Running Groups Abu Dhabi: Weekly Corniche Meetups

More than 1,800 residents took part in organised runs along the Corniche last week, with groups starting from the eastern end near the Emirates Palace.

The increase follows a June decision by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council to open public pathways for informal fitness sessions without permits for groups under 50 people. Summer temperatures dipping below 38 degrees Celsius have also encouraged more residents to exercise outdoors rather than stay in indoor gyms.

Runners gather every Tuesday and Thursday evening at 6:30 pm along the 8 km stretch of the Corniche between the Marina Mall and the Hilton Abu Dhabi. A separate collective meets on Saturdays at the Al Forsan International Sports Resort track in Khalifa City, where participants pay 25 AED to use the floodlit lanes for interval sessions. These two locations now anchor a network that links office workers from Al Maryah Island with families from Yas Island.

Routes and routines that keep numbers growing

The Abu Dhabi Running Collective started with 12 people in 2023 and now logs 320 members on its WhatsApp group. Members set their own paces along marked loops that avoid major traffic junctions. One route follows the pedestrian path beside the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque before turning back at the 4 km mark near the Cultural Foundation. Another heads inland from Saadiyat Beach Club to the mangroves and returns via the bridge walkway.

Abu Dhabi Sports Council figures released in May 2026 show a 37 percent rise in registered community runs since the same month in 2025. Average entry fees for timed 5 km events sit at 85 AED, while untimed social runs remain free. The council recorded 4,200 unique participants across all grassroots events in the first half of this year.

Next steps for new runners

The next open session starts at 6:30 pm on 16 July at the Corniche eastern car park opposite the Emirates Palace. Newcomers can arrive 15 minutes early to meet the volunteer pace leaders. Registration for the August 22 timed race at Al Forsan closes on 10 August and costs 95 AED online through the council portal. Maps and water-station details are posted each Monday on the collective’s public Instagram account.