Cyber Run & Ride Set for Abu Dhabi in January 2026

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Abu Dhabi is gearing up for the Cyber Run & Ride event on January 17 and 18, 2026. This initiative combines running and cycling with a focus on promoting a healthy lifestyle and awareness around technology and digital security.

Organized by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and supported by the UAE Cybersecurity Council, this event is a key component of national efforts aimed at fostering community participation, active living, and enhancing digital literacy among families and youth.

Cyber Run & Ride is designed to create a welcoming atmosphere for families, featuring a dedicated event village filled with interactive experiences and educational activities. It aims to blend sports, learning, and awareness, catering to participants of all ages.

Running events kick off on January 17, where participants can choose from a variety of race distances like the half marathon, 10km, 5km, and 2.5km. The cycling segment follows on January 18 in a non-competitive format, promoting inclusive participation over rivalry.

Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Chief of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government, stated that the initiative embodies the belief that healthy individuals, guided by informed families, serve as the frontline defense against evolving cyber threats.

He pointed out the increasing risks posed by criminal networks in cyberspace targeting the youth with deceptive practices, highlighting the necessity for community awareness and active family involvement in fostering safe digital habits.

According to Dr. Al Kuwaiti, Cyber Run & Ride transcends mere sporting activities by promoting an essential message: positive lifestyles and engaging activities can shield individuals from cybercrime and online trafficking. Regular physical exercise enhances mental clarity, aiding in the identification of unsafe behaviors online and encouraging responsible internet use.

He underscored the vital role families play in cybersecurity—guiding children and fostering open discussions about safe tech practices, cultivating a generation proficient in responsible technology use.

Wrapping up, Dr. Al Kuwaiti reaffirmed that initiatives like Cyber Run & Ride mirror the UAE’s dedication to nurturing a healthy and digitally secure society, urging community members to participate in awareness-focused events.

Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, noted that this event aligns with the council’s vision to enhance community engagement in sports throughout the emirate.

He mentioned that Cyber Run & Ride aims to inspire residents to lead active lives while offering a unique sporting experience that merges entertainment with education, thereby enhancing the quality of life in Abu Dhabi.

Al Awani also indicated that the collaboration with the UAE Cybersecurity Council coincides with the declaration of 2026 as the Year of the Family, reinforcing national goals centered on family unity, stability, and social well-being, while emphasizing the family's role as the bedrock of a strong society.

More details about race routes, additional activities, and online registration will be revealed in the upcoming weeks.

This event builds upon the success of the inaugural Run & Ride held on February 18, 2024, at the Abu Dhabi Corniche, which attracted a large number of participants and established itself as a prominent community initiative promoting health, sports, and social awareness.