Event sees significant growth in participation, reinforcing its position as a community platform for health, wellbeing and active living
Dubai, UAE – 28 October 2026: The seventh edition of the Sukoon Insurance and Bupa Global Dubai Canal Run brought together more than 3,000 participants, marking a significant increase from approximately 1,900 participants in 2025. Held on Sunday, 25 October, at Al Safa Park, Dubai, the event welcomed runners, families, corporate teams, customers, brokers and partners for a morning dedicated to fitness, community connection and healthier living.
The strong turnout marks a milestone in the Dubai Canal Run’s seven-year journey, reflecting its growing appeal among Dubai’s diverse community. This year’s event offered 3 km, 5 km and 10 km race distances, welcoming participants of different ages and fitness levels to take on a personal challenge, enjoy time with family and friends, and take positive steps towards their health and wellbeing goals.
Paul Uriarte, General Manager, Bupa Global Middle East, said: “The Dubai Canal Run is a great example of how community initiatives can make healthy living more engaging and accessible. The enthusiasm of the runners, families and corporate teams reflects a growing appetite for experiences that bring people together through physical activity. It is this collective spirit that makes the event so meaningful, and we look forward to seeing it continue to inspire more people to take an active approach to their wellbeing.”
The event featured Ahmad Haffar, widely known as the Voice of Dubai, as its emcee, adding to the atmosphere and reach of this year’s edition. His presence helped energise participants and audiences throughout the morning, adding a distinctive dimension to the event.
Corporate teams from A&O Shearman, Airbus and Dentsu took part, alongside broker partners Marsh, Howden, Lockton and Acora Insurance Brokers LLC. Their participation underscored the event’s appeal as an opportunity for organisations and business partners to come together around a shared commitment to health, fitness and employee wellbeing.
Participants were also recognised for their achievements, with the top three finishers celebrated across the different age groups and race categories. The event’s inclusive format, supported by its range of race distances and family-friendly atmosphere, encouraged participation from seasoned runners and those embracing a more active lifestyle.
The seventh edition builds on the continued growth of the Dubai Canal Run, with this year’s increased participation demonstrating the value of initiatives that make physical activity accessible and engaging for the wider community. Through its continued support of the event, the company remains committed to encouraging healthier choices and helping individuals and communities take #OneStepCloser to better health and wellbeing.
