DUBAI: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced extended Dubai Metro operating hours for Sunday, January 12, in a move aimed at enhancing convenience for participants and spectators at the 2025 Dubai Marathon.
Metro services will begin at 5AM, three hours earlier than usual, to accommodate the influx of attendees for the Marathon, one of the city's biggest sporting events.
The Dubai Marathon, now in its 24th edition, will see thousands of athletes from across the globe taking part in various categories, including the 42km full marathon, a 10km race, and a 4km fun run.
Who is participating?
The event, which starts at 6AM, will feature some of the world’s top runners, including former World Marathon champion Lelisa Desisa of Ethiopia, who set a personal best of 2:04:45 in the Dubai Marathon back in 2013.
Road closures
The RTA’s extended Metro hours come as part of efforts to ensure smooth transportation for attendees heading to the marathon, which will be held on Umm Suqeim Road, opposite the Madinat Jumeirah.
The event will cause several road closures, with Umm Suqeim Street being shut from midnight onwards, affecting areas such as Al Sufouh and Dubai Media City.
Alternative routes and vehicle crossing points will be set up to mitigate traffic disruptions, with the RTA advising drivers to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys.
Race route
The marathon’s race routes, starting and finishing near Madinat Jumeirah, will include distinct paths for each race category. The full marathon will extend over 42.195km, taking runners through landmark areas like Dubai Media City and Jumeirah Beach Road.
As participants tackle the flat, fast course, drivers in the affected regions are urged to take alternative routes to avoid delays.
With the early Metro start, the RTA encourages those attending the event to use the Metro services as the most efficient transport option, avoiding road congestion while ensuring a timely arrival at the event.
Metro service timings
The extended hours will also allow marathon spectators to make their way to key viewing spots and cheer on the runners. As the race continues throughout the morning, public transport services will remain in full swing, supporting both locals and visitors in accessing the event without the hassle of road traffic.