The eighth edition of the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) will kick off on October 26, 2024 with a stunning array of fitness activities and experiences around the city designed to widen public participation and motivate more people to switch to an active lifestyle.
Launched in 2017 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, the hugely popular initiative showcases Dubai’s sustained efforts to be recognised as the world’s most active city.
The DFC seeks to inspire the community as one to aim for incremental fitness goals and a healthier lifestyle by committing to 30 minutes of daily physical activity over a period of 30 days. Starting Saturday, 26 October 2024, Dubai will transform into one sprawling gym hosting 30 action-packed days of fitness, fun, and community activities and events to enable everyone to realise the 30×30 goals. Running until Sunday, 24 November, DFC 2024 promises an unparalleled experience for everyone, regardless of age or ability.
Dubai Fitness Challenge 2024
Here is a look at everything on offer throughout this year’s Dubai Fitness Challenge.
Three Fitness Villages
With an extensive lineup of experiences including sports, classes, events, and more, three 30 x 30 fitness villages at Kite Beach, Al Warqa’a Park, and Zabeel Park will be accessible to the public for free. These vibrant epicentres of sporting activity create a lively atmosphere that encourages greater participation and fosters a sense of community.
Join the challenge at the DP World Kite Beach 30 x 30 Fitness Village, where fitness meets fun in one of Dubai’s most vibrant destinations. Here, you’ll find activities tailored to all fitness levels and ages, including an impressive sports lineup, fitness zones, and dedicated children’s classes. Watch fitness inspiration come to life at the e& Main Stage while enjoying a wide variety of activities. From gymnastics, boxing, and MMA to exciting new additions, including beach volleyball and water sports, there’s no shortage of ways for you to get active.
Additionally, with family-friendly zones, a wellness area, and the aqua park, Kite Beach provides the perfect backdrop for both fitness and fun. Open weekdays from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm for schools and 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm for the public, and from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm on weekends, this fitness village is more than just a workout venue – it’s your chance to connect, stay active, and achieve your own personal 30 x 30 goals.
Conveniently located in Zabeel Park, the all-new Dubai Municipality Zabeel Park 30 x 30 Fitness Village is your ultimate destination for an immersive experience that combines running and cycling. This space boasts a variety of fitness zones, including a new Cricket Zone, Running Club, Spinning Zone, 3 on 3 Basketball Court and a Kids’ Fitness Zone. With plenty of opportunities for fitness, fun, and photo-worthy moments along the way, you can also join in on dance sessions and fitness classes held on the main stage.
So, whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or just starting your fitness journey, the Dubai Municipality Zabeel Park 30 x 30 Fitness Village invites you to come together in a celebration of health and community. Serving as the central hub from where participants can collect their bibs for the Dubai Ride and Dubai Run events, this fitness village is open Monday to Thursday from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm, with bib collection available throughout, while on Fridays, it opens from midday to midnight, with bib collection starting at 4:00 pm. Saturdays will be just as action-packed, welcoming people from 8:00 am to midnight, while on Sundays it will be open from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm, with bib collection available throughout the day.
Set in the picturesque Al Warqa’a Park, the brand-new RTA Al Warqa’a Park 30 x 30 Fitness Village offers a fun and energising fitness experience for all ages and fitness levels. At the heart of the village is the Cycling Hub, featuring 75 bikes with on-site mechanics to ensure you have a smooth ride, while the new Running Club, along with dedicated zones for kids, ladies, and football lovers, adds variety and ensures that you can find your perfect activity.
From supervised playgrounds for children to action-packed multi-sport zones with activities ranging from cycling and football to tennis and basketball, there’s no shortage of ways for you to stay active and have fun. Open Sunday to Thursday from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm, and Friday to Saturday from 4:00 pm to 11:30 pm, it’s the perfect place for you to get active, stay fit, and create lasting memories!
Dubai Stand-Up Paddle, presented by RTA
Paddle into a world of adventure at DFC’s second Dubai Stand-Up Paddle, presented by RTA on Saturday, 2 November. Perfect for paddlers of all levels, this exciting event offers 45-minute sessions for adults and 30-minute sessions for families amidst the stunning scenery of the Hatta mountains.
Additionally, if you’re looking to dive deeper into the beauty of Hatta’s crystal-clear waters and add another layer to your aquatic adventure, take advantage of the free one-hour kayaking sessions – new for this year and available on a first-come, first-served basis to all registered participants. A mass participation challenge will bring the stand up paddle community together, giving you the opportunity to team up with fellow paddlers for a spirited display of fitness, teamwork, and camaraderie. Register now at www.dubaifitnesschallenge.com and check out what’s happening in Hatta on the said weekend.
Dubai Ride presented by DP World
Gear up for the fifth edition of Dubai Ride, presented by DP World on Sunday, 10 November, offering you the chance to experience Dubai like never before, no matter your age or cycling ability. This year’s event features routes for everyone; choose between the family-friendly 4-km route through Downtown Dubai or the challenging 12-km ride along Sheikh Zayed Road, with five different starting gates located at the Museum of the Future, Al Satwa, the Coca-Cola Arena, Business Bay, and the Lower Financial Centre. Each path offers you a unique perspective of the city’s architectural marvels, from the soaring Burj Khalifa to the striking Museum of the Future and iconic Dubai Opera.
