Your complete guide to Dubai Fitness Challenge 2023
The countdown to the seventh edition of the Dubai Fitness Challenge is on! Created by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, The Crown Prince and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, the month-long, city-wide 30×30 fitness event returns on 28th October, 2023. This year’s DFC calendar features free workouts, exciting events, wellness-centric entertainment, and more. Get ready to be inspired! Here’s everything you need to know about Dubai Fitness Challenge 2023.
About Dubai Fitness Challenge 2023
The unique fitness challenge has become one of the most popular annual events in Dubai. It was initiated in 2017 by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai.
Running from 28th October until 26th November 2023, the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) encourages every resident to do 30 minutes of exercise every day for 30 days.
Are you excited to create a fitness-focused mindset and switch to an active lifestyle? Let’s find out all that Dubai Fitness Challenge 2023 has to offer.
DUBAI FITNESS CHALLENGE EVENTS
From running and cycling to football, yoga, padel tennis and cricket, there’s so much to look forward to. For 2023, there will be 3 Fitness Villages, 25 Fitness Hubs and signature events, including Dubai Ride and Dubai Run. In addition, we’ll be seeing a new event called Dubai Stand Up Paddle.
Here’s a list of flagship and community Dubai Fitness Challenge events you can participate in.
For Dubai Fitness Challenge registration, please visit the official website.
DUBAI RIDE PRESENTED BY DP WORLD
Imagine waking up early to cycle on one of UAE’s busiest arterial highways. That’s right! For one morning, all Dubai residents can ride their cycles on Downtown Dubai’s iconic Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard and Sheikh Zayed Road.
This community cycling event will have two routes: 4km Downtown Family and 12km Sheikh Zayed Road.
The 4km Downtown Family route includes Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Dubai Mall, Dubai Opera and the Burj Khalifa. The easier of the two, this route suits cyclists of all ages and skills.
The 12km Sheikh Zayed Road route will cover the Dubai World Trade Centre and Safa Park. Participants must climb the Dubai Canal Bridge, making it more suited to experienced cyclists.
- Type of event: Flagship
- Location: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard and Sheikh Zayed Road
- Starting Point: Multiple
- What to bring: Your bike, helmet, water bottle, Dubai Ride bib
- Date: 12th November 2023
- Timings: 05:00 am to 07:45 am
- Charges: Free
- Registration: dubairide official website
DUBAI RUN, PRESENTED BY MAI DUBAI
Join the world’s largest fun race, Dubai Run and jog along the city’s legendary thoroughfare, Sheikh Zayed Road, starting at the iconic Museum of the Future. This flagship event has two distances: 5km and 10km.
The shorter 5km route has a flat track and is best for runners of all abilities. You will run past The Dubai Mall, Dubai Opera and Burj Khalifa.
More experienced runners can register for the 10km route that covers Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay, Dubai Canal, Emaar Square and Al Mustaqbal Street.
- Type of event: Flagship
- Location: Sheikh Zayed Road
- Starting Point: Museum of the Future, Sheikh Zayed Road
- What to bring: Your Dubai Run bib and t-shirt
- Date: 26th November 2023
- Timings: 06:30 a.m. to 08:00 a.m.
- Charges: Free
- Registration: dubairun official website
MAI DUBAI CITY HALF MARATHON
When did you last take part in a marathon? If you haven’t been part of the challenge, sign up for the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon. Participants will jog past some of the most iconic destinations in Downtown Dubai, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Sheikh Zayed Road.
Starting at Gate Building DIFC, the route will cover Burj Khalifa, Emirates Towers and the Museum of the Future. If a 21km half marathon sounds like too much work, you can register for the shorter formats – a 5km or 10km circuit, depending on your ability.
- Type of event: Flagship
- Location: Dubai International Financial Centre, Downtown Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road
- Starting Point: Gate Building, Dubai International Financial Centre
- What to bring: Training gear, water bottle, towel, sunscreen
- Date: 29th October 2023
- Timings:
- 07:00 a.m. 21 km
- 06:45 a.m. 10 km
- 06:15 a.m. 5km
- Charges:
- AED 225 – 5km race
- AED 175 – 10km race
- AED 150 – 21km race
- Registration: Required (only residents aged 16+ are eligible to participate)
NAKHEEL PALM RUN 2023
The first edition of the Nakheel Palm Run 2023 will be taking place on the 4th of November, 2023. This new run sets itself apart by being open to people of all abilities and levels, including people of determination – with the tracks being accessible for all. The prizes are quite tempting – there are cash prizes of up to 21k up for grabs! The Finishers get a medal and a free event t-shirt.
