Road Closures Announced on Friday for Dubai Marathon

Road Closures Announced on Friday for Dubai Marathon

The Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon, one of UAE biggest sporting events, is back this weekend.  It’s an annual 42km race that runs along Beach Road and back. It’s one of the fastest marathons in the world, so it’s no surprise that some elite runners would be trying to set some new records.

Photo Credit: Getty/Francois Nel

Due to the race, there will be road closures around the city, so we’ve put together all the information you need to know to help you be prepared.

Race Details

There will be three marathons taking place this Friday, January 18, 2017. The main marathon (42km) starts at 6:30 am and the second marathon (10km) starts at 9 am. Both of them begin at the Umm Suqeim Road, opposite of Madinat Jumeirah. There’s an additional 4km run at 11 am taking place on Al Wasl Road, near Al Jalila Foundation. All the finish lines will be at the Dubai Police Academy, at the end of Umm Suqeim Road.

Road Closures

All roads of the races will be closed. This will take place on Friday, January 20, 2017 from 6 am to 12 noon. Expect roads and areas such as Beach Road, Umm Suqeim Road, Madinat Jumeirah, Al Sufouh Road, Dubai Media City on King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Street and Omran Tariam Street to be closed all morning on Friday. 

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Here’s a map to help you visualise the roads…

Watching the Race

If you’re interested in watching the runners, we recommend doing so from opposite of Burj Al Arab. The finish line is also a great place to be, as the athletes and their fans celebrate and cheer. There are also grandstands for you to sit.

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The record time for such a marathon is 2 hours and 2 minutes, so make sure to be there before the 2 hour mark if you want to witness a possible new world record.  Be sure to cheer loud as everyone could use encouragement for this long run!

Photo Credit: thenational.ae

Parking

If you’re watching the race and driving there, parking might be an issue. You won’t be able to park anywhere on Jumeirah Beach Road, Madinat Jumeirah, Al Sufouh Road or the Police Academy area.

You can however park at the Al Barsha area, Mall of Emirates of further down Al Wasl Road and then take a taxi.