An annual road race first held in 1998, the Dubai Marathon has rapidly grown into one of the premier long-distance events on the global running calendar. Recognised as a World Athletics Gold Label Road Race – a distinction reserved for only the most prestigious races worldwide – it consistently attracts an elite field of international distance runners alongside thousands of local participants striving for personal bests. Over the years, the event has become synonymous with speed, spectacle, and world-class competition.
Whether you’re an elite athlete, a passionate amateur, or simply curious about the event, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Dubai Marathon 2026.
A Brief Overview of the Event
It might surprise you to learn that the inaugural Dubai Marathon event featured only 150 runners, with just 48 finishing the race. Since then, the race has grown exponentially, with more than 17,000 taking to the tarmac for the 2025 edition.
As might be expected, the race has been dominated by East African runners since its inception, with Kenya and Ethiopia sharing the spoils in the men’s race across each of the 24 full-distance races so far. Kenya’s Wilson Kibet and the legendary Ethiopian Haile Gebrselassie both sit atop the winner’s table, with three gold medals each in the race. At the same time, Ethiopia is also well-represented in the female category, thanks to Aselefech Mergia’s record three wins.
The current course starts on Umm Suqeim Street, with the vast majority of the race taking place on King Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud Street and Jumeirah Beach Road (D94), before looping back to finish a few blocks from its starting point.
Once the race has finished, there are a wide variety of things to do and see in Dubai, so many discerning visitors plan a few days to take in the sights and sounds of the city.
Exclusive Marathon Packages
For those who are interested in an elevated marathon experience, there are plenty of outstanding options, such as SIRO Hotels.
Located in One Za’abeel Tower, this event partner offers performance-focused luxury accommodation, ideal for those who are in town for the event. Sleep-optimised rooms, including the Recovery Suite and Fitness Suite, along with specialised treatments and a dedicated fitness lab, form part of a tailored offering designed to help runners recover more quickly, enhance performance, and make the most of their Dubai Marathon experience.
The Recovery Room offers soundproofed surroundings, Proverb skincare treatments, a dining area and a lounge area with a recovery bathtub – which also boasts striking city views. A specialised cooling mattress further aids recovery by supporting thermoregulation. The Fitness Room boasts similar options, in addition to an equipped workout space, allowing you to exercise at your own convenience.
Guests can also enjoy a personal training session, entry to the Recovery Lab, all-day Garden Pool access and one body composition analysis per guest.
Post-Race Fine Dining
Dubai is replete with exceptional dining options and boasts a high concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants.
Located on the exclusive Palm Jumeirah, both Tresind Studio and FZN by Björn Frantzén hold the rare distinction of three Michelin stars, positioning them among Dubai’s most exceptional dining destinations. Showcasing Indian and Scandinavian-Asian fusion respectively, these establishments represent the pinnacle of the city’s culinary landscape.
Also on Palm Jumeirah, STAY by Yannick Alleno serves elegant French cuisine, while Il Ristorante – Niko Romito at the refined Bulgari Resort on Jumeirah Bay Island showcases sophisticated Italian dining. In Dubai Marina, the highly exclusive Row on 45, led by celebrity chef Jason Atherton, accommodates just 22 guests and offers an exquisite 17-course tasting menu. Each of these distinguished establishments has been awarded two Michelin stars.
Dubai also features a selection of one-Michelin-star restaurants, including La Dame de Pic Dubai at One&Only One Za’abeel, Al Muntaha in the iconic Burj Al Arab, and 11 Woodfire in the coastal enclave of Jumeirah.
Elite Transport for Seamless Convenience
For ultra-high-net-worth individuals, the city presents a range of elite transport options designed to maximise every aspect of their stay. Private chauffeur services can be arranged for those seeking the utmost comfort, while a variety of operators provide helicopter and yacht transfers for a truly exceptional travel experience.
Bringing a car to Dubai is not always the most convenient option, particularly for visitors staying only a few days. However, the city offers a wide range of alternatives, including supercar rentals for those visiting specifically for marathon weekend.
Bespoke Sightseeing and Leisure
Dubai showcases an almost never-ending list of things to do for both residents and visitors alike. One of the most exclusive ways to see the city is via private helicopter, with tours from the world-famous Atlantis The Palm one of the most refined options. Discerning guests can choose to discover a range of Dubai’s neighbourhoods, across varying durations, with flights into the desert also an option.
VIP safaris are an outstanding way to learn all about the desert and Emirati culture, with a range of high-end operators offering exclusive tours, while private Burj Khalifa experiences are another popular choice for those who wish to see the world’s tallest building without the crowds.
Luxury tour operators can also arrange exclusive access to other key Dubai attractions such as the Museum of the Future, Burj Al Arab and even the highly impressive Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
The next Dubai Marathon will take place in February 2026, which, considering the time of year, is one of the best times to visit Dubai. Thanks to the near-perfect weather, there are multiple things to see and do before and after the race, meaning participants and visitors alike can combine the event with a memorable exploration of the city’s cultural landmarks, luxury experiences, and world-class attractions.
