claimed seven colored medals.
The Run saw the winners crowned by His Excellency Sherif Issa Al Suwaidi, UAE Ambassador to Brazil. Also in attendance were Lieutenant General Mohammed Hilal Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee of the Zayed Charity Race. A number of local government and official figures from Rio de Janeiro were also present.
The Rio de Janeiro run cemented the Zayed Charity Run’s position as one of the world’s most prominent sporting and humanitarian events. Moreover, its ongoing message emphasizes building bridges of human connection between peoples. This stems from the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul in peace, who made giving and solidarity a deeply rooted Emirati value.
The run’s Supreme Organizing Committee confirmed that the proceeds from this edition will be allocated to the Rio Solidario Foundation, which aligns with the race’s objectives. These objectives aim to support children, women, and families most in need in Brazil and promote the values of social responsibility and human integration through sport.
Leadership and excellence
Emirati runners dominated the podium, winning the top three places (men’s category) in the 5km race. Rashid Al Naqbi came in first, followed by Saud Al Zaabi in second, and Saif Al Alawi in third.
Meanwhile, Emirati runner Abdelali Bouazawi won the silver medal in the men’s 10km race, while Obaid Al Nuaimi won the bronze medal in the men’s 10km race.
exceptional stage
Lieutenant General Mohammed Hilal Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee of the Zayed Charity Race, expressed his pride in the success of the Rio de Janeiro leg of the race. He said, “The humanitarian and organizational success of this edition, as well as the large turnout, reflects the global standing of the Zayed Charity Run.”
Lieutenant General Al Kaabi noted that the Brazil leg represents an exceptional stage of geographic expansion. It is one of three new stops around the world, following the race’s start in Beijing last month and the expected conclusion in Hungary in May of next year.
Lieutenant General Al Kaabi added: “The charitable values promoted by the run have contributed to its success since its inception in 2001. It highlights the UAE’s standing and its active role in humanitarian issues, its sponsorship of charitable and humanitarian work, and its adoption of unique initiatives, symbolizing human communication between peoples. It is also a global platform that carries the legacy of the founding father in extending a helping hand to all those in need.”
Wide interaction
For his part, His Excellency Sherif Eissa Al Suwaidi, UAE Ambassador to Brazil, praised the race’s success, commending the overwhelming response it received from the Brazilian public, as well as the extensive official and institutional support.
His Excellency said: “In Rio de Janeiro, we witnessed a moving scene that combined sports and humanity. This reflects the depth of relations between the UAE and Brazil. Organizing the race in Brazil also takes on a special diplomatic dimension. It deepens the strategic relations between the two friendly countries and opens broader horizons for cooperation in the humanitarian, sports, and cultural fields.”
His Excellency added: “We witnessed broad participation from various segments of Brazilian society, from professionals to amateurs and families, in addition to the great support from local institutions such as the Municipality of Rio de Janeiro and the Getúlio Vargas Foundation. This reflects the growing stature of UAE humanitarian initiatives worldwide. Furthermore, allocating the race proceeds to the Rio Solidaridad Foundation reflects the spirit of cooperation and solidarity. It embodies the UAE’s commitment to supporting communities and promoting the values of giving and human solidarity wherever they are.”
Registration for the Abu Dhabi run is now open.
The Rio de Janeiro race concluded with the announcement of ongoing preparations for the Abu Dhabi race, scheduled for November 29. The Supreme Committee invited all sports and charitable enthusiasts to register and participate in this event, which represents a distinguished national and humanitarian milestone in the 2025-2026 season. It also confirmed that registration is now open on the official website for the Zayed Charity Run.
