Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and chairman of the executive council of Dubai Government and Dubai Sports Council, launched the Dubai Fitness Challenge with the aim of motivating residents to take up physical activity and making Dubai the most active city in the world, according to a press release.
This enterprising challenge seeks to inspire Dubai’s citizens, residents and visitors to boost their physical activity by committing to a minimum of 30 minutes of daily activity for 30 days through a wide range of fitness activities, sports or exercise.
Shaikh Hamdan said: “Dubai aims to set an example for cities around the world in encouraging citizens to give high importance to physical activity and sports. We are very keen to spread a culture of fitness since we strongly believe that making physical activity and sports a part of their daily routines will help people significantly improve the quality of their lives. The Dubai Fitness Challenge has been designed to motivate people to pursue an active and energetic lifestyle. This complements other initiatives we are pursuing to transform Dubai itself into the world’s happiest city by providing a positive social environment and the conditions for an enriching lifestyle.”
Running from October 20 to November 18, the event is the emirate’s only multi-activity, city-wide fitness movement to date. Encompassing all forms of activity – from walking, team sports, intense fitness regimes, paddle-boarding and aerobics to football, yoga, cycling and others – it is expected to be an exciting, action-packed and personally rewarding month of self-discovery, social interaction and enjoyment for people of all ages, abilities and fitness levels.
Highlights of the initiative include five weekend fitness carnivals starting at Safa Park on October 20 and 21; celebrity guests, motivational experts and fitness professionals will make appearances at various locations, dedicated events and live entertainment.
In addition to a packed schedule of daily fitness events, free exercise classes and dedicated community activities in each of Dubai’s neighbourhoods, Dubai Fitness Challenge will also feature a number of partner events including Dubai Color Run, Dubai Mass Swim and Dubai Schools Fitness Games among others.
The Dubai Crown Prince called on all government organisations, public sector and educational institutions to take the lead in spearheading the fitness movement and urged the private sector to be equal contributors in this Year of Giving by supporting their employees to participate through simple actions like time allocated for exercise.
To register and pledge your commitment to 30 minutes of activity for 30 days, visit www.dubaifitnesschallenge.com. Once the challenge starts, download the Dubai Fitness Challenge App to track your performance, discover events and unlock rewards.