Your complete guide to Dubai Fitness Challenge 2024
Get ready for the eighth edition of the Dubai Fitness Challenge 2024, taking place from 26th October to 24th November. The event will include 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 2024.
About Dubai Fitness Challenge 2024
DFC is a unique fitness challenge that has become one of Dubai’s most popular annual events. It was initiated in 2017 by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, The Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Chairman of the Executive Council, to encourage people to get more active.
In 2024, the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) will take place between 26th October to 24th November across the city.
Are you excited to create a fitness-focused mindset and switch to an active lifestyle? Let’s find out all that Dubai Fitness Challenge 2024 has to offer.
DUBAI FITNESS CHALLENGE EVENTS
From running and cycling to football, yoga, padel and zumba, there’s so much to look forward to. For 2024, there will be 3 Fitness Villages, 25 Fitness Hubs and signature events, such as Dubai Ride, Dubai Run and Dubai Stand Up Paddle.
Here’s a list of flagship and community Dubai Fitness Challenge events you can participate in.
To register for the Dubai Fitness Challenge, please visit the official website.
DUBAI RIDE PRESENTED BY DP WORLD
Imagine waking up early to cycle on one of the 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: 10 November, 2024
- 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: 24 November 2024
- Timings: 06:30 am to 08:00 am
- Charges: Free
- Registration: dubairun official website
PLUS500 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 Plus500 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: 27th October 2024
- Timings:
- 07:00 am 21 km
- 06:45 am 10 km
- 06:15 am 5km
- Charges:
- AED 158 – 5km race
- AED 184 – 10km race
- AED 236 – 21km race
- Registration: Required (only residents aged 16+ are eligible to participate)
DUBAI WOMEN’S RUN 2024
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 upcoming edition of Dubai’s Women’s Run will have 3k, 5k and 10k categories. Create lasting memories with family and friends by running through Expo City Dubai.
- Type of event: Community
- Location: Al Forsan Park, Expo City Dubai
- What to bring: Race pack
- Date: 3 Nov 2024
- Timings: 06:00 pm – 09:00 pm
- Charges:
- 3km | 0 – 18 Years – AED 26.25
- 3km | 16+ years – AED 52.50
- 5km | 0 – 18 years – AED 63
- 5km | 19+ Years – AED 78.75
- 10km | 16 – 18 Years – AED 84
- 10km | 19+ Years – AED 105
- Registration: Required Registration closes on 26th October 2024 at 23:59
- Special instructions: Participants more than 15 minutes late WILL NOT be allowed
Dubai Stand-Up Paddle
If you’re passionate about being in a chill environment while getting fit, this event is for you. A unique activity in the 2024 Dubai Fitness Challenge, Dubai Stand Up Paddle allows you 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.
After paddling, you can try kayaking at Hatta Dam, which is free if you’ve participated in the event.
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: 2 November 2024
- Timings: – Starts at 10:00 am and finishes at 5:30 am
- Charges: Free
- Registration: Required
- Age Requirements: Males (5 to 99 years), Females (8 to 99 years)
HOW TO JOIN DUBAI FITNESS CHALLENGE – FITNESS VILLAGES
If you are creating your Dubai Fitness Challenge 2024 activities calendar, check out what this year’s fitness villages offer.
DP WORLD KITE BEACH FITNESS VILLAGE
The DP World Kite Beach Fitness Village offers various activities for participants to get fit and have fun. The previous year, they offered many free sessions, including gymnastics, golf, rugby, football, cricket, pilates, padel tennis and a lot more. This year, you can expect similar energy and fun for families and those seeking an intense workout.
- Location: Kite Beach
- Date: 26th October to 24th November,
- What to bring: Your workout gear, water bottle, towels, sunscreen and any specialised sports/training equipment
- Timings:
- 03:00 pm to 10:00 pm – Monday to Friday
- 07:00 am to 10:00 pm – 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 pm.
- Location: Danube Sports World
- Date: 26th October to 24th November 2024
- What to bring: Your workout gear, water bottle, towels, and any specialised sports/training equipment
- Timings: 06:00 am to 09:00 pm
- 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 contact 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 from 1st November to 24th November and offer fitness activities for different difficulty levels.
The Daily Runs and the Silicon Central Mall Fun Run are special events to look out for. The latter involves running through Silicon Central Mall for the whole family on the 16th of November.
WHAT’S ON OFFER:
- Daily Workout Sessions: Fitness classes running from 04:00 pm to 8:00 pm every day
- Silicon Central Mall Fun Run: Run through Silicon Central on the 16th of November.
- Mass Participation Event: An evening of workouts on the 16th of November.
- Location: Event Plaza, Dubai Digital Plaza
- Date: Daily from 1 to 24 November, 04:00 pm to 8:00 pm
- Charges: Free
The Beach: Zumba Festival
Try your hand at Zumba, a dance workout, at The Beach at JBR. These workouts for all levels are held every Friday and Saturday. There’s also a DJ to spruce up the mood along with some cool sea breeze.
- Location: The Beach, JBR
- Date: Every Friday and Saturday, 26 October to 24 November 2024
- Charges: Free
- Highlights: 4 daily classes, 20 to 45 minutes: 04:00 pm to 08:00 pm
Ripe Market Fitness Hub
The Ripe Market, Academic Park hosts complimentary events for people with varied interests. Highlights include yoga sessions, pilates and active outdoor workouts. 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: 26 October to 24 November, 2024
Hatta Wadi Fitness Hub
What’s better than exercising outdoors while enjoying the rugged beauty of Hatta? Whether you prefer hiking, biking, running or climbing trails, there will be many fun activities for the entire family.
Activities offered are as follows:
- Guided Nature Hikes
- Wall Climbing
- 5km Trail Running
- Football Zorbing
- Aerial rope climbing
- Open-Air Swimming
- Plunge jumps
- Location: Hatta Wadi Hub
- Date: 26th October to 24th November 2024
- 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 a physiotherapy recovery program. The most exciting sessions at City Walk and their schedules are as follows:
- Halloween Run: Saturday 2 November, 06.30 pm onwards
- Ice Baths at Contrast: Every Tuesday from 29th October to 19th November, 07:00 am – 02:00 pm
- Upper body Build + Full body Burn + Lower body Build – Monday to Friday from 28th October to 22nd November, 06:00 am
- Fitness Zone Classes:
- Rhythm Ride: Every Sunday from 27th October to 24th November, 05:30 pm
- Rhythm Ride, Circuit & Core: 28th October to 20th November, 07:00 am
- Korean Stretch Class + Functional + Booty Shape + Rhythm Ride: 28th October to 22nd November, 09:00 am
- Belly Dance + Mixed Class: 30th October to 22nd November, 10:00 am
- Meditation Sessions: Every Tuesday from 29th October to 26th November, 10:30 am – 11:30 am
- Location: City Walk
- Date: 26th October to 24th November, 2024
- What to bring: Your workout gear, water bottle, towels, sunscreen and any specialised sports/training equipment
- Charges: Free
- Highlights: Dance, HIIT, circuit workouts, ice bath 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 2024.
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 2024 DATES?
The 30-day event starts on the 26th of October and ends on the 24th of November,
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 2024. 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 contact 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.
Featured Image Credit: Dubai Fitness Challenge Official Website (Dubai Run)
