Post by : Badri Ariffin

Scheduled for January 17 and 18, 2026, Abu Dhabi will be the venue for the Cyber Run & Ride, a community-oriented event that fuses running and cycling activities to promote health and raise consciousness about technology and cybersecurity.

Organized by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council with support from the UAE Cybersecurity Council, this initiative is part of extensive national efforts aimed at enhancing community engagement, fostering active lifestyles, and increasing digital awareness among youth and families.

The Cyber Run & Ride, designed to be family-friendly, features a special event village packed with interactive experiences, community activities, and educational engagement zones, creating a lively atmosphere that merges sports, learning, and awareness appropriate for all ages.

Running events will kick off on January 17, offering participants a choice between various distances, including half marathon, 10km, 5km, and 2.5km. Cycling activities will follow on January 18 in a non-competitive format emphasizing recreational riding and inclusive participation.

Dr Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government, remarked that this initiative signifies the understanding that mentally and physically fit individuals, supported by informed families, form the first line of defense against digital threats.

He voiced concerns regarding criminal networks that misuse cyberspace and social media to manipulate young people through deceitful means, highlighting the necessity for community awareness and the active involvement of families in teaching safe digital practices.

Dr Al Kuwaiti emphasized that the Cyber Run & Ride goes beyond mere sports, delivering a significant message about how productive lifestyles and constructive engagements can safeguard individuals against cybercrime and online illicit activities. Regular physical activity, he noted, enhances concentration and mental stability, aiding individuals in recognizing dangerous digital behaviors and making conscientious online decisions.

Additionally, he pointed out the vital role families play in maintaining digital safety by guiding children, fostering open dialogues, and educating them about cybersecurity, which nurtures a responsibly technologically savvy generation.

As he concluded, Dr Al Kuwaiti reinforced that events like Cyber Run & Ride exemplify the UAE’s dedication to establishing a healthy, informed, and digitally secure society, urging community members to engage actively in awareness-driven initiatives.

Meanwhile, Aref Hamad Al Awani, the General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, noted that this event echoes the council’s strategy to broaden community sports involvement throughout the emirate.

Al Awani indicated that Cyber Run & Ride is aimed at inspiring residents to embrace active lifestyles while delivering a comprehensive sporting experience that blends entertainment with education, ultimately contributing to an enhanced quality of life in Abu Dhabi.

He also highlighted that the collaboration with the UAE Cybersecurity Council aligns with the proclamation of 2026 as the Year of Family, supporting national objectives centered around family unity, stability, and social well-being, while amplifying awareness of the family’s integral role in a robust society.

In the following weeks, more details related to race routes, accompanying activities, and online registration will be unveiled.

This forthcoming event builds upon the success of the first Run & Ride held on February 18, 2024, on Abu Dhabi Corniche, which drew thousands of participants and set a benchmark for a community initiative promoting health, sports, and social consciousness.

#Global News