For an additional thrill, experienced riders over 21 years old can also try the brand-new Dubai Ride Speed Laps from 5:00 am to 6:00 am on the 12-km route, offering a unique chance to experience the excitement of high-speed cycling on Sheikh Zayed Road. To join, all you need is to maintain an average speed of 30km/h, ride a bike capable of sustaining this pace, have peloton riding experience, and follow the instructions of the Dubai Ride Marshals.
Register now at www.dubairide.com and get ready for an unforgettable ride through the iconic streets of Dubai.
Dubai Run presented by Mai Dubai
Registrations are now open for the thrilling sixth edition of Dubai Run, presented by Mai Dubai, which will be staged along the iconic Sheikh Zayed Road on Sunday, 24 November – the final weekend of DFC 2024. Runners and joggers from all walks of life, abilities, and fitness levels are invited to challenge themselves to go the distance – choose between two distinct routes, both starting on Sheikh Zayed Road near the Museum of the Future and featuring DJ zones and live musicians, creating a lively atmosphere that transforms the race into a full-scale celebration of fitness. Push your limits along the 10-km track past Dubai’s most famous landmarks, concluding at the DIFC Gate Building near Emirates Towers. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxed 5-km jog or run with friends and family while taking in the sights of Downtown Dubai. This leisurely morning route concludes near Dubai Mall’s Souk Al Bahar on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard. Whether you aim to break a personal record or simply soak in the festive atmosphere, Dubai Run promises an unforgettable weekend.
Participants can also pick up their bib from the Dubai Municipality Zabeel Park 30 x 30 Fitness Village. Register now at https://www.dubairun.com to bring your DFC journey to life.
25 community hubs
Prepare to explore exciting sporting opportunities right in your neighbourhood with 25 community hubs located throughout the city. These hubs are designed to offer daily free activities and workout sessions right at your doorstep, making it easy for the whole family to embrace a healthier and more active lifestyle. No matter where you are in the city, there’s a community fitness hub close by, ready to motivate you on your fitness journey:
- Athletic Caravan Initiative Fitness Hub
- Aqua Fishing Academy Fitness Hub
- Bluewaters Fitness Hub
- City Walk Fitness Hub
- Danube Sport World Fitness Hub
- Dubai Design District Fitness Hub
- Dubai Digital Park Fitness Hub
- Dubai Media City Fitness Hub
- Expo City Dubai Fitness Hub
- Gate Avenue Fitness Hub
- Global Village Fitness Hub
- Golf is Good Fitness Hub
- Hatta Wadi Hub Fitness Hub
- JLT Fitness Hub
- P&O Marinas Fitness Hub
- Ripe Market Fitness Hub
- Sustainable City Fitness Hub
- The Beach, JBR Fitness Hub
- Tilal Al Ghaf Fitness Hub
- Town Square Fitness Hubs
- Wasl Green Park Fitness Hub
- Wasl One Fitness Hub
- World Trade Centre Fitness Hub
- Zabeel Park Fitness Hub
- Zayed Sports City Fitness Hub
All 25 community hubs will offer daily complimentary activities, sessions, and classes to support you on your path to wellness. Check the DFC website for more details on schedules and activities.
Health apps to boost the DFC experience
To support the month-long celebration of fitness and wellness, a variety of health and fitness apps will offer special packages and activities to keep participants motivated and on track to achieve their 30×30 goals. Download and sign up with your favourite health apps today to make the most of this year’s Dubai Fitness Challenge!
Global brands amplifying DFC
An array of global brands will also be supporting DFC and hosting specific activations, including adidas, Anta, Asics, Gymshark, lululemon, new balance, Nike, Puma, Real Madrid, and Skechers. With exciting experiences planned throughout the challenge, there will be ample opportunities to engage with your favourite brands and discover new fitness trends.
Action-packed month of events and activities
If three 30-day fitness villages, 25 community hubs, and multiple mega mass participation events weren’t enough, there will also be an action-packed calendar of events taking place throughout the month. Don’t miss out on weekly workshops, fitness classes, seminars, and sports events designed to engage everyone, including families, kids, and seasoned athletes.
Shaping the future: The business of sports
From groundbreaking biohacking techniques to the future of fitness, sports medicine advancements, and sustainability initiatives, this edition of DFC sees an unprecedented number of local, regional, and international organisations choosing to host their sports and fitness-related events during the challenge. Be part of the conversation and experience the cutting-edge developments that are shaping the future of sports and fitness.
Thousands of free classes, events, and retail offers citywide
Throughout DFC, you will also have access to thousands of diverse fitness classes, events, and activities, as well as offers across retail outlets, fitness and wellness centres, gyms, hotels, and leisure attractions across the 30 days to enhance your fitness journey.
The entities helping DFC strengthen the spirit of the community this year include organisers Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and Dubai Sports Council, along with various partners and sponsors.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
