Miral will hold the Run for Impact Arabian Sand Cat community race at Yas Bay Waterfront on Sunday, 25 October, with a AED 50 registration fee supporting research and conservation work in Abu Dhabi.
Registration is mandatory and is open through the Abu Dhabi Marathon registration page. Participants can choose 3km, 5km or 10km routes, with the event open to all ages and fitness levels.
Run for Impact Arabian Sand Cat race details
Bib collection starts at 5:30am on 25 October. The 10km race begins at 6:45am, followed by the 5km at 7:00am and the 3km at 7:15am. Activities run from 6:00am to 10:00am, with the awards ceremony scheduled for 9:00am.
Al Ain Zoo will host face painting, photo opportunities and educational trivia about Arabian Sand Cats. Winners will receive theme park tickets, while event merchandise will be available separately.
Where the AED 50 registration fee goes
Miral says the fee will support Arabian Sand Cat research and conservation initiatives through IMPACT by Miral. The species is listed as endangered on the Abu Dhabi Red List of Species.
The research programme combines environmental DNA analysis, GPS tracking, camera traps and AI-enabled data analysis to study the animal’s population, distribution and behaviour. Miral’s conservation programme says the work is intended to inform long-term protection across Abu Dhabi’s deserts.
IMPACT by Miral identified the Arabian Sand Cat as one of four conservation priorities for 2026, alongside sea turtle tracking, sustainable aquaculture and Dama Gazelle conservation, according to the programme’s announcement on Zawya. The race gives the programme a public-facing fundraiser, with running shoes doing some of the administrative work.
Who can take part in the Run for Impact Arabian Sand Cat race?
The event is open to all ages and fitness levels, with 3km, 5km and 10km options. Registration is mandatory.
What should participants expect besides the race?
Al Ain Zoo will run family activities including face painting, photo opportunities and Arabian Sand Cat trivia from 6:00am to 10:00am.
What does the registration fee support?
The AED 50 fee supports Arabian Sand Cat research and conservation initiatives under IMPACT by Miral, including field monitoring and data analysis in Abu Dhabi.
