When you travel to Dubai, the city is covered with great architecture and luxury. Ultra Trail Dubai 2025 welcomes runners to the rugged mountains, meeting with ancient wadis and desert sceneries as the ultimate test of endurance for the athlete.
Set for December 5-7, 2025, at Hatta Wadi Hub, this is one of the most thrilling activities in Dubai. It’s not just for athletes; it’s designed for everyone. First-timers can opt for shorter distances, while ultra-runners can take the races to 3,329 meters of elevation gain. Families looking for unique things to do in Dubai will find this a perfect weekend adventure, with races starting as early as 6 AM and running through Sunday morning.
Organised by the team behind the popular Burj2Burj event, Ultra Trail Dubai combines international race standards with stunning landscapes. With aid stations, professional timing, night running, and strict safety measures, it’s a complete mountain running experience. Whether you’re an elite athlete or exploring activities in Dubai with your family, there’s a trail waiting for you.
Ultra Trail Dubai 2025 Overview: Dates, Venue & Race Schedule
When and Where is Ultra Trail Dubai 2025?
Ultra Trail Dubai 2025 is an event to be held at Hatta Wadi Hub, December 5-7, 2025. Hatta is the location of the grand event, which is 130 kilometres southeast of the city centre of Dubai, and is the ideal setting for the Hajar Mountains.
Race Day Schedule for All Distances
The weekend spans multiple days to accommodate six distance categories:
Saturday, December 6, 2025:
- 100km Ultra Trail: 6:00 AM
- 50km Trail: 7:00 AM
Sunday, December 7, 2025:
- 30km Trail: 6:00 AM
- 15km Trail: 8:30 AM
- 5km Trail Dash: 10:00 AM
- Mini Trail (1km): 11:00 AM
Hatta Wadi Hub is the race headquarters, and it features modern facilities and all the starting points are conveniently located. It brings about a festival mood wherein runners, crews and supporters collect – thus it is indeed one of the most involving events in Dubai for the whole family.
Ultra Trail Dubai 2025 Route Distances and Elevation Details
The Ultimate 100km Challenge
The 100km race is the most challenging of all. It has a time limit of 26 hours, coupled with 3,329 meters of altitude gain coupled with steep uphill and technical downhill, and scenic mountain views, making it daunting for advanced trail runners.
50km and 30km Distance Options
The 50km route provides 2143m of elevation in 12 hours- that is a huge challenge without full ultra dedication. It is ideal with runners who are training for longer distances.
The 30km course gives 1,260 meters of elevation increase with an 8-hour time restriction. This middle-ground alternative presents the views of Hatta but is still accessible to road runners who use technical trails.
Shorter Distances: 15km, 5km, & Mini Trail
It has a distance of 15km, which has an elevation of 478 meters, with a 5.5-hour time limit, which is suitable for those who are just starting trail running, or who want to run something shorter and faster.
The 5km route has 111 meters of elevation with a 2-hour time limit to give a sample of the experience in the Ultra Trail Dubai 2025 and not to stress the participants too much.
Mini Trail is the final attraction in this category with a 1-kilometre adventure run designed especially for young runners, which makes it one of the most family-friendly activities in Dubai.
Route Experience – From Desert to Summit
Exploring the Hajar Mountains Terrain
The Hajar Mountains are the ancient peaks, which were formed as a result of the collision of the Arabian and Eurasian plates. The runners pass through rocky ridges, which change their colour to either rust-red or amber according to the light. These are not round-shaped hills but mountainous, demanding attention and reverence.
The wadis, sometimes change into running waterways. These natural corridors form microclimates wherein the vegetation is shade-giving, and contrast to the rough mountains.
Night Running and Technical Trail Sections
Furthermore is the exploration into distant wilderness where there is a sense of total silence. The 100km night race makes the whole experience completely different, as one can see the mountains in a new light with piercing headlamps in the dark.
Safety, Aid Stations & Medical Support
Professional Safety Standards and Emergency Response
Safety is the priority. The aid stations are located strategically along every route and entail hydration, nutrition, and medical evaluation. Medical personnel and trained volunteers assess the condition of the runners and offer help at the required level.
Medical units of mobile type roam the course, which is linked to the race headquarters by communication channels. There is a helicopter evacuation capacity in case of severe medical cases, but the organisers stress that these are rarely the cases, and such cases need to be properly prepared.
