Dubai, UAE – XX September 2026: The wait is almost over as the Sukoon and Bupa Global Dubai Canal Run prepares to welcome runners for its 7th edition on Sunday, 25 October 2026, at its new location, Al Safa Park, Dubai. With more than 2,000 runners expected to take part, the event continues to stand out as one of the city’s most anticipated sporting events, bringing the community together for a memorable celebration of fitness, wellbeing and active living.
Building on the success of previous editions, this year’s run will offer an energising morning of movement, connection and community spirit. With 3 km, 5 km and 10 km routes available, participants of all abilities can set their own pace, take on a new challenge and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of one of Dubai’s most anticipated sporting events.
As leaders in health and wellbeing, Sukoon and Bupa Global continue to promote healthier lifestyles through the annual Dubai Canal Run. Now in its 7th edition, the event reflects their shared commitment to supporting the wider community, inspiring individuals, families and teams to move #OneStepCloser to their health and fitness goals in 2026.
Paul Uriarte, General Manager, Bupa Global Middle East, said:
“It is great to see the enthusiasm and participation in the Dubai Canal Run grow year on year. We are proud to play an important part in creating a platform where people can connect, encourage one another and take #OneStepCloser towards healthier lives.
As someone who genuinely values an active lifestyle, it is inspiring to see so many people show up each year with a shared commitment to health and wellbeing. This year, I am looking forward to being part of the seventh edition, as it offers an opportunity to engage with our customers, brokers and clients beyond the workplace and celebrate the spirit of community that this event represents.
I am eager to experience the energy of race day and witness the positive impact the event continues to create.”
Christian Berglehner, Founding Partner of Race ME Events, the official race organisers, added: “We are delighted to see the Dubai Canal Run grow from strength to strength over the last seven years. This progress is a testament to the passion of our participants and the dedication of our partners. Such success would not be possible without the continued support of Sukoon and Bupa Global, alongside the invaluable backing of the Dubai Government and the Dubai Sports Council.”
The 2026 edition is expected to see strong participation from regional and international organisations, with teams joining the run as part of their continued focus on employee wellbeing and workplace engagement. This growing participation reflects the Dubai Canal Run’s appeal as an event that brings colleagues together through fitness, connection and shared achievement.
With its supportive and family-friendly atmosphere, the Sukoon and Bupa Global Dubai Canal Run is also ideal for first-time participants, whether they are taking part in their first race or challenging themselves to complete a new distance.
Event Highlights:
• Race options for all ages and abilities: Choose from 3km, 5km, or 10km routes.
• Iconic New Location: Experience a scenic course winding through the greenery of Al Safa Park alongside the Dubai Canal.
• Supportive community: Join runners of all levels in an inspiring atmosphere.
• Family fun zone: Enjoy entertainment and activities while cheering on participants.
Registration for the Sukoon and Bupa Global Dubai Canal Run is now open, and spaces are filling fast. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary event!
For more information and to sign up, visit https://www.premieronline.com/event/dubai_canal_run_2026_8217
Follow us on Instagram for more updates: @dubaicanalrun.
About Bupa Global:
Bupa’s purpose is helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives and making a better world.
Bupa Global is the premium health insurance arm of Bupa. Established in 1971, it provides individuals, small businesses and corporate customers international coverage with products and services so they can access the healthcare they need, when they need it, whether at home or when studying, living, travelling or working abroad. With a multilingual team of advisers, Bupa Global serves customers across the globe and can provide access to c.2m medical providers on a direct settlement basis. Offices are located in London and Brighton (UK), Miami and Philadelphia (USA), Dublin (Ireland), Cairo (Egypt), Dubai (UAE), and Hong Kong (China) as well as regional offices in Mainland China and Singapore.
Sukoon Insurance and Bupa Global have partnered to deliver premium international health insurance plans designed for the UAE. Sukoon offers regional expertise as the insurer, while Bupa Global provides global healthcare access as the international administrator. Together, they ensure customers receive extensive, high-quality coverage, blending Sukoon’s regional knowledge with Bupa Global’s experience in delivering exceptional health solutions worldwide.
For more information about Bupa Global visit www.bupaglobal.com
About Sukoon Insurance:
Established in 1975, Sukoon Insurance PJSC (“Sukoon”) – a public stock company – is among the leading insurance providers in the UAE. Sukoon provides a range of comprehensive insurance solutions for motor, life, health, and general (property, energy, engineering, aviation, marine, and liability) needs to over 830,000 individuals and commercial clients. Sukoon’s operations span across Oman and all Emirates in the UAE.
Sukoon is committed to providing outstanding insurance solutions which help create and protect wealth and wellbeing. The Dubai-based company stays true to its vision by serving businesses and individuals with a team of over 700 professionals through an intensive distribution network of branches, brokers, bancassurance partners, agencies, e-commerce platforms, and a dedicated call centre.
In 2023, Sukoon registered gross written premiums (GWP) of AED 4.64 billion. With a solvency ratio exceeding 272 percent and exemplary ratings from Standard and Poor’s (A-rated) and Moody’s (A2-rated), it clearly demonstrates its financial soundness, robustness in risk management processes, effective governance, and ability to serve its clients effectively in the long run.
At its core, the Company is customer-centric, with a keen devotion towards providing exceptional services. Its priority has always been to build long-term relationships with its clients with their delight as its non-negotiable objective.
Put simply, Sukoon wants to continue reinforcing its position as a reference for other insurers in the region for exemplary customer service.
To learn more about Sukoon and how it continues to deliver on its promises and exceed expectations, please visit www.sukoon.com.
About RaceME Events:
RaceME is a trusted name in sports and stakeholder activations, built on over 30 years of experience in the Middle East. Founded in 2013, RaceME was created by industry professionals who turned decades of regional event expertise into a passion-driven platform for impactful experiences.
Since launch, RaceME has delivered 300+ successful activations across the UAE, GCC and North Africa, spanning community events, corporate initiatives and public engagement campaigns. More than an event company, RaceME is an end-to-end activation partner, combining regional insight, operational excellence and meaningful engagement to create experiences that bring people together and keep communities coming back.