Born to Sudanese parents in Dubai, Israa Sharaf expresses immense gratitude for the UAE, a nation that has allowed her to blossom into a resilient, self-reliant woman.
As a qualified dentist and a single mother of two, Israa successfully navigates the challenges of balancing her career with the responsibilities of parenthood, always wearing a smile. Her ability to multitask even extends to pausing conversations to check on friends, a habit perhaps influenced by the caring nature of the city she fondly calls home. 
Dubai, the city that has been her backdrop, has not only fostered her professional and personal growth but has also inspired her passion for running. Embracing the role of a regular marathon runner, Israa recently participated in the Burj2Burj half-marathon, a race that commenced at Burj Al Arab and concluded at Burj Khalifa.
Running this route, featuring two iconic landmarks, evoked a sense of nostalgia for Israa. Recalling her childhood in the UAE, she reminisces about a time when the Jumeirah area lacked the developments we see today, with no Kite Beach, a basic Sheikh Zayed road, and no towering Burj Khalifa. Witnessing the country’s remarkable transformation since then fills her with amazement.
Israa attributes her dedication to a healthy lifestyle to Dubai’s safe and secure environment. As a woman, the ability to venture out for a run at 3 in the morning without fear is a precious aspect of her life. The necessity of early morning runs to beat the sun’s heat becomes a seamless part of her training routine, with the added comfort of feeling secure.
Dubai’s kindness and the generosity of its early risers also contribute to Israa’s positive lifestyle. She highlights the existence of proper running tracks across the city, coupled with the presence of free water stations and considerate individuals placing water coolers outside their homes for public use.
In her reflective moments, Israa expresses a deep longing for her home country, Sudan, which has long grappled with socio-political conflicts. Drawing a stark contrast between the privileges she enjoys in Dubai and the challenges faced by her compatriots in Sudan, she dedicates her runs to advocating for peace in her homeland and other strife-ridden regions like Gaza, Ukraine, Congo, and Ethiopia.
Israa’s aspirations include running a full marathon in Sudan one day, symbolizing her hope for peace to return to her country. Through her runs, she strives not only for personal wellness but also for the well-being of refugees, women, and those who endure adversity beyond their control. Each stride becomes a symbolic gesture of solidarity and a testament to her commitment to a brighter, more peaceful world.