Earlier this year, over 350 runners from around the globe traveled to the UAE for the first-ever trail race in the rugged mountains of Ras Al Khaimah. Starting at the Wadi Ghalilah Dam in Jebel Jais, the G.O.A.T race featured two challenging distances: 50km and 30km, with elevation reaching up to 3,300 meters.
Dana Matar, co-founder of Peak Sports and race organizer, mentioned that this was one of the toughest technical trail races at that height in the area. The winners, both from Russia, were surprised by how demanding the terrain was, Matar noted.
“Many people visit the UAE for its exciting city life, not realizing the stunning beauty and challenges of trails in Ras Al Khaimah, Hatta, and Fujairah. But that is changing as the local trail running community grows,” said Matar, who has over a decade of experience in trail running.
Trail Running Boom in the UAE
In recent years, trail running has transitioned from a niche activity to a popular sport, with more than 20 million registered trail runners worldwide. The UAE has embraced this trend, with many athletes trading city streets for rocky paths, muddy trails, sand dunes, and mountain routes.
This surge of interest inspired Matar to launch her sports company in 2022, focusing on world-class trail races and building a community of adventure lovers. The company is expanding its events, including the Al Qudra Trail Race during Ramadan and the Last 1 Standing, a 12-hour endurance challenge, scheduled in Hatta next month.
“The beauty of trail running is its ability to connect you with nature and bring you into the moment. Many people are turning to the outdoors for fitness and mental health. Being on the trails offers a sense of freedom and clarity,” Matar explained. She added, “The growing interest in trail running is also due to the sport’s inclusive community.”
Community Connections on the Trails
During the cooler months, the trail running community in the UAE sees an influx of new members eager to try out the sport. Clubs and groups across the country make it accessible for runners of all levels. One of the largest communities in the GCC, Trail Runners DXB, has over 1,000 members across various WhatsApp groups.
Samer Bou Kaedbey, a co-founder of this group, shared that their weekend runs usually attract 35 to 50 participants. “We often see around five newcomers each weekend, ranging from beginners to seasoned runners. Our community includes UAE nationals and expats sharing experiences and exploring trails,” said the 35-year-old personal trainer.
Kaedbey noticed that many beginners join the group not only to improve their trail running skills but also to meet other adventurous people.
“Trail running is always more fun with others. You rarely see people running alone in nature. Being part of a community helps you connect with others at your level, making it easier to improve and enjoy the sport more,” he said.
Choucrallah Karam, a health consultant and member of Trail Runners DXB, discovered trail running a year ago. His first challenge was a 10km race in Hatta, and now he aims to complete three ultra-distance races in the next six months.
“Trail running combines adventure with running,” said Karam, 45, who enjoys weekend trail runs. “Sometimes, I even sneak away during the week to run in the Hajar mountains or the dunes of Al Qudra and Mushrif Park.”
Karam finds the trail running community in the UAE to be “refreshing.” He said, “The conversations I have during our runs are engaging and uplifting. Trail running engages all your senses, and in today’s fast-paced life, building slower, meaningful connections is so enjoyable.”
A Growing Destination for Trail Running
The rising interest in trail running and varied routes in the UAE have turned it into a hot spot for global endurance athletes. The country offers diverse landscapes, including desert runs, coastal trails, and mountain paths. Many runners tackle the Mother Hump trails in Wadi Shawka or the jeep track trails of Wadi Naqab on weekends.
Experienced runners like Matar frequently explore new trails using apps like Google Maps to discover hidden routes. “Since I was young, I’ve learned how to navigate, understand the terrain, and recognize landmarks along the way. The trail running community is always adding to our growing list of routes.”
Government organizations like the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) and the Dubai Sports Council (DSC) are promoting the sport by hosting events and investing in trail development, ensuring safety and accessibility for all runners. Recently, the Dubai Municipality opened a 9.7km hiking trail in Mushrif National Park, which athletes are using for training.
Adriana Fernandez, an experienced trail runner, noted that while the UAE’s trails may not mimic the muddy or wet terrains found in international races, they offer excellent training on uneven paths. She trained for a five-day, multi-stage race in Tanzania while using the UAE’s trail infrastructure, which provides safe access to remote trails and attracts international competitors.
“I love that I can either run solo with my dog or with friends. Each trail presents new challenges. The varying terrains, elevations, and obstacles keep things exciting. I’ve noticed more people from countries like Oman and Jordan joining races here,” said the 45-year-old Spanish athlete.
Safety and Respect for Nature
Dubai-based running coach Ivana Kolaric trains 15-20 runners for various local and international ultra-trail competitions. “On the trails, speed doesn’t matter. You can enjoy an amazing workout regardless of pace. Tackling nature’s challenges is exhilarating for many,” said Kolaric, a medal-winning athlete and founder of Race Craft.
Kolaric recommends that newcomers to trail running join a group to better understand the sport on uneven surfaces. “While basic running skills apply, navigating uneven and steep trails requires adjustments. Focus on shock absorption and stability, using a more pronounced heel strike, longer strides, and core engagement to reduce injuries and improve efficiency.”
Experts also stress the importance of proper gear and safety. Matar mentioned that races have a mandatory gear list, and all runners should prioritize safety and respect for nature while running or hiking.
“Safety is crucial in trail running, and respecting the environment is key. Every trail runner should wear trail shoes, carry a small first-aid kit, a hydration vest, an emergency whistle, and a charged phone with the route map. If unsure about a trail, it’s best to run with experienced friends,” Matar advised.
Races are strict about maintaining the sport’s integrity and protecting the environment, enforcing penalties for littering and failing to assist distressed runners.
“Our trained marshals ensure these rules are followed, but it’s also about setting a good example for the community. Trail running embodies compassion, respect, and care for the environment,” Matar emphasized.
