Dubai’s Tenth Fitness Challenge Begins 30-Day Citywide Programme

Dubai’s tenth Fitness Challenge begins on October 31 and runs through November 29, with residents and visitors invited to undertake 30 minutes of physical activity each day for 30 days. The citywide programme is organised jointly by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism and Dubai Sports Council. The government’s programme announcement lists three free Fitness Villages, more than 23 Community Fitness Hubs and thousands of free classes and activities. Sports include basketball, football, padel and volleyball, with dedicated areas for women. Saeed Hareb, secretary-general of Dubai Sports Council, said: “The strength of the 30x30 concept lies in its simplicity.” He said the initiative seeks to make physical activity accessible across ages and abilities. The challenge was launched in 2017 by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. According to the government, its previous nine editions attracted more than 16 million participants. Those are cumulative participation figures for earlier editions, rather than attendance at the programme opening this year. Four mass-participation events are scheduled during the month: Dubai Ride on November 1, Dubai Stand-Up Paddle at Hatta Dam on November 7–8, Dubai Run on November 22 and Dubai Yoga on November 29. Dubai Ride and Dubai Run will again use Sheikh Zayed Road and Downtown Dubai, according to the announcement.