Another exciting element of this run is that it covers the Palm’s Crescent, along with the Al Ittihad Park (at the centre of the Palm’s run) – making it a more memorable and picturesque run for all. There are multiple distances – 5 km, 10km, and 21.1 km for ages 16 and above; while children aged 4 to 15 have a 1 km run.
- Type of event: Community
- Location: Palm Jumeirah
- What to bring: Race Pack
- Date: 04th November 2023
- Timings: From 06:30 am
- Charges:
– 1 km (for children 4 -15) – AED 35 AED
– 5 km: 99 AED
– 10 km: 70 AED
-21.1 km – 215 AED*
* These prices are excluding VAT - Registration: Required on the Nakheel Palm Run website
DUBAI WOMEN’S RUN 2023
Put those running shoes on for the most prominent women’s sporting event in the Arab World. Organised by UAE Athletics and Dubai Sports Council, the 9th edition of Dubai’s Women’s Run will have 5k, 10k and Family Run categories. Create lasting memories with family and friends by running past Ain Dubai, Caesars Palace and the JBR skyline.
- Type of event: Community
- Location: Bluewaters Island
- What to bring: Race pack
- Date: 05th November 2023
- Timings:
- 6:50 a.m. Warm-up session
- 7:00 a.m. 10km run starts
- 7:10 a.m. 5km run starts
- 8:15 a.m. 5km & 10km Prize Giving
- 8:25 a.m. Warm-up session for Fun Run runners
- 8:30 a.m. Fun Run starts
- Please reach the venue at least 45 minutes before the start of your race
- Charges:
- AED 131.25 – 3km (19 to 99 years)
- AED 105 – 3km Junior (up to 18 years)
- AED 183.75 – 5km (19 to 99 years)
- AED 157.50 – 5km Junior (up to 18 years)
- AED 183.75 – 10km (19 to 99 years)
- AED 157.50 – 10km Junior (16 to 18 years)
- Registration: Required (no registration on race day)
- Special instructions: Participants more than 15 minutes late WILL NOT be allowed
Dubai South ‘Run and Ride’
Get excited for the Dubai South ‘Run and Ride’ event on 5th November. The cycling event offers the 40 km single lap or the 80 km double lap.
Registrations cost AED 95, and you’ll receive a Race Pack with a race bib, a t-shirt, a timing chop and a bag drop tag. Finishers will be receiving medals, certificates, race timing data and photographs. Snacks will be available at the event villages, and the top three male and female finishers will receive exciting prizes.
Dubai South Run takes place at 04:00 p.m. at the exact location for running enthusiasts looking to challenge themselves. This, too, spans a 40 km distance.
- Type of event: Community
- Location: Dubai South GQ GQ building near Al Maktoum International Airport
- Date: 05th November 2023
- Timings:
- Ride: 07:00 a.m.
- Run: 04:00 p.m.
- Charges: AED 95
- Registration: Required
- Age Requirements: Males (5 to 99 years), Females (8 to 99 years)
Dubai Stand Up Paddle
If you’re passionate about being in a chill environment while getting fit, this event is for you. A new entry in the 2023 Dubai Fitness Challenge, Dubai Stand Up Paddle offers you the opportunity to glide on your SUP board at Hatta Dam while soaking in views of the beautiful mountains and the water
Dubai Stand Up Paddle is a free event with certified coaches on the premises for guidance. You can enrol in a complimentary training based on your age and skill level for 30 minutes or dive into the Stand Up Paddle Challenge. Tackle the course, and you’ll be awarded a Challenge Certificate.
You can also participate in the sunset yoga session from 05:45 p.m., watching the sunset and breathing in the crisp mountain air. Please note that you must be able to swim, and life jackets are mandatory. An adult must accompany individuals below the age of 21.
While enrolling, you can request a complimentary stand-up padel or indicate that you are bringing your own. There will be complimentary shuttle buses from Dubai to Hatta Dam.
- Type of event: Community
- Location: Hatta Dam
- Date: 18th November 2023
- Timings: –
- 02:00 p.m. to 02:25 p.m. – Adults SUP Training (17 years+)
- 03:00 p.m. to 03:45 p.m. – Teens SUP Training (10 – 16 years)
- 04:00 p.m. to 04:45 p.m.- Kids SUP training (5 to 9 years)
- 05:00 p.m. to 05:45 p.m. – Adults’ Dubai SUP Challenge Event (17 years+)
- 05:15 p.m. to 05:45 p.m. – Sunset Yoga (17+ years)
- Charges: Free
- Registration: Required
- Age Requirements: Males (5 to 99 years), Females (8 to 99 years)
Champs Sports and Fitness Hub
If you’re not sure about the activities to include on your 30×30 calendar for the Dubai Fitness Challenge, register for Champs Sports and Fitness Hub. Top fitness trainers will offer a variety of workouts, including HIIT, core workouts, strength and conditioning and yoga.
