Why running means more than a sport for these Emirati women

For many Emirati women, running has come to symbolize much more than physical exercise — it’s a powerful journey of self-discovery, resilience, community and empowerment that challenges traditional boundaries and celebrates personal and collective growth. At the heart of this movement, women like Azza Alghunaimi and Khawla Al Marzouqi describe running as a transformative experience that tests mental strength, discipline and endurance, and allows them to represent Emirati women on both national and international stages, inspiring others to pursue their own athletic goals with passion and purpose.