Hundreds of runners are set to descend on Masfout in Ajman on Saturday, the second in a series of events highlighting a 'hidden jewel' village in each of the UAE's seven emirates.
The Emirates Villages Run Series aims to promote the history and heritage of lesser-known communities while boosting the local economy − all while encouraging people to exercise.
First stop last Saturday was Qidfa, in Fujairah, where the lush farms and usually sleepy alleyways of the coastal village were filled with the hubbub created by almost 500 runners.
After Masfout, next on the list is Al Rams in Ras Al Khaimah, followed by Falaj Al Mualla in Umm Al Quwain, Dibba Al Hisn in Sharjah, Al Lisaili in Dubai, and finally, Al Shuwaib in Abu Dhabi, on December 6.
The races are organised by the Emirates Council for Balanced Development as part of the Year of Community, and offer a sizeable total prize pool of Dh500,000 ($136,000).
What is the Emirates Villages Run Series?
“Normally, we see all the runs in the cities and in places that are known to us,” said Abdulla Alblooshi, project manager of the Emirates Villages Run Series.
“But we thought of taking people into a journey, into a more historical, heritage-based, Emirati-style, authentic experience, and showcase those villages through the running series.”
The project is part of a dedicated effort hoping to regenerate villages around the country, with Qidfa the subject of a Dh1 billion development project.
“They are very unique, very distinguished,” Mr Alblooshi said of the villages featured. “They are like the hidden jewels of the UAE. The economic support for small businesses and homeowners in those villages [is another goal].”
Inclusivity and safety is a priority to help encourage physical exercise and community involvement. Entry fees are priced at Dh50, making it one of the most affordable races in the country. Each race hosts a 1.5km, 5km and 10km run.
“We are trying to get everyone involved, from kids to adults to senior citizens,” Mr Alblooshi said. “Promoting a healthy and active lifestyle is a primary goal in those villages and across the UAE.”
'See another side of UAE'
Dubai-based Semion Guran, who ran the 10km race in Qidfa, saw it as an opportunity to see another side of the country.
“It's not only about running, it's also discovering the UAE from this perspective because it will be seven Emirates,” he said. “It's about having fun. It's also about discovering yourself because you are challenging yourself. There are a lot of benefits.”
Mr Guran, who is from Moldova but has lived in Dubai for four-and-a-half years, is “absolutely” planning to run all seven races in the series.
“One of the reasons I started running is because of the influence of the UAE culture: the sport events and the people next to me. In my country, I was not really a runner. But then I started here, to join one event, another event − and during the year there's a lot of them.”
A focus on fitness
The UAE has been heavily promoting physical activity to encourage a more healthy lifestyle for its population, with events happening weekly around the country during the winter months.
Events like the month-long Dubai Fitness Challenge, and the Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon keep residents in shape throughout this period.
“Hopefully this can be the start of something that stays with us for a long time as a national movement,” Mr Alblooshi said.
He emphasised the training collaboration with the Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon and the Open Masters Games, which will be held in Abu Dhabi in 2026.
The remainder of the Emirates Village Run Series schedule is as follows, with each race starting at 4pm:
- Saturday, October 18: Masfout, Ajman
- Saturday, October 25: Al Rams, Ras Al Khaimah
- Saturday, November 1: Falaj Al Mualla, Umm Al Quwain
- Saturday, November 22: Dibba Al Hisn, Sharjah
- Saturday, November 29: Al Lisaili, Dubai
- Saturday, December 6: Al Shuwaib, Abu Dhabi
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May 15: Yokohama, Japan
June 5: Leeds, UK
June 24: Montreal, Canada
July 10: Hamburg, Germany
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Nov 5-6 : Abu Dhabi, UAE
Date TBC: Chengdu, China
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MATCH INFO
Real Madrid 2 (Benzema 13', Kroos 28')
Barcelona 1 (Mingueza 60')
Red card: Casemiro (Real Madrid)
Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
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Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