Mandatory Equipment Requirements
Depending on the distance, runners must carry mandatory safety equipment. Such necessities as emergency blankets, first aid kits, whistles, and mobile phones with emergency numbers are required. The longer routes must have headlamps to run at night and a minimum water capacity.
During the race, random gear inspection is carried out, and the consequences of the same can include the addition of time or disqualification. MYSOS emergency application enables runners to dispatch alerts with their location in places where there is a poor mobile connection.
Ultra Trail Dubai Race Rules and Cut-Off Times
Race Bib Requirements and Runner Identification
During the race, race bibs should be displayed on the front of the body during the competition. This will make it easy to be identified at the aid stations, timing check points and in times of emergencies.
Support Crew Rules and Self-Sufficiency Standards
The race is, to a certain degree, self-sufficient. Only up to a distance of 100 meters from official aid stations, support crews may help. Pacing, muling or supply of materials outside these zones attracts time penalties of 30 minutes.
Cut-Off Times for Each Distance Category
Checkpoint cut-off times are strictly enforced:
- 100km: 26 hours
- 50km: 12 hours
- 30km: 8 hours
- 15km: 5.5 hours
- 5km: 2 hours
These timings allow for walking portions while maintaining safety margins.
Environmental Protection and Leave No Trace Principles
The principles of Leave No Trace are unconditional. All garbage should be taken to the dumping sites by runners. It is cupless, and the participants carry their drinking utensils to maintain the wildness.
The running of the course is the mandate of the runner. Although the trails are identified by signs and tape, the participants are required to use the prescribed route.
Registration & Pricing Details of Ultra Trail Dubai 2025
Three-Tiered Pricing Structure Explained
Early Bird (August 4-31):
- 100km: 499 AED
- 50km: 399 AED
- 30km: 349 AED
- 15km: 149 AED
- 5km: 100 AED
Sale Period (September 1 – October 31):
- 100km: 549 AED
- 50km: 449 AED
- 30km: 399 AED
- 15km: 199 AED
- 5km: 149 AED
Late Sale (November 1-28):
- 100km: 699 AED
- 50km: 549 AED
- 30km: 449 AED
- 15km: 249 AED
- 5km: 199 AED
The Mini Trail costs 50 AED at any time of registration.
The registration can be closed when the participation limits are reached, whether in the sales period or not.
What’s Included in Your Race Entry
Entry services cover professional electronic timing, medals to finishers who run on time, aid station nutrition and hydration and extensive safety facilities. The bag drop services are offered freely to the participants, with 100km runners being offered an extra refuel bag drop at designated points throughout the course.
Age Requirements and International Participant Tips
Minimum ages: 15km -16 years; 30km -20 years; 50km and 100km -20 years.
Foreigners need to make early bookings of flights and accommodation- December is the high season when tourists travel to Dubai. Hatta provides different accommodation forms, such as luxury resorts, which are well-positioned close to the race venue and other things to do in Dubai.
Whether you’re coming for the Ultra Trail Dubai 2025 or exploring other things to do in Dubai, this event is one of the most memorable attractions in Dubai for both runners and spectators alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Ultra Trail Dubai 2025?
Ultra Trail Dubai 2025 is a mountain and desert running event held at Hatta Wadi Hub from December 5 – 7, 2025.
2. Where is the Ultra Trail Dubai held?
It takes place at Hatta Wadi Hub, about 130 km from central Dubai, in the Hajar Mountains.
3. What are the race distances in Ultra Trail Dubai?
There are six categories: 100km, 50km, 30km, 15km, 5km, and a 1km Mini Trail for kids.
4. When does Ultra Trail Dubai 2025 start?
Races start at 6:00 AM on December 6 and continue through December 7, 2025.
5. Who can join Ultra Trail Dubai?
Anyone can join; beginners, families, and professional runners. Minimum age is 16 years.
6. How much is the Ultra Trail Dubai entry fee?
Entry fees range from AED 100 to AED 699, depending on distance and registration period.
7. What is the elevation gain in the 100km race?
The 100km trail has an elevation gain of 3,329 meters, making it the toughest race.
8. Are aid stations available on the route?
Yes, aid stations provide water, snacks, and medical support along every route.
1 AED