Image: WAM

Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) start today with a full fitness program 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 Dubai Executive Council, aims to transform Dubai into one of the most active cities in the world.

With a range of 30-day fitness villages, exciting events and fun community centres, here’s your guide to making the most of your first week of DFC to kick-start your journey.

Train at the 30×30 fitness villages

• Kite Beach Fitness Village: This village offers everything from beach workouts to children’s fitness areas. Try your hand at cricket, cool off in the water park or play beach volleyball. It is open every day, with weekday hours from 8:00am to 1:00pm for schools and 3:00pm to 11:00pm for the public.
• Zabeel Park Fitness Village: Ideal for family and group activities, this village offers fitness areas for everyone. Take part in dance classes or sessions or relax in a yoga session. It is open from 16:00 to 23:00 on weekdays and longer hours on weekends.
• Al Warqa’a Park Fitness Village: It houses a cycling center with 75 bikes, a dedicated jogging track and areas for football, tennis and more. A great place 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 Hatta’s waters. This event takes place on November 2nd.

Join the fun at community centers

• Aqua Fishing Academy Hub (Palm View East): Perfect for learning sport fishing, with simulators and practical techniques. It runs daily with afternoon sessions.
• City Walk Fitness Center: A Halloween themed program with belly dancing, ice baths and a 20% discount on the NoWayOut escape room.
• Global Village Kids Fitness Center: A theater just for children with dance and movement classes. Open from 5pm to 9pm, allowing parents to explore the Global Village while the little ones get active.

Unleash your inner warrior with Arabian Warrior OCR

• Arabian Warrior Race: Taking place at Dubai Island Beach, this thrilling obstacle course is a mix of Arabian-themed challenges, with options from 5k to 50k for all fitness levels. Taking place on Saturday, October 26 at Dubai Island, near Dubai Island Beach, it promises to add a touch of glitz and glamor to your fitness routine.

Run for fun during the Dubai Fitness Challenge

• Skechers Night Run: A community night run with 3km, 5km and 10km options. Join fellow fitness enthusiasts at The Track Meydan Golf on 30 October.
• Plus500 City Half Marathon: This will take place on October 27, starting from the Gate Building in the Dubai International Financial Center and offering scenic routes through Downtown Dubai.
• Women’s Round 2024: This event will take place on November 3 at Al Forsan Park, Expo City Dubai, celebrating female empowerment through a vibrant, women-only race that brings together participants from around the world.

Be competitive at the Dubai Premier Padel P1

• Dubai Premier Padel Tournament: From November 3-10 at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, watch the elite players and enjoy the excitement of padel – or participate in the Dubai Padel Cup community tournaments.

Vvisit Gate Avenue Fitness Hub at DIFC

• DIFC 20th Anniversary Hub: Enjoy 20 free fitness classes for 20 days, this fitness center offers a variety of workouts, perfect for adding exercise in the middle of the day.

Relax with yoga and Pilates at Ripe Market

• Ripe Market Hub: Find balance with yoga, Pilates and outdoor workouts. Open daily from October 26 to November 1, then Saturdays and Sundays until November 24, 8am to 7pm.
• Catch Dubai Active at Dubai Exhibition Centre: Check out the best fitness trends and train with celebrity trainers Kayla Itsines and Leana Deeb at the region’s largest health and wellness event. It runs until October 27.

DFC has something for everyone, so grab your workout gear and join the fun. Visit www.dubaifitnesschallenge.com for full programs and updates.