Dubai: Representatives of fitness organisations and businesses from across the emirate came together on Tuesday for workshops regarding the inaugural Dubai Fitness Challenge, which runs from October 20 to November 18.
Senior representatives of various government and fitness entities were briefed on the challenge and encouraged to find innovative ways to get their workforce and customers involved.
Among the participants were Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, and Dubai Sports Council.
Many of the gyms and fitness centres who joined proceedings also committed to giving away free exercise classes and opening up their venues for sporting activities during the monthlong, citywide initiative.
The support of these organisations will help elevate Dubai Fitness Challenge to a world-class event, organisers said, and inspire people of all ages and levels of ability to get involved, as well as position Dubai as the world’s most active city.
Encompassing a huge range of sporting events and supported by partners from across the public and private sector, Dubai Fitness Challenge boasts a packed diary of fitness activities throughout the month, in locations across the city.
The challenge includes hundreds of events, classes and activities that are free of charge.
To register and commit to 30 minutes of activity for 30 days, participants can visit www.dubaifitnesschallenge.com. Once the challenge starts, they can use the Dubai Fitness Challenge App to track their performance, discover events and unlock sporting offers.
The monthlong Dubai Fitness Challenge will start with a free-to-enter ‘Global Mala’ yoga event at Safa Park on October 20.
It will be followed by citywide activations, including more than 1,500 free workout classes and five weekend family fun carnivals (among 15 other partner sporting events).
Events during the challenge
The challenge seeks a commitment of 30 minutes of daily activity for 30 days, as announced on October 2 by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.
The Global Mala will be held on the launch day of the challenge — on October 20, from 4pm to 6pm.
Hosted by YogaFest Dubai, the community event — for people of all fitness levels who are aged 16 years and above — is inspired by traditional mala (garland) beads used by yogis to aid in meditation. Five qualified instructors will lead the two-hour session. There will also be celebrity training sessions, motivational speakers and other attractions at the event.
Following the kick-off, there will be four more Weekend Carnivals (held every Friday and Saturday) till November 18, the last day of the challenge.
From October 27 to 28, Kite Beach will host water sports and beach activities.
During the weekend after that (November 3-4), Skydive Dubai in Dubai Marina will set the scene for alternative sports, from parkour to skateboarding. Everyday, people can work out alongside more experienced enthusiasts at the venue.
Then, on November 10 and 11, Burj Park at Downtown Dubai will host free fitness classes for a weekend of family fun and fitness. There will be pop-up gyms, ninja warrior courses and fitness assessments, in addition to a parkour course and BMX and skateboarding ramps. Visitors can also tackle rowing and spinning challenges with friends. For the closing weekend carnival, to be held on November 17-18 at Dubai Festival City, Dubai Fitness Challenge will organise a closing show and award achievements.
