Dubai Fitness Challenge eighth edition more inclusive and accessible

This year ‘s Dubai Fitness Challenge - the eighth edition of the event - was more inclusive and accessible than ever before, helping millions of residents and visitors of all ages and abilities to commit to their 30 x 30 goals.

The 2024 Dubai Fitness Challenge held from 26th October to 4th November, attracted a record-breaking 2,735,158 million participants - marking a 14% increase from last year.

The Dubai Fitness Challenge is a government run initiative set up to stimulate and push Dubai to become the world’s most active city. This forward-thinking project aims to encourage more than 100,000 citizens, residents and visitors of Dubai, to move physically and more actively anytime and anywhere for 30 minutes a day, every day, for 30 days. The city-wide initiative is aimed at bringing together fitness enthusiasts of all backgrounds, ages, and skill levels.

According to the data by DFC, 83% of the participants at the eighth edition of the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) experience better sleep quality after completing the month-long event, along with significant improvements in both physical health and mental wellness.

In addition to better sleep, 18% of participants are reported to be feeling more physically fit, while 15% highlighted improvements in their general sense of wellbeing.

A major highlight of DFC 2024 was the extensive range of free activities and events offered across the city. With 30 x 30 fitness villages set up at popular locations like Kite Beach, Zabeel Park, and Al Warqa’a Park, fitness enthusiasts were able to participate in a variety of workouts, sports events, and kids’ activities. In total, 467,288 people explored the three venues during the duration of the challenge.

Additionally, 25 community hubs were established across Dubai, bringing fitness directly to neighbourhoods. These hubs attracted over 60,000 participants who took part in free fitness classes, including sessions led by professional trainers at world-class facilities.

Flagship events
The DFC’s flagship events, including Dubai Stand-Up Paddle (SUP), Dubai Ride, and Dubai Run, once again attracted thousands of residents and visitors for unforgettable experiences.

The second annual Dubai Stand-Up Paddle, held at Hatta Dam, saw 2,330 participants (up from 1,000 last year) enjoy a range of aquatic activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and sunset yoga, set against the stunning backdrop of the Hajjar mountains.

Dubai Ride, the region’s largest community cycling event, set a new record with 37,130 participants. Cyclists had the option to choose between a 4km family-friendly route and a more challenging 12km stretch along Sheikh Zayed Road. The event also introduced the Dubai Ride Speed Laps, where experienced cyclists raced at speeds of up to 30kmph.

Age and abilities were no barriers as 278,000 people took to the emirate’s iconic Sheikh Zayed Road to participate in Dubai Run 2024, with runners taking part in the 10km and 5km routes.

Supporting participants
To help participants navigate the wide array of activities, DFC offered an interactive map that helped people locate fitness venues and track events. In addition, several popular fitness apps, such as Whoop, Technogym, and ASICS Runkeeper, partnered with DFC to offer additional support and motivation for participants, with fitness challenges and progress tracking tools.

Technogym had developed the Dubai Fitness Challenge app in 2023 which was again deployed in 2024.The Dubai Fitness App powered by Technogym is easily accessible, from any smartphone. By using the application participants are able to sign up to the challenge, view all the activities and events available to them and track their personal progress and daily contribution to the Dubai Fitness Challenge.

DFC is becoming a key pillar in Dubai’s mission to become one of the world’s most active cities. By promoting an active lifestyle and providing accessible fitness opportunities, DFC is not only improving the health of individuals but also transforming the city’s infrastructure with new parks, fitness centres, and outdoor workout areas.

Building a legacy of health and fitness
This year’s success highlights the continued growth of the Dubai Fitness Challenge and its positive impact on the community.

Saeed Hareb, Secretary-General of the Dubai Sports Council noted “with 2,735,158 participants this year alone and more than 13 million participants to date, we have shown the power of DFC to make a healthier lifestyle accessible to all and to ignite a collective fitness journey that goes beyond 30 days. I would like to congratulate all who took part for achieving their goals, and express my gratitude to all those who contributed to the remarkable success of DFC 2024.”

Ahmed Al Khaja, Chief Executive of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment added “the remarkable response to this year’s DFC has been inspiring to see, reflecting the community spirit of our extraordinary city and its ability to transform lives for the better.

“This eighth edition was more inclusive and accessible than ever before, helping millions of residents and visitors of all ages and abilities to commit to their 30 x 30 goals. This year showed that an active lifestyle – and the health, happiness and sense of accomplishment that it brings – truly is for everyone. There is no doubt that the passion and purpose it has inspired will motivate individuals to continue their health and fitness journeys.

“DFC’s outstanding success would not have been possible without the invaluable support of our partners, sponsors and volunteers. Together, through dedication and commitment to a shared vision of a thriving community, we can improve lives and build a legacy for a healthier and more active Dubai."

Community support
Beyond the main events, DFC also focused on supporting local communities. Fit Republik, a fitness partner for DFC, held special Zumba classes for female blue-collar workers and elderly residents, encouraging even more people to stay active and healthy.

The entities that powered this year’s event included organisers such as the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and Dubai Sports Council; Presenting Partners DP World, Dubai Municipality, Mai Dubai, and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA); Association Partners Sun & Sand Sports, The Brain and Performance Centre - A DP World Company, Citi Mastercard, Decathlon, dubizzle, Emirates, Emirates NBD, e&, La Roche Posay, MIRA Developments, talabat, Wasl, Whoop, Shamal – Kite Beach, Emaar and Hatta Kayak; Official Partners Dubai Chambers, Emarat and Supercare Pharmacy; Media Partner Arabian Radio Network (ARN); and Government Partners Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, Dubai Health, Dubai Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Dubai Police, Ministry of Education and Event Security Committee.

Images from top: Dubai Run 2024 Credit: DFC; sunset yoga Dubai Stand-Up Paddle. Creedit: DFC; Technogym technolgy. Credit: Technogym