This event will be held at Champs Sports Club, located in Al Quoz Industrial Area 3, and Champs Outdoors at Dubai Festival City.
- Type of event: Community
- Location: Champs Sports Club in Al Quoz Industrial Area 3 and Champs Outdoors at Dubai Festival City
- Date: 28th October to 26th November 2023
- Timings:
- Champs Al Quoz: Strength and conditioning every Wednesday from 06:00 p.m. and every Saturday from 09:00 p.m.
- Champs Dubai Festival City: Circuit and Core 2×30 (2 classes each 30 min): Every Monday, 07:00 a.m.
- Strength and Conditioning 2×30: Every Wednesday from 7:00 a.m.
- HIIT and Core 2×30: Every Saturday from 08:00 a.m.
- Yoga: Every Sunday from 08:00 a.m.
- Charges: Free
HOW TO JOIN DUBAI FITNESS CHALLENGE – FITNESS VILLAGES
If you are creating your Dubai Fitness Challenge 2023 activities calendar, check out what this year’s fitness villages offer.
DP WORLD KITE BEACH FITNESS VILLAGE
The DP World Kite Beach Fitness Village has more than 24 fitness zones for participants to get fit and have fun. Dubai Chamber Aqua Parks Leisure offers a special AED 30 for watersports fans. You can find hundreds of free sessions in activities, including gymnastics, golf, rugby, football, cricket, pilates, padel tennis, padbol and a lot more!
The Fitness Village features Emirates NBD Aqua Park, a 40m inflatable water-based obstacle course this year. The activity is charged at AED 30 for 30 minutes and guarantees some slip-and-slide fun. If you need to refuel, Kite Beach has plenty of food and beverage outlets selling healthy food and drinks.
- Location: Kite Beach
- Date: 28th October to 26th November 2023
- What to bring: Your workout gear, water bottle, towels, sunscreen and any specialised sports/training equipment
- Timings:
- 03:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. – Monday to Friday
- 07:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. – Saturday and Sunday
- Check the DFC official website for class timings
- Charges: Some activities are free, while others have additional charges (up to AED 30)
- Classes: Aerobics, boxing, football, yoga, rowing, cricket and watersports
Danube Sports World Fitness Hub
Danube Sports World Fitness Hub offers free activities, including badminton, table tennis, padel, cricket, football, and more. To know which events are taking place, follow their Instagram account, @danubesportworld, where daily announcements on the sports events are made at 05:00 p.m.
- Location: Danube Sports World
- Date: 28th October to 26th November 2023
- What to bring: Your workout gear, water bottle, towels, and any specialised sports/training equipment
- Timings: 06:00 a.m. to 09:00 p.m.
- Charges: Free
HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN DUBAI FITNESS CHALLENGE – FITNESS HUBS
You can explore fitness hubs that will be operational in multiple locations besides flagship and community events. Remember that most fitness hubs are free. However, some activities might have additional charges. Please get in touch with Dubai Fitness Challenge locations directly for queries and more information.
Dubai Silicon Oasis Fitness Hub
In collaboration with Fitness First, a fitness hub at Dubai Silicon Hub will organise workshops to get you moving. It will take place from 1st November to 12th November and offers fitness activities for different difficulty levels.
Special events to look out for include the Les Mills Body Combat event on 4th November, from 05:00 p.m., and the Tough Mudder Bootcamp challenge from 07:00 a.m.
WHAT’S ON OFFER:
- Fitness First workshops: 04:00 p.m. to 08:00 p.m. daily from 1st November until 12th November
- Les Mills Body Combat Event: 05:00 p.m. to 7.30 p.m., 4th November
- Tough Mudder Bootcamp: 7 a.m. to 09.30 a.m., 5th November
- Location: Event Plaza, Dubai Digital Plaza
- Date: 1st to 12th November 2023
- Charges: Free
- Highlights: Les Mills Body Combat Event: 05:00 p.m. to 07.30 p.m.
