RunFastAbout the race
The Dubai Marathon is an annual road marathon in the United Arab Emirates, categorised by World Athletics as a Gold Label Road Race. The organiser calls it the Middle East's fastest marathon.
History
Wikipedia dates the first race to 27 November 1998, with about 150 starters and 48 finishers, beginning outside the Al Wasl Club. The organiser instead treats the race of 14 January 2000, held in front of Al Wasl Sports Club, as the first international Dubai Marathon. Standard Chartered was title sponsor from 2005 until the 2020 edition. The 2026 race marked the event's 25th anniversary, and the organiser notes six debut winners in a row at the marathon.
The course
The current route starts on Umm Suqeim Street, a short way from Madinat Jumeirah. Runners head briefly northwest and then southwest on King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street for an out-and-back leg of roughly 6 km each way, passing the entrance to Palm Jumeirah and turning near Dubai Media City. Back at Umm Suqeim Street they run two out-and-back repetitions of about 7.5 km each way on Jumeirah Beach Road, going past Burj Al Arab and the Jumeirah Beach Hotel and turning on Al Mehemal Street. The finish comes after about 500 m on Umm Suqeim Street. The layout is a repeated out-and-back rather than a loop.
The next edition
The organiser has confirmed the 2027 race for Sunday 17 January 2027.
Cut-offs and entry
Wikipedia reported a six-hour time limit as of 2020. The organiser's home page confirms the date but does not state a current limit, and it links separate pages for how to register, group categories and entry fees, so check them for the present rules.
Where to watch
The organiser's home page does not set out spectator areas. Because much of the route is out and back along two long roads, supporters can see runners pass more than once, particularly near the Umm Suqeim Street start and finish area.
Weather
Dubai winters are mild to warm, and most days are sunny. Summers, by contrast, are extremely hot and humid. A winter race date avoids that, but conditions can still vary, so treat this as general climate background and not a forecast.
SourcesDubai Marathon home·Wikipedia: Dubai Marathon·Wikipedia: Dubai (climate)