Falaaj Al Malla hosts the 4th round of the 'UAE Villages Running' races 2025

The UAE Council for Balanced Development held its fourth "UAE Villages Run" race in Umm Al Quwain's Falaj Al Mualla region, bringing together families, children, and people with disabilities in a community celebration that showcased local culture and promoted healthy living. The event reflects the UAE's broader strategy to develop rural areas while preserving their natural heritage and agricultural identity.

The race took place under the patronage of Sheikh Dhiyab bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development Affairs and Martyrs' Families, as part of the "Year of Community" initiatives. Participants competed across three distances: a 1.5-kilometer family run, a 5-kilometer community race, and a 10-kilometer competitive event.

What made this race special was its agricultural focus. Falaj Al Mualla's unique landscape of mountains, valleys, and farms created a distinctive backdrop that highlighted the region's farming heritage. The National Agricultural Center set up a farmers' market showcasing local produce and modern farming techniques, while Siemens Energy distributed seedlings from local farms to participants.

Dr. Amina Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, attended the award ceremony alongside Mohammed Khalifa Bakheet Al Kaabi, Secretary General of the UAE Council for Balanced Development. Traditional Emirati performances added cultural depth to the sporting event.

The initiative serves multiple purposes beyond fitness promotion. It's designed to boost tourism in rural areas, support local agriculture, and strengthen food security by highlighting organic and seasonal produce. For these communities, the events bring economic activity and national attention to regions that might otherwise remain overlooked.

The races represent a practical approach to balanced development - the UAE's strategy to ensure growth reaches beyond major cities. By combining sports, culture, and agriculture, the events create sustainable tourism opportunities while preserving local traditions.

The 2025 series runs in partnership with ADNOC and collaborates with sports councils, municipalities, and tourism authorities across the country. This coordination ensures each location receives proper support and marketing exposure.

For participants, the races offer more than exercise. They provide direct contact with UAE heritage, from traditional performances to hands-on agricultural experiences. Families can learn about local farming while children engage with environmental conservation efforts.

The success of such events depends on genuine community participation rather than top-down organization. Early indicators suggest strong local engagement, with diverse age groups and abilities represented in the competition categories.