If you’re driving around Abu Dhabi this weekend, you might want to plan, because several key roads are set to close.

The Run for the Nation 5km race is taking over Wahat Al Karama this Saturday, bringing together the community for a morning of fitness and fun.

But it also means temporary traffic disruptions you should know about.

Here’s what’s happening
Organised by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in partnership with the Zayed Charity Run, the event kicks off at 8am, and it’s completely free to join.

To keep runners safe, road closures will be in place from 5am to 10am around the area.
There are additional lane closures on E20 due to ongoing infrastructure works:

• Right lane towards Abu Dhabi closed from April 17 (2pm)- April 20 (5am)
• Entry & exit from Al Fursan Street closed from April 18-April 19

Expect delays around Al Fursan Street and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (E20).

What should motorists do
• Leave earlier than usual
• Follow diversion signs
• Avoid the area if possible during peak hours

While traffic may slow things down, the event is all about community, fitness, and bringing people together, a big win for Abu Dhabi’s active lifestyle push.

So whether you’re running or just commuting, be ready, plan smart, and stay moving.

What started as a struggling fight night in Dubai turned into one of the city’s most talked-about sports events, and it’s all thanks to Tristan Hamm.

At a time when live events were taking a hit, this Canadian boxer and social media personality stepped up with his “Spirit of Dubai” initiative, completely changing the game.

From 98 per cent refunds to a packed arena
The event was on the brink of cancellation after nearly all tickets were refunded, leaving the venue almost empty.

But Hamm wasn’t having it.

He went all in, leveraging social media, personal outreach, and community connections to bring people back.

The result?
• More than 1,400 attendees
• Over 400 influencers and business leaders
• A buzzing, high-energy fight night atmosphere

The $200,000 move that changed everything
In a bold move, Hamm donated $200,000 in tickets to UAE residents, giving many their first-ever live boxing experience.

Within just 2 weeks, the event flipped from near-cancelled to completely sold out.

Then came the knockout
The fight night delivered serious action with multiple KOs, but the highlight? Hamm’s own explosive knockout win, which has now gone mega viral with over 500 million views on Instagram

More than just a fight night
With nearly 2 million followers, Hamm turned this into a global moment—showcasing Dubai’s energy, community spirit, and ability to bounce back.

His words summed it up perfectly: “Dubai didn’t need saving. It needed people to show up.”

This wasn’t just about boxing, it became a symbol of:
• Community power

• Resilience during uncertainty

• The comeback of Dubai’s live events scene

From empty seats to a viral global success, the “Spirit of Dubai” proves one thing: when people come together, the city comes alive.

Football fans in Dubai could be in for a big night this weekend as Cristiano Ronaldo and his Riyadh-based club, Al Nassr, prepare to take on Al Wasl in the first leg of the AFC Champions League Two quarter-finals.

The match will be played at Zabeel Stadium on Sunday, with kick-off scheduled for 6pm. The fixture was earlier postponed by the Asian Football Confederation and is now finally set to take place.

Back from injury

The main question on everyone’s mind is whether Ronaldo will feature. The Portuguese star has recently returned from injury and is in good form, scoring three goals in his last two matches. However, he has played only once in this competition so far, with the club managing his workload and focusing on the Saudi Pro League title race.

There are signs that this could change. With Ronaldo regaining fitness and the season entering a crucial phase, this match could offer him a chance to build rhythm and match sharpness. While his participation is not confirmed, fans remain hopeful.

Even if Ronaldo does not play, the match still promises top-level action. Players like João Felix and Sadio Mane are expected to feature, bringing quality and experience to the pitch.

Officials say the game is likely to draw a strong crowd, with or without Ronaldo. For Dubai, it is set to be a major football evening.