Dubai Marathon
Dubai (course published on dubaimarathon.org)
The 26th Dubai Marathon is run on Sunday 17 January 2027 on a flat course along Jumeirah Beach Road, past Burj Al Arab. Three distances to choose from: the marathon at US$150, the 10 km at US$85 and a 4 km fun run open to all.
Dates
- 17 January 2027 — 26th edition (2027)
Source: TradeArabia, « Dubai Marathon set for January 17, three distances planned » (autres dates non confirmées : 31/01 MarathonGuide, 7/02 Clock7) — accessed 19 October 2026
The fastest marathon in the Middle East
The first Dubai international marathon was run on 14 January 2000. Flat, by the sea and run at dawn in midwinter, the course has made its name: the organisers call it the fastest marathon in the Middle East. In 2026 Nibret Melak won in 2:04:00.
The 26th edition takes place on Sunday 17 January 2027. Some online calendars give other dates, 31 January or 7 February; only the official website's date counts.
Three races
| Race | Minimum age | Start, local time | Entry fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marathon, 42.195 km | 18 | 6.30 am (elites 5.45 am) | US$150 |
| 10 km | 15 | 8 am | US$85 |
| 4 km fun run | open to all | 10.30 am | US$50 |
Entries are taken on the official website, dubaimarathon.org. The marathon has a six-hour cut-off. Another page of the site gives 10 am for the 4 km start; the runners' guide will confirm the time.
The course
The marathon starts near the Police Academy in Umm Suqeim and takes Al Sufouh Road to a turnaround at the entrance to Dubai Media City. It comes back past Madinat Jumeirah, then follows Jumeirah Beach Road past Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, and runs an out-and-back towards the Creek twice, turning before the bridge. The finish is on the Police Academy parade ground, in front of the grandstand. The 10 km and 4 km start on Al Sufouh Road, past Madinat Jumeirah, in the shadow of Burj Al Arab.
At the start it is usually between 10 and 15 °C, according to the organisers. It warms up quickly after sunrise: the average January high is 24.4 °C.
Before the race
- Race numbers: collect them at The Agenda in Dubai Media City, from Wednesday 13 to Saturday 16 January, with photo ID.
- On race morning: do not park near the start. The organisers recommend the Mall of the Emirates car park and the metro footbridge, or a taxi drop-off on Al Wasl Road at least 90 minutes before the start.
Where to stay
The course runs past the hotels of Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim. Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab are on Jumeirah Beach Road, on the course itself; Jumeirah Al Qasr at Madinat Jumeirah is a short walk from the 10 km and 4 km starts. The area is described on our Jumeirah page. The organisers advise against parking near the start, so staying within walking distance makes race morning easier.
You can extend your stay with the Dubai Desert Classic, the golf tournament played from 21 to 24 January, or catch the end of the Dubai Shopping Festival, which closes on race day. Our Dubai beaches guide helps you choose where to recover afterwards.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Dubai Marathon in 2027?
On Sunday 17 January 2027, for the 26th edition, according to the official website.
How much is entry?
US$150 for the marathon, US$85 for the 10 km and US$50 for the 4 km fun run.
Is the course flat?
Yes. It follows Al Sufouh Road and Jumeirah Beach Road along the seafront, on flat ground.
What is the weather like on race day?
Between 10 and 15 °C at the start according to the organisers, then an average January high of 24.4 °C.
Can children take part?
The 4 km fun run is open to all. The 10 km requires runners to be 15, the marathon 18.