More than 10,000 classes, the world’s largest trampoline fitness session, and the World Padel Championship are just some of the things in store for UAE residents
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Get your sportswear and running shoes ready — the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) will be back this weekend.
More than 10,000 classes, the world’s largest trampoline fitness session, and the World Padel Championship are just some of the things in store for residents during the month-long fitness frenzy — which will run from October 29 to November 27.
The iconic Dubai Run and Dubai Ride that transformed Sheikh Zayed Road into a pavement for cyclists and runners will also be back.
The Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum invited all UAE residents to participate in the 6th edition of the 30x30 challenge.
“I look forward to having the whole community unite to turn Dubai into the world’s most active and dynamic city," he wrote in a tweet.
Launched in 2017, the DFC encourages Dubai residents to take up 30 minutes of activity a day for 30 days and transforms the entire city into a fitness hub. Last year, the DFC saw a record participation of 1.65 million people.
Start planning your 30x30 calendar and take note of the dates for the key events. Here are the details:
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To be held on November 6
Two routes: 12-km ride on Sheikh Zayed Road; 4-km family route on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard.
Six start and finish gates including MOTF, Satwa, Coca Cola arena, lower Financial Centre road and Business Bay
Register on www.dubairide.com
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To be held on November 20
Two routes: 10km and 5km
Register on www.dubairun.com
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The World Padel Championship will come to the UAE for the first time as part of the DFC. It will take place from October 31 to November 5 at the 5,000-seat Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium.
The two fitness villages of DFC will be back this year as well. Here are the details:
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Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 3pm-11pm
Saturday-Sunday 7am-11am
Attractions at this village:
Aqua Park
The Ring
Aviv Row- Ride- Jab
Etisalat by E& Base Main Stage
Fitbit- Core- Lift- Rebounder
Emirates NBD Cricket Arena
The Box by Nissan
Multi-purpose Court
Lipton Tone
Emirates Padel Court
Children’s Play Area
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Opening Hours: Monday- Friday 16:00-23:00
Saturday- Sunday 16:00- 00:00
Attractions at this village:
RTA Base Main Stage
Aster Ladies Studio
Mai Dubai Ride
Dubai Chamber Bounce
Children’s Area
This year, there will be a record 19 fitness hubs for the DFC, as compared to the 14 hubs last year. These are:
Dragon Mart
Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC)
Zabeel Sports District
Mohammed Bin Rashid Library
Sport Society
Dubai Silicon Oasis
Hatta
Dubai Design District
Champs Sports and Fitness Club
The Beach
Bluewaters
Dubai Multi Commodities Center
Palm Jumeirah
Dubai Sports City
The Space
Zabeel Ladies Club
Dubai Police Officers Club
Dubai Hills Mall
Dubai Festival City Mall
Dates for all the fitness hubs will be on the DFC website https://www.dubaifitnesschallenge.com/
An exclusive sports and fitness weekend will take place at Expo City on November 12-13. The activities will take place in 5 locations:
Al Wasl Dome
Jubilee Park
Surreal Water Feature
Garden In the Sky
Al Forsan Park
Some of the activities will be:
Expo City Run with distances of 3k, 5k, 10k or 15km
Expo City ride with distances of 12km, 18km, 40km and 74km
AC Milan football academy
Yoga sessions
Spinning
Gymnastics
Zumba and
The world’s largest trampoline fitness session
Last year, the DFC saw a record participation of 1.65 million people. “This year, we are expecting the numbers to be much higher,” said Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment. “Covid taught people the importance of being fit and healthy. So far, the numbers have been very encouraging. We are hoping to top last year’s participation numbers.”
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Nasreen Abdulla is a Special Correspondent covering food, tech and human interest stories. When not challenged by deadlines, you’ll find her pulling off submissions on the jiu jitsu mats.