Running from October 18 to November 16, the Dubai Fitness Challenge is the world’s only citywide fitness movement, comprised of over 5,000 activities. Its creator, the Crown Prince of Dubai wants you to get involved.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, launched the movement two years ago and has this year been very vocal on how he wants anyone and everyone to take part. The young royal has assured this year is the most diverse iteration yet, welcoming in nationals, residents and visitors alike.
According to WAM, Sheikh Hamdan explained that:
“The Dubai Fitness Challenge is our mission to unify the city in one truly inclusive fitness movement, with a common goal of achieving and maintaining active lifestyles. As we enter the third year of DFC, it is imperative that we recognise why this journey must start with each and every one of us, if we are to truly have a positive influence on the health and wellbeing of our families and the future generation. In each of DFC’s previous editions since its launch, I have been overwhelmed by the incredible participation and enthusiasm of all my fellow residents and I count on all of you even more this year to help us achieve our goal of becoming ‘the most active city’ in the world.”
“DFC 2019 promises to be more diverse, entertaining and action-packed than ever before – and is literally bringing fitness to every doorstep with its brand new ‘City is a Gym’ activation across the communities of Dubai. I encourage all our people – nationals, residents and visitors alike – to get a minimum of 30 minutes of activity every day for 30 days. I am personally very excited to gear up for the challenge and urge the entire city, young and old, to get on the journey with me. Let’s make every step count.”
The near-month long push is made up of a wide variety of fitness events, including triathlons, half-marathons, runs, races, swimming or even obstacle courses. It’s open to people of any fitness level, with each activity being categorised by intensity, ranging from “ALL” to “ADVANCED”. “ALL” activities are things like charity walks and yoga classes, whereas “ADVANCED” can be gruelling multi-sport events like triathlons.
All in all, there are 40 events, 5,000 different classes, and 10 community-based Fitness Hubs to come together and meet other motivated people. The variety of choices also make up part of Sheikh Hamdan’s ‘City is a Gym’ incentive, designed to help everyone achieve 30 minutes of activity during the DFC event. ‘City is a Gym’ intends to make the whole of Dubai as accessible as possible for fitness-seekers, no matter where you are.
All residents and visitors can pledge to join the Challenge by registering on the Dubai Fitness App or the DFC website (not to be confused with Dubai Festival City).