The Beach: Ultimate Dance Workout Party
Try fun workouts at The Beach at JBR, like Zumba, Trampoline Fitness, Boxing, Kickboxing, Yoga and meditation. These workouts are held every Friday and Saturday near the fresh breeze of the sea. There’s also a DJ to spruce up the mood.
- Location: The Beach, JBR
- Date: Every Friday and Saturday, 28th October to 26th November 2023
- Charges: Free
- Highlights: 4 daily classes, 20 to 45 minutes: 05:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Ripe Market Fitness Hub
The Ripe Market, Academic Park hosts complimentary events for people with varied interests. Highlights include Community Yoga sessions, Vinyasa Yoga, Sunset Yoga and Boot Camps. These activities help you stay active while connecting your mind with your body.
It is recommended to bring your own yoga mat and water bottle for these sessions.
- Location: The Ripe Market, Academy
- Date: 28th October to 26th November 2023
- Highlights:
- Community Yoga by Karma Yoga: Every Saturday from 09:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
- Vinyasa Yoga by 8D Yoga: Every weekend from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
- Sunset Yoga by My Core Studio: Daily from 05:00 p.m. to 06:00 p.m.
Hatta Wadi Fitness Hub
What’s better than exercising outdoors while enjoying the rugged beauty of Hatta? Whether you prefer hiking or biking, there will be many fun activities for the entire family.
- Location: Hatta Wadi Hub
- Date: 28th October to 26th November 2023
- What to bring: Your workout gear, water bottle, towels, sunscreen and any specialised sports/training equipment
- Charges: Free
- Contact: events@hattaoutdoor.com.
City Walk Fitness Hub
City Walk’s Fitness Hub offers 30 days of 30 different activities, including HIIT, core workouts, pilates and more, and a physiotherapy recovery program.
You can also snap some shots for the gram at the photobook experience – where you take 10-second videos, which then get displayed on the Roxy Cinemas screens.
- Location: City Walk
- Date: 28th October to 26th November 2023
- What to bring: Your workout gear, water bottle, towels, sunscreen and any specialised sports/training equipment
- Charges: Free
- Highlights: Pilates, HIIT, circuit workouts and more
DUBAI FITNESS CHALLENGE USEFUL APPS
Now, you may be wondering how to keep track of your Dubai 30×30 workouts. Well, studies show that fitness apps can help keep your regimens and motivation on track. You can record your 30X30 progress with Dubai Fitness Challenge App Partners. The list includes:
- Fitze
- STEPPI
- Fitbit Premium
- Count’d
- Core Direction
- Technogym
- Dubai Fitness Challenge ENHAPP
- Les Mills+
- Runkeeper by ASICS
- McGregor FAST
Visit the official Dubai Fitness Challenge website to learn more about the special app discounts, features and prices for DFC 2023.
DUBAI 30-DAY FITNESS CHALLENGE FAQS
WHO CREATED DUBAI FITNESS CHALLENGE?
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum created this event. The inaugural edition was held in 2017.
WHAT ARE THE NEW DUBAI FITNESS CHALLENGE 2023 DATES?
The 30-day event starts on 28th October 2023 and ends on 26th November 2023.
WHAT IS THE DUBAI FITNESS CHALLENGE?
The 30-day Dubai Fitness Challenge is not just about getting people to move. It aims to inspire people to lead healthy lives. You must spend 30 minutes of the day doing your favourite activity (exercise, fitness routine) for 30 days straight.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DUBAI FITNESS CHALLENGE?
Various locations in the city will host marathons, cycling races, walks and runs throughout DFC 2023. You can check out the classes and events at Fitness Hubs and Fitness Villages.
HOW TO REGISTER FOR DUBAI FITNESS CHALLENGE?
Registration details are available on the DFC official website. The event pages have the link as well as schedules and ticket prices. Please note that event bookings might close early if the spots become full. To avoid disappointment, book your spot and ticket well in advance.
For more information about Dubai Fitness Challenge 30×30, please follow the official website and social media channels. Also, don’t forget to share your videos and photos on Facebook and Instagram using the popular Dubai Fitness Challenge # – #DUBAI30X30.
We have a few more days to go until the start of DFC. Until then, why don’t you begin your fitness journey by signing up for Dubai’s best swimming classes? If you are on a budget, check out these affordable gyms in Dubai. We also have a guide to the best sports events in Dubai this year.
Disclaimer:
- Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any strenuous exercise routine.
- The information presented above is sourced from the DFC official website. Please get in touch with the organisers for specific queries, including registration dates and ticket details.
- To keep track of the latest DFC news and events, follow Dubai 30×30 social media channels.