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Dubai Fitness Challenge starts in 3 days: All you need to know

Dubai - Mix of virtual and physical events for residents to commit to a fitness regime

The Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) is springing back into action this year with a hybrid format, giving participants a mix of virtual and physical events.

Encouraging residents to watch their health more closely amid the pandemic, a top official unveiled details of the 30-day challenge that starts on October 30.

Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said last year’s challenge saw over one million people commit to 30 minutes of physical activities daily for 30 days.

“This year’s programme will have in place the highest standards of safety precautions and social distancing measures. A diverse range of easily accessible fitness and wellness activities, complemented by a robust programme of virtual sessions, will offer even more flexibility this year, ensuring every individual can stay connected and motivated throughout the month — wherever they are, whenever they like; whether at home or in safe, socially distanced settings,” said Khaja.

The official said that DFC 2020 will feature three dedicated fitness villages located at Kite Beach, Al Khawaneej and Dubai Festival City Mall. It will also have 10 community-centric fitness hubs, more than 200 virtual sessions and over 2,000 classes in 150 locations. The calendar will also feature flagship programmes, including the biggest citywide fun run called Dubai Run.

Saeed Hareb, Secretary-General of the Dubai Sports Council, said: “For us, sports is an essential activity at all times, but it has become even more important in this period of Covid-19. Exercising and staying fit strengthens your immune system and a strong immune system is your best defence against illness.”

What’s new this year?

>> Up to 90% off during mega sale: The opening weekend of the challenge will see the first ever DFC Mega Sale at The Dubai Mall. On October 29-31, shoppers can get up to 90 per cent off on sports, health and wellness brands. It also offers up to 75 per cent off on fashion, beauty, accessories and more.

>> Free access to global fitness apps: For the first time, DFC participants will be able to benefit from free, 30-day access to leading global fitness apps like Fitbit Premium, NEOU, Steppi, Sworkit, Daily Burn, FIIT and Les Mills on Demand.

>> The Arch: Khaja said from among the three fitness villages, the Festival City Mall will be the newest adventure spot.

“The centrepiece of the village will be The Arch, a giant state-of-the-art multi-purpose iconic venue. The attraction will host four thrilling activities — a climbing wall, zip line, bag jump and quick flight.”

>> Take in Dubai sights as you run: Weekly Dubai running tours will provide a unique, on-foot perspective of iconic sights across the city. The tours allow participants to choose from three routes with varying difficulty levels — a 5km fun run around Burj Lake in Downtown Dubai; an advanced 10km beach run along Kite Beach; and a self-guided, 3km ‘treasure hunt’ style quest in the Dubai Creek area. These are available for free on the Questo city explorer mobile game.

saman@khaleejtimes.com