Lebanese fitness influencer raises the bar ahead of 6th edition of Dubai Fitness Challenge

Emile Zarife, who hails from Lebanon, founded AnaSharqi.Com in October 2015 to give a voice to an Arab man.

AnaSharqi, which loosely translates to ‘I’m Middle Eastern’, has evolved into a one-stop online fashion and fitness guide for Arab men.

The portal encapsulates an archetypal Middle Eastern male, who’s fit, fashionable, takes care of his well-being while staying true to his Arab values and heritage.

Zarife considers himself to be that quintessential Arab male, who’s modern and trendy and yet proud of his roots and encourages healthy living.

The website, which has become a rage since its launch, draws its strength from Zarife’s personal accomplishments — he is one of Dubai’s 30x30 Fitness Challenge (DFC) ambassadors and motivational speakers in Dubai Active.

He has also been named Top 100 Influencer of the Year at the International Metaverse conference 2022 and recognised by Esquire Middle East magazine as the Best Dressed Man 2019.

“My aim is to inspire and motivate people to stay fit and healthy,” says a soft-spoken Zarife, who studied Radio Arts and TV in his native Lebanon before moving to Dubai around nine years ago. “Communication has always been in my DNA,” he says with a quiet confidence.

Initially, Zarife started his career in broadcasting in Beirut, Lebanon, and later moved to publishing as an editor for a technology magazine. “In Dubai, I became the editor-in-chief of one of the top Arabic online lifestyle magazines in the region and then went on to found one on my own. Dubai is a city of opportunities and I’m fortunate to have moved here,” he says.

Zarife lays emphasis on his core beliefs. “Healthy body is the source to a healthy mind. Exercise and healthy eating are tools that can help manage stress, improve mood, and make a person happier. When you exercise regularly, sleep well, and make informed eating choices, both your body and brain function at their highest capacity. Everyone can lead a healthy life or start a wellness journey if that person puts his/her mind into it and shows commitment and consistency,” he adds.

Zarife reveals how he became a fitness influencer. “After experiencing how being active and healthy had a positive effect on my physical and mental health, and how it improved my self-confidence and productivity, I made it my mission to promote self-care,” he says.

“I started to share my experience with my friends and acquaintances and when I saw the positive impact on their lives, I started using social media platforms to promote healthy living and wellness. Soon, I created a buzz and became an influencer,” he adds.

joydeep@khaleejtimes.com