News DeskAbu Dhabi, UAE – The Emirates Council for Balanced Development has concluded the seventh and final race of the 2025 Emirates Villages Run Series, held as part of the “Year of Community” initiatives under the patronage of Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Martyrs’ Families Affairs and Chairman of the Emirates Council for Balanced Development.
The final race took place in Al Shuwaib, Abu Dhabi, and witnessed wide participation from all segments of society –families, children, youth, senior citizens and People of Determination – reflecting the unified national effort to promote comprehensive and balanced development with people at its core.
The last run event coincided with the UAE’s 54th Union Day celebrations. Al Shuwaib hosted a variety of relatedactivities, including artistic performances and heritage showcases that embodied the spirit of unity and belonging, adding a festive atmosphere to the event and reinforcing national identity.
The race day featured Emirati cultural performances by local artistic and folk groups, offering participants and visitors an opportunity to discover the cultural heritage of Al Shuwaib and its authentic traditions. The performances also contributed to promoting tourism in the area by highlighting its natural and cultural assets.
During the event, winners across all categories were awarded, and outstanding participants were honoured in a celebratory atmosphere that symbolised the unity of the UAE community.
The awarding ceremony was attended by:
- Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs
- Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
- Mohammed Khalifa Bakhit Al Kaabi, Secretary-General of the Emirates Council for Balanced Development
- Dr. Ghawiya Al Neyadi, Senior Vice President of Medical Services & Quality of Life at ADNOC
Additional attendees included officials from various councils and authorities across the UAE.
In support of the event, the National Agricultural Centre organised a Farmers’ Market that showcased a selection of local agricultural products from Al Shuwaib, as well as demonstrations of modern agricultural and environmental practices. Visitors were also introduced to organic and seasonal products that play a key role in supporting food security and encouraging local agriculture. The centre also distributed free seedlings to participants.
The seventh and final race stood out for its agricultural and environmental character, reflecting Al Shuwaib’s rich natural landscape and unique rural identity. Located strategically between Al Ain and Dubai, the area is known for its expansive farms and traditional rural homes, giving participants and visitors an immersive experience that highlights the beauty of UAE villages and the richness of their social, natural and environmental heritage.
The conclusion of this year’s series capped seven races in seven villages across the seven emirates, combining sports, culture, heritage and natural beauty. The races journeyed from Qidfa in Fujairah, to Masfout in Ajman, Al Rams in Ras Al Khaimah, Falaj Al Mualla in Umm Al Quwain, Dibba Al Hisn in Sharjah, Al Lisaili in Dubai and, finally, Al Shuwaib in Abu Dhabi – all in safe, inclusive environments celebrating the UAE’s values of unity and togetherness.
Across its seven stages, the Emirates Villages Run Series welcomed over 5,000 participants from diverse community groups, with a prize pool of AED 500,000 awarded to top finishers.
The organisation of the series reflects the vision and guidance of the UAE leadership to promote balanced development across all regions of the country through community and sports initiatives that enhance quality of life, encourage healthy lifestyles and strengthen the values of community service, volunteerism and shared responsibility.
The 2025 Emirates Villages Run Series also offered a unique opportunity to highlight the cultural, tourism and social richness of UAE villages, aligning with the Emirates Council for Balanced Development’s mission to showcase regional development assets and elevate the quality of life in local communities.
Race distances catered to a range of entrants, including a 1.5–km Family Run, a 5–km Community Run, and a 10–km Competitive Run, allowing broad participation across all ages and abilities.
The 2025 Emirates Villages Run Series was organised in partnership with ADNOC and in collaboration with sports councils, municipalities and tourism authorities nationwide. The series served as a community and sporting platform that highlighted the UAE’s diverse natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage while reinforcing the values of unity and belonging.
