Zayed Charity Run In Egypt Sees Strong Turnout Ahead Of 10th Edition

The 10th Zayed Charity Run in Egypt is scheduled for this Friday in Sheikh Zayed City, in the Sixth of October area, Giza Governorate. The event combines sport and humanitarian support, with total prize money of EGP20 million and proceeds directed to government kidney dialysis centres and the Egyptian Food Bank through the "Rayan Egypt" project.

This year’s edition continues a legacy linked to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and highlights the strong humanitarian relationship between the UAE and Egypt. The run promotes social inclusion by welcoming varied age groups, including People of Determination and participants with different abilities, while linking community sport with support for vital healthcare and food security projects.

Registration numbers in recent days have risen sharply, and organisers expect a new record turnout. The growing interest covers all categories and reflects broad support for the event’s social aims. Giza Governorate has seen extensive billboard advertising in main streets and large squares, indicating strong public awareness and engagement and reinforcing the status of the Zayed Charity Run as a recognised international charitable sports platform.

A UAE delegation will travel to the Arab Republic of Egypt to supervise the final organisational phase. The delegation will review the readiness of the course, supporting facilities and safety arrangements, and will conduct several field visits. These visits include a stop at the Egyptian Food Bank, underlining that the run carries a wider humanitarian message beyond the race itself.

The Higher Organising Committee has confirmed the programme for race day, running from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The schedule includes different distance races, dedicated activities for People of Determination, reception of official guests, community awareness initiatives and entertainment segments. The format aims to create a family-focused atmosphere while giving attention to inclusion, health awareness and charitable engagement.

Organisers and government bodies are working to align the event with recognised technical and organisational standards. The Ministry of Youth and Sports, led by Dr. Ashraf Sobhi, is coordinating continuously with the Higher Organising Committee, chaired by Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Mohamed Helal Al Kaabi, and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. Around-the-clock preparations are under way to ensure smooth logistics, security and medical readiness across all race stages.

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Zayed Charity Run humanitarian projects and financial allocations

The financial structure of the 10th edition links competitive sport with targeted social support. Prize money for all race categories totals EGP20 million. Net proceeds from registrations and related revenues will support Egyptian government kidney dialysis centres, providing reinforcement to the healthcare sector, and will also benefit the Egyptian Food Bank through the "Rayan Egypt" initiative, which focuses on long-term development.

The "Rayan Egypt" project aims to drill wells, set up fish farms and secure sustainable sources of water and food. These activities target vulnerable communities, with the aim of improving daily living standards and strengthening local food and water security. Through these measures, the Zayed Charity Run channels sporting enthusiasm into practical projects that address ongoing social needs.

Zayed Charity Run partnerships, sponsors and international expansion

Several organisations are supporting this year’s event, including Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company, Emirates Airline as Official Airline Partner, Al Habtoor Group, NORINCO, e&, and the Emirates Red Crescent. Their backing is expected to enhance organisational capacity and broaden the event’s social impact, while also reinforcing cooperation between UAE and Egyptian institutions in charitable and sporting fields.

The 2025–2026 Zayed Charity Run season will extend beyond Cairo to new global locations. After launching from Cairo, the series will continue to Miami, USA, on 31st January 2026, and will then move to Budapest, Hungary, in May. Through this schedule, the organisers plan to spread the message of charitable giving from the UAE across multiple international communities.

Zayed Charity Run leadership perspective and legacy of Sheikh Zayed

Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Mohamed Helal Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of the Zayed Charity Run, stated that the tenth edition in Cairo marks an important stage in the event’s development and reflects the principles promoted by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. "We take pride in the growing humanitarian impact achieved by the Zayed Charity Run, and in the strong turnout and engagement we are witnessing today, which reflect society’s awareness of the run’s message and noble objectives."

Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Mohamed Helal Al Kaabi added that the partnership with Egyptian entities and the strong backing of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council have helped shape an integrated organisational setting. This approach supports continuity of the run as a model that connects sport with service to communities and aligns symbolic tributes to Sheikh Zayed’s legacy with tangible projects inside Egypt and abroad.

Since its establishment, the Zayed Charity Run has grown into a leading humanitarian sporting event with recurring editions in several countries. Each race underlines that the legacy of generosity associated with Sheikh Zayed remains active and visible. The Cairo edition continues this path by turning thousands of runners’ steps into direct support for healthcare, food security and social solidarity initiatives.

With inputs from WAM