Some people exercise for 30 minutes before going to work, while others find time in their busy schedules to stay fit.
Thousands of people took part in the 6th Dubai Fitness Challenge, transforming Dubai into an outdoor gym.
Fitness villages, neighborhood parks, homes… the city is on the move in response to the call of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. Some people exercise for 30 minutes before going to work, while others find time in between their busy schedules to exercise. For others, it’s a time when they love to travel to cities.
For Scottish friends Lindsay and Joe, the Dubai Fitness Challenge is the perfect excuse to travel to Dubai every year. They had been visiting him occasionally since 2001, but it wasn’t until 2019 that they discovered the challenge. “On the first day of our vacation in October 2019, Kite saw a fitness village on the beach when he talked to the beach,” he recalls Jo.
“But we envisioned it would be some kind of organized sporting event. We never imagined it would be available to everyone. I was hooked.”
But the pandemic ruined it, and this is the first time since then that the friends have been able to return. Told.
“So far this year we have competed in a female pair for the Under Armor Turf Games Engine. It is something we have never done before and we are very proud to have come in second place. DP World Kite I enjoyed some classes at the Beach Fitness Village, completed the Military Boot Camp at the RTA Last Exit Fitness Village, and did a 5K run at DIFC’s My Dubai City Half Marathon.”
Friends say what they love most about this challenge is the buzz and energy. “Multiple age groups, cultures and fitness abilities all work together in an inclusive environment. “Our friends and family think it’s a little crazy for us to work out on our days off, but we love it!” Lindsay chuckled.
Preetam Savio works as a moderator and hosts daily workouts at the Kite Beach Fitness Village from 3pm to 11pm. On days when she can’t go to the gym before work, she attends a session at the gym. “There are a lot of classes like Body Combat, Zumba, Fit Boxing, HIIT, etc., but they only take 30 minutes, right? So I find time to do them while hosting.”
He says his experience hosting with Kite Beach has been incredible. “Fitness is for everyone. Everyone has their own mindset to work through their differences and support each other’s goals. Best of all, I’ve made so many new friends. I’m tired, but I’m not going to trade it for something else.”
Dubai tourist Anthony Stringer had never heard of the Dubai Fitness Challenge until he landed in Dubai. “I saw a hoard about fitness challenges, but I couldn’t figure out what it was,” he said. After returning to the city, I decided to cycle.”
According to Anthony, the campaign is unlike anything he’s seen before. “I’ve been to many countries, but I’ve never seen anything like this,” he said. “Fitness is a big focus everywhere in Dubai.
For Dubai resident Salma Ajmal, the 30×30 is an extra boost to keep her fit. “I’m generally a very active person, but this is an added accountability by the Crown Prince himself,” she said. I started the challenge this year, I jog or kayak every day, and on weekends, I want to participate in activities at the Fitness Village.”
The Dubai Fitness Challenge continues until November 27th, allowing residents to enjoy hundreds of free activities at two fitness villages and 19 fitness hubs across the city.
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