Registration is now open for the sixth edition of the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) which returns this month and will run from October 29 until November 27.
For the month long event, everyone can take part in a wide range of free fitness events, workouts and more across the city, including their flagship events Dubai Ride and Dubai Run.
Launched by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum who is highly active himself, the Dubai Fitness Challenge is annual event that celebrates fitness and wellness. This year, their goal is to encourage everyone to complete 30 minutes of physical activity a day and inspire them to develop a fitness-focused mindset and lifestyle.
Speaking about the Dubai Fitness Challenge, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) Ahmed Al Khaja, stated:
“Each year, under the aspirational vision of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, the Dubai Fitness Challenge motivates residents and visitors to embrace a more active lifestyle and commit to a fitter future. DFC has become one of the largest city-wide fitness events regionally, and its recurring success demonstrates the commitment of our communities to making Dubai one of the most active cities in the world.”
“This year’s edition will see a more diverse and inclusive range of fitness activities and events than ever before, with a particular focus on encouraging participants to get outdoors and to complete their 30 minutes of daily activity for 30 days.”
More than 50 sporting events will also take place, including the World Padel Championships Dubai 2022, the final of the Legends Team Cup tennis event, DP World Tour Championship golf event, Dubai Sail Grand Prix and the Under Armour Turf Games.
Dubai Ride
Starting on November 6, Dubai Ride is a community cycling event costing of two unique routes and runs from 5am until 7:45am. Cyclists have the opportunity to cycle on either the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard or Sheikh Zayed Road and there are multiple starting gates for both routes.
The easier option is the 4km Downtown Family route as it’s flat and suitable for cyclists of all ages and abilities. It follows Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard and goes past Dubai Mall, Dubai Opera and the Burj Khalifa.
More experienced cyclists may opt for the 12km Sheikh Zayed Road route. It runs in a loop from Dubai World Trade Centre to Safa Park and back and includes a climb over the Dubai Canal Bridge.
Anyone interested in participating in the Dubai Ride will need to register for the event. At the moment, registration for the event isn’t open but you can sign up to be the first to know when it does open by clicking here.
After registering, all you need is your bike, helmet, water bottle and Dubai Ride bib.
Dubai Run
No cars, no bikes, just feet. On November 20 from 6:30am until 8am, the Dubai Run will let participants run along two different routes starting near the Museum of the Future on Sheikh Zayed Road.
The shorter route is 5km and is suitable for less experienced runners or those wishing to have their children participate. It is a very flat course which passes by Dubai Mall, Dubai Opera and the Burj Khalifa.
For those who think they’ve got a little more stamina in the tank may prefer the 10km route. It follows Sheikh Zayed Road to Dubai Canal, returns past Business Bay and Emaar Square, and ends on Al Mustaqbal St.
Anyone wishing to take part in the Dubai Run will also have to register for the event when it opens, but for now, they can register their interest by clicking here. Once that’s done, all you need to bring is your Dubai Run bib and t-shirt.
Both the Dubai Ride and Dubai Run are not races. The events are free and meant to encourage everyone of all fitness levels to take part.
Fitness Villages
There are two different fitness villages for the Dubai Fitness Challenge which are Kite Beach Fitness Village and Last Exit Al Khawaneej Fitness Village.
From October 29, fitness enthusiasts will be able to explore 15 different fitness zones at Kite Beach Fitness Village and take part in hundreds of classes such as aerobics, boxing, football, yoga and rowing.
The village is open from 3pm until 11pm from Monday to Friday and 7am until 11pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Most of the events are free, with some requiring an AED 30 admission fee.
Standout events include the Dubai Chamber Aqua Parks Leisure and new this year is the Cricket Arena where people can join a tournament or book an 8-a-side game with family and friends.
There’s also plenty of places to get food and drink nearby to refuel and recharge.
All you need to bring is comfortable training gear, a water bottle, towel and specialised equipment for the sports activity you’re taking part in.
More information on specific activities and class timings will be announced soon on their website here.
The other option is the Last Exit Al Khawaneej Fitness Village where every event is free. From October 29, there will be five different fitness zones to explore, where people will find intensive Ride classes, group sessions at the main stage, high-energy rebounded sessions and more.
Children are welcome to take part in martial arts, yoga, dance, zumba and other activities.
There’s also going to be various food trucks serving healthy food to everyone.
Last Exit’s opening hours are from 4pm until 11pm from Monday to Thursday and Sunday and will be open until Midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
More information on specific activities and class timings will be announced soon on their website here.
Fitness Hubs
Dubai Fitness Challenge will also feature three distinct fitness hubs: The Space, Zabeel Sports District and Dubai Silicon Oasis. All of them can have free entry.
The Space
Open from November 20 until November 27, the Space Fitness Hub is a luxury indoor sport centre that boasts a hypercar collection,advanced sports technology, and some of the top trainers in Dubai.
Located in Dubai Investment Park, multiple sessions are held everyday except on Sundays. There’s a fully equipped US Open-standard tennis court as well as an advanced golf simulator which will allow guests to play some of the most famous courses from around the world.
Zabeel Sports District
Located on the rooftop of the Zabeel Mall, this fitness hub is a multi-sports complex consisting of five panoramic padel tennis courts, two basketball and volleyball courts, four covered badminton courts, and one pitch for cricket with safety nets. It will also host a Dubai Padel Cup tournament.
Zabeel Sports District will operate from October 29 until November 11 and fitness enthusiasts can take part in yoga, body technique, mobility classes and more with a view of the Burj Khalifa.
Dubai Silicon Oasis
Located within the Event Plaza at Dubai Silicon Oasis, this fitness hub runs from October 29 until November 14 and is hosting a wide range of activities such as sunrise yoga classes, body combat and zumba, while children can take part in the kids karate, zumba and gymnastics classes.
Cyclist will also have the chance to break a Guinness World Record if they take part in the We Conquer Breast Cancer bike ride on October 30. If you’re not a rider but a fighter, there’s also the Les Mills Body Combat event on November 12.
Both the We Conquer Breast Cancer bike ride and Les Mills Body Combat event need to booked in advance but every other activity doesn’t require registration and you can just show up on the day.
Call 04 501 5000 or email [email protected] for more information.
Further information
Anyone that’s interested in learning more about fitness such as how to keep your body and mind in good health or fun ways to get the rest of your family active can do so from the Find Your 30 portal.
To learn more about the sporting events taking place as part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge can visit their events page here.