The Burj2Burj half-marathon Dubai road closures have become a key consideration for runners, residents, and businesses. Scheduled for early February, this iconic city race crosses some of Dubai’s most recognisable districts, requiring carefully coordinated road closures and phased reopening throughout the morning.
- Burj2Burj 2026 half-marathon
- Confirmed 2026 route and key segments
- Everything about the Burj2Burj half-marathon, Dubai road closures
- Guidance for runners
- Guidance for non-participants
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
Burj2Burj 2026 half-marathon
The race is officially organised as the Burj2Burj Half Marathon 2026 and is operated in coordination with Dubai Police for safety, emergency response, and road closures. Permissions and reopening schedules are aligned with the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
The event holds World Athletics Elite Label status, with a prize structure aligned to Gold-label road races. This status influences both route design and the strict enforcement of cut-off times tied to road reopening requirements.
Event basics
- Event: Burj2Burj Half Marathon (21.1 km)
- Date: Sunday, 8 February 2026
- Start time: 06:30 (elite and sub-1:30 batch; subsequent waves follow)
- Cut-off time: 3 hours from the moment each runner crosses the start line
- Start location: Jumeirah Emirates Towers area, at the junction between Jumeirah Emirates Towers and DIFC
- Finish location: Sunset Beach, near Burj Al Arab
- Route concept: “Burj to Burj” – a city-crossing route linking Dubai’s most iconic landmarks, designed for fast times
Confirmed 2026 route and key segments
The 2026 Burj2Burj route highlights Dubai’s landmarks while marking key race segments and road closures.
Start and early kilometres
The start line for 2026 is slightly shifted near the Jumeirah Emirates Towers and DIFC junction to avoid nearby roadworks and accommodate a larger field of runners. Shortly after the start, runners get early views of Burj Khalifa before moving onto infrastructure linked to Sheikh Zayed Road.
The course then crosses a Sheikh Zayed Road bridge, marking the first major transition from the central business district toward older residential corridors.
Mid-course highlights
The mid-course includes several critical checkpoints that double as traffic-management triggers. These include Al Wasl, the 2nd December area, and the Dubai Canal Bridge.
The Canal Bridge, encountered around kilometre 12, is the only significant climb on the route. Often referred to by runners as “The Hill”, it offers panoramic skyline views but also represents a key cut-off point for road reopening.
The overall course profile remains largely flat apart from this section, which is why organisers highlight its fast, record-friendly design.
Final kilometres and finish
After the canal, runners approach the Jumeirah Beach Exit, another cut-off location tied to road access near the coast. The final kilometres run parallel to Sunset Beach, finishing near the Burj Al Arab.
The finish zone also functions as a celebration area with entertainment, recovery facilities, and prize-giving ceremonies scheduled throughout the late morning.
Everything about the Burj2Burj half-marathon Dubai road closures
While a full street-by-street closure map has not yet been released, the structure of the closures is already defined.
Overall road management approach
The event operates in conjunction with Dubai Police, with road closures approved and enforced alongside the RTA. Roads reopen progressively based on runner cut-off times rather than reopening all at once.
This rolling reopening system allows parts of the city to return to normal traffic flow while the race continues elsewhere. Runners who miss cut-offs are removed from the course via sweep shuttles once roads must reopen.
Cut-off points linked to road reopening
Although final maps are pending, organisers have confirmed specific cut-off locations and times that determine when roads can reopen.
| Location | Function | Cut-off time (race clock) | Road-impact implication |
| Al Wasl | Checkpoint and intermediate cut-off | 07:40 | Roads in the Al Wasl corridor are expected to progressively reopen once the section is cleared of runners. |
| 2nd December area | Checkpoint and intermediate cut-off | 08:25 | Roads around the 2nd December Street area reopen in phases after the cut-off is reached. |
| Dubai Canal Bridge | Checkpoint at the main elevation | 09:20 | The Dubai Canal Bridge section must be cleared so bridge traffic can safely resume. |
| Jumeirah Beach Exit | Late-race checkpoint | 10:10 | Key approach roads toward the beach begin reopening after runners pass this point. |
| Finish line (Sunset Beach) | Final cut-off | 10:20 | After this time, roads and beachside access gradually return to normal traffic patterns. |
These cut-offs are designed to balance runner safety with the need to restore traffic flow across major corridors.
Expected types of roads affected
- Near-start area: Early-morning lane or full closures around Jumeirah Emirates Towers and DIFC.
- Key arteries:
- Routes linking DIFC and Jumeirah Emirates Towers with the Burj Khalifa corridor and Sheikh Zayed Road.
- Al Wasl Road and the 2nd December area are aligned with cut-off points.
- Dubai Canal Bridge is temporarily closed or heavily restricted.
- Finish and beach area: Traffic controls around Jumeirah Beach Road and Sunset Beach during the finish window.
Indicative timing window for road disruption
Although the race starts at 06:30, setup closures typically begin much earlier, sometimes from around 02:30. Based on the final cut-off at 10:20 and post-race clear-down, some areas may experience disruption from very early morning through late morning.
Guidance for runners
Race logistics are tightly connected to traffic planning.
Race-day timing and arrival
Runners are advised to arrive well before 06:30 due to early closures around DIFC. Taxis, ride-hailing, and Metro access are generally easier than private cars, though some walking may be required.
On-course logistics tied to closures
Aid stations, medical coverage, and marshals are deployed along the entire route. Marshals strictly enforce cut-offs so roads can reopen on schedule.
Cut-offs and their rationale
Each cut-off reflects agreements with Dubai Police and RTA. Missing a cut-off means removal from the course to ensure public roads can reopen safely.
Guidance for non-participants
Residents and visitors not taking part should also plan carefully.
Best practices for drivers
- Avoid driving near DIFC, Al Wasl, Dubai Canal, and Sunset Beach during race hours.
- Avoid roads crossing the race route between DIFC and the Burj Khalifa area, Al Wasl, 2nd December, and the Canal zone during race hours.
- Parallel arterial roads and parking away from the route are usually more practical.
- Prefer Sheikh Zayed Road sections that do not directly intersect the race route.
- Check the latest RTA and Dubai Police updates for final road-closure maps and timings.
Public transport users
Dubai Metro services typically operate normally, though station exits may redirect pedestrians. Bus routes near the course may face temporary diversions.
Pedestrians, cyclists, and beachgoers
Crowd control is expected near the canal and beach areas. Beach access remains possible via designated routes, but parking and vehicle access will be limited until roads reopen.
Key takeaways
The Burj2Burj half-marathon Dubai road closures take place on Sunday, 8 February 2026, with the race starting at 06:30 and finishing near Sunset Beach by 10:20. Road closures are coordinated with Dubai Police and RTA and reopen progressively based on fixed cut-off points. While the course is mostly flat, strict time management is essential for runners, and early planning is key for residents and drivers in affected areas.
FAQs
Exact street lists are not yet published, but closures are expected around DIFC, Al Wasl, the 2nd December corridor, Dubai Canal Bridge, and Sunset Beach.
Closures may begin in the early morning, with phased reopening between 07:40 and 10:20, depending on the location.
Cut-offs determine when roads must reopen. Runners missing them are removed so traffic can resume safely.
The Bib collection is only at the Expo on 6 and 7 February 2026.
Plan movements outside the race window and follow RTA and Dubai Police updates closer to the event.
