Image: WAM
The Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) kicks off today with a fitness-packed schedule designed to get everyone moving.
The city-wide initiative, first launched in 2017 by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, aims to transform Dubai into one of the most active cities in the world.
With a lineup of 30-day fitness villages, thrilling events, and fun community hubs, here’s your guide to making the most of DFC’s first week to jumpstart your wellness journey.
Work out at the 30×30 Fitness Villages
- Kite Beach Fitness Village: This village offers everything from beachside workouts to kids’ fitness zones. Try your hand at cricket, cool off at the aqua park, or take on beach volleyball. It is open every day, with weekday hours from 8am to 1pm for schools and 3pm to 11pm for the public.
- Zabeel Park Fitness Village: Ideal for family and group activities, this village offers fitness zones for everyone. Participate in classes or dance sessions, or relax in a yoga session. It is open from 4pm to 11pm on weekdays and longer hours on weekends.
- Al Warqa’a Park Fitness Village: Home to a 75-bike cycling hub, a dedicated running cub, and zones for football, tennis, and more. A great spot for fitness enthusiasts of all ages.
Paddleboarding at Hatta Dam
- Dubai Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) by RTA: Head to Hatta Dam for a day on the water with this SUP event for all skill levels. Register to join this scenic paddleboarding event, and enjoy free kayaking sessions to explore the Hatta waters. This event takes place on November 2.
Join in the fun at community hubs
- Aqua Fishing Academy Hub (Palm View East): Perfect for learning sport fishing, with simulators and hands-on techniques. Runs daily with afternoon sessions.
- City Walk Fitness Hub: A Halloween-themed schedule with belly dancing, ice baths, and a 20 per cent discount at the NoWayOut escape room.
- Global Village Kids’ Fitness Hub: A kids-only theatre with dance and movement classes. Open 5pm to 9pm, letting parents explore Global Village while the little ones get active.
Unleash your inner warrior with Arabian Warrior OCR
- Arabian Warrior Race: Happening at Dubai Island Beach, this thrilling obstacle course is a mix of Arabic-themed challenges with 5k to 50k options for all fitness levels. Taking place on Saturday, October 26 at Dubai Island, Next to Dubai Island Beach, it promises to add a dash of grit and glory to your fitness routine.
Run for fun during the Dubai Fitness Challenge
- Skechers Night Run: A nighttime community race with 3km, 5km, and 10km options. Join fellow fitness enthusiasts at The Track Meydan Golf on October 30.
- Plus500 City Half Marathon: This will take place on October 27, starting at the Gate Building at Dubai International Financial Centre and offering scenic routes through Downtown Dubai.
- Women’s Run 2024: This event will be held on November 3 at Al Forsan Park, Expo City Dubai, celebrating female empowerment with a vibrant, ladies-only race that brings participants from around the globe together.
Get competitive at the Dubai Premier Padel P1
- Dubai Premier Padel Tournament: Running from November 3-10 at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, watch elite players and enjoy the excitement of padel – or jump in for the community tournaments in the Dubai Padel Cup.
Visit the Gate Avenue Fitness Hub at DIFC
- DIFC 20th Anniversary Hub: Enjoy 20 free fitness classes over 20 days, this fitness hub offers a variety of workouts, perfect for adding some mid-day movement.
Relax with yoga and Pilates at Ripe Market
- Ripe Market Hub: Find balance with yoga, Pilates, and outdoor workouts. Runs daily from 26 October to November 1, then Saturdays and Sundays until 24 November, 8am to 7pm.
- Catch Dubai Active at Dubai Exhibition Centre: Check out top fitness trends and work out with celebrity trainers Kayla Itsines and Leana Deeb at the region’s biggest health and wellness event. It is being held until October 27.
The DFC has something for everyone, so grab your workout gear and dive into the fun. Visit www.dubaifitnesschallenge.com for full schedules and updates.