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Over 3 million participants find their challenge as record-breaking Dubai Fitness Challenge 2025 concludes |
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Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) 2025 has wrapped up its most comprehensive edition yet, with a record-breaking participation of over 3 million, proving that Dubai has truly embraced the vision of becoming one of the world's most active cities. An initiative of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, the ninth edition saw the 'Find Your Challenge' tagline come alive throughout November as residents and visitors discovered their perfect path to the 30x30 goal – 30 minutes of daily activity for 30 consecutive days. The invitation to 'Find Your Challenge' resonated across the city, transforming Dubai into an open-air fitness hub where everyone – regardless of age, ability or fitness level – discovered activities that motivated them most. Four flagship events unite the city Dubai Stand Up Paddle, presented by RTA, brought participants back to Hatta Dam on 8-9 November for its expanded two-day format. The third edition combined free stand-up paddleboarding and complimentary kayaking with 30-minute sunset yoga sessions on the water, all set against Hatta's stunning mountain landscape. Free equipment and shuttle transport from central Dubai ensured accessibility for all. Dubai Run, presented by Mai Dubai, delivered the month's most anticipated moment on 23 November as over 307,000 runners descended on Sheikh Zayed Road. The world's largest free community run featured a 5km family-friendly route finishing near Dubai Mall on Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, and a 10km route for experienced runners finishing at DIFC Gate Building. The morning kicked off with a spectacular parade of Dubai Police supercars, aerial paramotors with LED lights, giant LED puppets, warrior drum crews, and DJs from UNTOLD energising participants at the start and finish lines. Both routes came alive with marching bands, stilt walkers, circus acts, bubble arches and celebratory mascots greeting finishers. Dubai Yoga made its debut on 30 November at Zabeel Park, where thousands gathered for a mass sunset session against the backdrop of the Dubai Frame. Renowned yoga instructors Dylan Werner, Sarah Medina, and Yash Moradiya led participants through an energising breathwork session before guiding the mass practice. The inaugural flagship event celebrated mindfulness, balance and collective wellbeing, offering dedicated zones for People of Determination and families. Embodying the UAE's 'Year of Community' theme, the event brought participants together for a powerful collective exhale that perfectly closed DFC 2025. Every neighbourhood finds its challenge Three free 30x30 Fitness Villages operated throughout November at Kite Beach, Zabeel Park and Al Warqa'a Park, offering everything from functional fitness and boxing to spinning, padel and multi-sport courts. Meanwhile, 30 Community Fitness Hubs brought professional-led workouts directly to neighbourhoods – ensuring that whether the challenge was beachfront yoga at JBR, skateboarding at Dubai Investment Park, mountain biking at Hatta Wadi Hub, or golf clinics across premier courses, it was always within reach. World-class sport and community challenges Beyond these marquee events, the month was packed with community challenges and endurance events. Participants tackled obstacle courses at Spartan Wadi Hub Hatta and Tough Mudder Hatta, ran the Mushrif Park Half Marathon and Plus500 City Half Marathon Dubai, tested their limits at Arabian Warrior, conquered the unique Aura Tri-in-the-Sky, and celebrated UAE National Day with the SKECHERS UAE National Day Run. The Emirates NBD Unity Run, Turf Games Dubai City Series, UAE MTB Challenge, and countless other events ensured there was truly a challenge for every interest and ability level. Famous faces join the challenge DFC's own flagship events attracted an impressive roster including fitness entrepreneur Leana Deeb, founder of Uplift You; human biologist Gary Brecka, founder of The Ultimate Human; global fitness leader Kayla Itsines, founder of SWEAT; former professional footballer Bacary Sagna; and a host of other guests.
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