Second Annual UAE Healthy Kidney 5K Raises Over $60,000 For Local Kidney Patients

Miami, FL – February 10, 2026 – The UAE Healthy Kidney 5K returned to Miami on January 31, drawing a record 1,100 runners and raising over $60,000 to support the National Kidney Foundation of Florida (NKFF). The UAE Embassy in Washington, D.C. and NKFF have partnered together to promote kidney health, focusing on early detection and funding life-saving programs and research. All run proceeds benefitted local patients and families fighting kidney disease.

“Our partnership with the National Kidney Foundation of Florida reflects a commitment to giving back to where we live and work,” said UAE Consul General to Miami His Excellency Mohammed Abdulla Al Ahbabi. “The UAE’s investment in this community extends far beyond economic—it’s about caring for the wellbeing of our neighbors in South Florida.”

Since 2005, the UAE Embassy in Washington, D.C. and Zayed Charity Run— a global run series founded in memory of the UAE’s founding President and kidney transplant recipient, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan—have brought together nearly 100,000 runners nationwide to support community health initiatives and fight kidney disease.

Local leaders, including the Mayors of Coral Gables and Palmetto Bay, joined the festivities. Miami-Dade County and other cities recognized the charitable event with official proclamations of support presented to Zayed Charity Run, accepted by Chairman HE General Mohamed Helal Alkaabi.

The run also welcomed senior UAE officials including Minister of State HE Noura Al Kaabi, Ambassador to the UN HE Mohamed Abushahab, Consul General to New York HE Amna Almheiri and diplomats from the UAE Embassy in Washington D.C.

Ahead of the race, the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council hosted a reception in honor of the run, bringing together UAE officials, the new UAE Consul General in Miami, members of the South Florida business community and local leaders, including Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.

A family-friendly festival followed the race, with prizes for top finishers, giveaways and authentic Emirati cultural experiences such as henna.

This year’s run was made possible through the support of the UAE Embassy in Washington, D.C., Zayed Charity Run and sponsors: Erth, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, ADQ, Emirates Airlines, Red Crescent and Al Habtoor Group.

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