UAE-China marathon highlights culture, sport, and humanitarian values

The Great Wall Marathon of Huairou 2025 and the Zayed Charity Run are underway in Beijing, bringing together thousands of runners and celebrating a unique blend of sport, culture, and community spirit. The event runs until 21 September, with full and half marathon races expected to see around 15,000 participants from across the globe.

Alongside the races, the UAE Embassy in China inaugurated the Al Bait Al Emarati cultural fair, offering visitors an immersive experience of Emirati traditions. Guests can enjoy folk arts, handicrafts, traditional cuisine, and the warmth of Emirati hospitality, highlighting the UAE’s cultural identity and humanitarian values.

The event, organised in collaboration with Huairou District authorities, the Beijing Athletics Association, and the Zayed Charity Run, also emphasises humanitarian support. Donations this year will benefit local charities, including the Huairou Women’s Federation, Disabled Persons’ Federation, Red Cross, and Children’s Welfare Institute, reflecting the run’s ongoing commitment to helping those in need.

UAE officials, including Lt General (retired) Mohamed Helal Alkaabi and Ambassador Hussain Al Hammadi, highlighted the significance of combining sports and culture to strengthen international relations, promote solidarity, and reinforce the UAE’s legacy of generosity and humanitarian action.

The 2025–2026 season marks the largest expansion in Zayed Charity Run history, with six major international stops planned across Asia, South America, Europe, and the UAE, further solidifying its role as a global symbol of humanitarianism, sport, and cultural exchange.