Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has announced extended Dubai Metro operating hours on Sunday, February 1, to support the smooth movement of runners and spectators attending the Dubai Marathon 2026.
According to the RTA, metro services will operate from 5am until 12am on the day, allowing participants and visitors to travel more easily to and from marathon-related locations across the city. The extension is aimed at easing congestion and encouraging the use of public transport during major sporting events.
Dubai Marathon 2026
The Dubai Marathon 2026 will mark a major milestone as the event celebrates its 25th anniversary on February 1. Runners will take on a fast and flat course, a key feature of the race, with a grandstand finish inside the Dubai Police Academy, offering a strong finale for both athletes and spectators.
Race start times have been adjusted for this year’s edition. Elite marathon runners will begin at 5.45am, followed by the general marathon field at 6.30am, which is 30 minutes earlier than the 2025 start time. The revised schedule is aimed at improving race conditions and overall flow.
The event continues to offer multiple race categories to suit different fitness levels. These include the full marathon of 42.2 kilometres, the 21.1-kilometre half-marathon, a 10-kilometre race, and a 4-kilometre fun run designed for families and first-time participants.
The RTA said the extended metro hours are intended to ensure smooth and efficient travel for everyone involved, reinforcing Dubai’s focus on supporting large-scale sporting events with reliable public transport.
