Qidfa in Fujairah hosted the opening round of the Emirates Villages Run Series on October 10, 2026, featuring 1.5-kilometre family runs, 5-kilometre community events and 10-kilometre competitive races that start and finish along the village corniche before winding through inland farm trails. The Emirates News Agency reported that the event marks the beginning of a seven-race program visiting one village in each emirate, organised by the Emirates Council for Balanced Development under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Participants receive timing chips, medals, T-shirts and refreshments, with the series designed to promote healthy lifestyles and community participation across all ages and abilities.
The council has set a total prize pool of more than AED 1 million for the full series, distributed across age categories from under-18 to over-60 as well as separate divisions for men, women and people of determination. According to the official series website, runners who complete all seven events assemble a seven-piece medal representing each village and emirate, encouraging participation in the complete national journey that runs until December 5. The 2026 edition follows the inaugural season, which earned recognition through the UN Tourism Sports Tourism Award.
Event materials describe the Qidfa course as highlighting the contrast between the beachfront and traditional agricultural landscapes that have defined the village for generations. The National reported that nearly 500 runners turned out for the corresponding opening event in the previous year, filling the coastal village with activity that showcased its usually quiet streets and farms. Subsequent races are scheduled for Lahbab in Dubai on October 17, Wadi Al Helo in Sharjah on October 24, Falaj Al Mualla in Umm Al Quwain on October 31, Masfout in Ajman on November 7, Al Rams in Ras Al Khaimah on November 14 and Al Shuwaib in Abu Dhabi on December 5.
The Emirates Council for Balanced Development positioned the series within the framework of the Year of Family, aiming to foster wellness, cultural awareness and tourism in less-visited communities while providing an inclusive platform for families, schools, companies and sports clubs. Traditional Emirati performances are integrated at each stop to celebrate national heritage alongside the athletic competition. Organisers have partnered with ADNOC as well as local sports councils, municipalities and tourism authorities to ensure smooth delivery across all venues.
Registration for remaining events remains available online, with fees set at AED 50 per race, one of the more accessible entry points among major UAE running calendars. The council has emphasised that the program builds on leadership directives to increase community engagement in sport and volunteerism throughout the country. Results from the Qidfa races will be published following verification by the timing provider, with full series standings tracked for those pursuing the complete medal set.
