Dubai Roads to Face Temporary Closures
Dubai is preparing for the 25th edition of the Dubai Marathon, with thousands of runners expected to take part on Sunday, February 1, 2026. The event will pass through several busy areas, including Umm Suqeim, Al Sufouh, Jumeirah, and Dubai Media City.
Because the marathon uses public roads, temporary closures and traffic restrictions will be introduced. Residents and visitors travelling through these areas should plan their journeys before heading out.
When Will Traffic Restrictions Begin?
Although the main races are scheduled to start from around 6am, road restrictions will begin several hours earlier.
The first announced closure is scheduled for 1am, while additional restrictions will be introduced from approximately 4:45am. Traffic arrangements will remain in place until the races have passed and the roads can safely reopen.
Key Roads Affected by the Event
Abdullah Omran Taryam Street Closure
Abdullah Omran Taryam Street is scheduled to close from 1am. The affected section is between Umm Suqeim Street and Al Thowima Street.
Drivers who normally use this route during the early morning should consider another road before the closure starts.
Jumeirah Street Restrictions
From around 4:45am, part of Jumeirah Street will be subject to restrictions between the Al Mehemal Street intersection and the Dubai Internet City intersection.
Motorists should expect changes to normal traffic movement in this area.
King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street
The same section of King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street will also experience a partial closure from approximately 4:45am.
These restrictions are designed to provide a clear and controlled route for marathon participants.
When Will Normal Traffic Return?
Traffic arrangements will change as the races progress. From around 8am, one lane is expected to reopen for vehicles on Jumeirah Street and King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street.
Full access will return after the marathon and associated races have finished and traffic authorities have cleared the affected routes.
Where Will the Races Start?
The different Dubai Marathon events will begin opposite Madinat Jumeirah in Umm Suqeim.
The location will become particularly busy because participants, support teams, spectators, and event staff will all be using the surrounding area.
Details of the 4km Race
The 4km fun run provides a shorter course for participants who do not want to complete the longer distances.
The route heads toward the Al Sufouh area before looping back toward Madinat Jumeirah. Traffic around the starting and finishing areas may therefore be affected during the event.
What to Expect From the 10km Course
The 10km race follows a wider route through parts of Dubai. Runners will pass locations such as Dubai College, One&Only Royal Mirage, and Dubai Internet City before returning toward Madinat Jumeirah.
People travelling around these locations during the race should allow additional time for their journeys.
The Full Marathon Route
The main marathon covers the official 42.195km distance and takes runners considerably farther through Dubai.
The course extends toward Dubai Media City and the Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi before incorporating sections of Jumeirah Beach Road. The Jumeirah Beach Road portion includes multiple passes as part of the full marathon route.
How the Closures Could Affect Drivers
Temporary closures can increase traffic on surrounding roads because motorists are redirected away from the marathon route.
Even if your destination is outside the race area, your normal journey could take longer than usual. Checking traffic conditions and planning an alternative route can help reduce delays.
Tips for Getting Around Dubai During the Marathon
Plan Your Journey Early
Check your route before leaving home, particularly if you need to travel through Umm Suqeim, Jumeirah, Al Sufouh, or Dubai Media City.
Allow Extra Travel Time
Give yourself additional time for possible diversions and congestion around the closed roads.
Use Alternative Roads
If your usual route is affected, choose an alternative road before reaching the closure rather than waiting until you encounter a diversion.
Follow Official Traffic Directions
Drivers should pay attention to temporary signs and instructions from traffic-control personnel during the event.
Why Does the Marathon Require Road Closures?
A large road race needs a controlled route so that runners can compete safely. With thousands of participants using sections of public roads, temporary restrictions help separate runners from vehicle traffic.
Traffic management also allows organizers and authorities to control intersections and movement around the course.
What Residents Should Keep in Mind
People living near the route should be aware of the early start to road restrictions. Those with morning appointments, work commitments, hotel transfers, or other plans in the affected neighbourhoods should arrange their travel in advance.
Visitors staying around Madinat Jumeirah and nearby coastal areas should also expect changes to regular road access.
Frequently Asked Questions
The 25th edition of the Dubai Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, February 1, 2026. Thousands of runners are expected to participate across different race categories.
The first planned road closure is scheduled to begin at approximately 1am, several hours before the races start. Additional restrictions will be introduced later in the morning as runners move onto the course.
The races are expected to begin at around 6am. However, motorists should remember that some road closures will already be in effect before the starting time.
Traffic restrictions will affect several areas along the marathon route, including Umm Suqeim, Jumeirah, Al Sufouh, Dubai Internet City, and Dubai Media City. The level of disruption will vary depending on the specific road and race category.
Abdullah Omran Taryam Street is scheduled to close from approximately 1am. The closure will cover the section between Umm Suqeim Street and Al Thowima Street.
Final Takeaway
The Dubai Marathon 2026 is expected to create temporary traffic changes across several parts of Dubai on February 1. Restrictions will begin as early as 1am, with further closures introduced before the races start at around 6am.
Abdullah Omran Taryam Street, Jumeirah Street, and King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street are among the roads affected by the announced arrangements. Drivers can make the morning easier by checking their route beforehand, allowing extra time, and following official traffic instructions.
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