The Emirates News Agency reported that Miral organised the Run for Impact event at Yas Bay Waterfront on Yas Island which drew more than 1,500 participants on October 25, 2026. The gathering, held in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Al Ain Zoo, EllisDon and ZUBLIN Construction LLC, featured race distances of 3km, 5km and 10km to accommodate different ages and abilities. Funds generated through the AED 50 entry fee support research and conservation initiatives for the Arabian Sand Cat while promoting healthy community lifestyles. Al Ain Zoo contributed family activities that included themed face painting, photo opportunities and trivia challenges with prizes.
The Run for Impact: Miral unites over 1,500 participants to contribute to safeguarding Arabian Sand Cat is part of the Conservation pillar of IMPACT by Miral, the company’s platform for delivering social and environmental impact. The Arabian Sand Cat Research Programme funded by these efforts uses eDNA analysis, GPS tracking, camera traps and AI-enabled data modelling to generate insights into the species’ population, distribution and behaviour. These findings help inform more effective long-term conservation planning across Abu Dhabi’s desert ecosystems, Miral’s documentation shows.
The species is listed as endangered on the Abu Dhabi Red List of Species, highlighting the need for such targeted interventions in the UAE. Miral, as a creator of immersive destinations in Abu Dhabi, integrates conservation into its operations through this strategic platform. Participants engaged in the run while learning about the elusive desert feline native to the region.
An awards ceremony followed the races to celebrate top performers, with winners receiving theme park tickets. The event started with activities at 6:00 am and the runs at 6:45 am after bib collection from 5:30 am. This structure allowed maximum community involvement from early morning onward.
Collaboration with established conservation partners like Al Ain Zoo ensures that educational components complement the physical challenge of the run. The initiative reflects ongoing efforts to connect residents with local biodiversity issues. Data collected through the programme strengthens the UAE’s capacity for science-based wildlife management, a Miral assessment found.
Miral has indicated that proceeds from the event will directly advance studies that close critical knowledge gaps about the Arabian Sand Cat. The company continues to align its business activities with environmental priorities across Abu Dhabi through its IMPACT platform. Registration was mandatory for all who wished to take part in the races.