‘i wish to turn Dubai into the world’s fittest city’
If Dubai has taught us one thing, it’s that nothing is impossible if you put passion and positive energy into anything you set your mind to.” Jonathan Young, founder, FitnessinDXB
As part of the Day for Dubai initiative, Khaleej Times brings you stories of devoted heroes in our community who dedicate their time to support others through their skills and expertise. These individuals offer their time to benefit our community and its residents
UK national Jonathan (Jonny) Young has always been into fitness and upon moving to Dubai almost four years ago, he had a dream to spread his love for fitness to the rest of the city. Lucky enough to have met the right people, Jonny created a platform for everything fitness in and around Dubai, with the goal of contributing to turning Dubai into the fittest city in the world.
Talking about how his FitnessinDXB came into existence, Jonny said: “Like many others who move to a new country, I found that the first few weeks were a time for exploration and patience as I tried to find my bearings and make Dubai my new home. The thing that sets the city apart is its hospitality, with locals and expats alike willing to give a helping hand at any opportunity. This very mentality gave birth to FitnessinDXB.”
Keeping in line with the hospitable nature of the UAE, Jonny and his team, which includes Rob Donker, Domia Economides, Rabih El Turk, Kyle Tinson and Natalia Hassanie, ensured that FitnessinDXB brings the community together to engage in exciting and inclusive activities ranging from scuba diving to daring hikes and camping trips.
Now, with over 1,000 people as part of their community WhatsApp groups and over 40,000 organic Instagram followers, the platform is starting to gain traction and is getting noticed by the community in Dubai with a variety of companies and organisations keen on working with them.
Working with like-minded individuals and organisations who passionately share his vision of creating a fitter and healthier Dubai, Jonny and his team are currently engaged in a variety of initiatives and movements, including the Fittest Human Competition, trying to encourage the nation to get active every weekend while also raising money for charity.
Lauding the city for its positive energy, Jonny said: “If Dubai has taught us one thing, it’s that nothing is impossible if you put passion and positive energy into anything you set your mind to,” he said.
Jonny and the team are currently organising a civil movement with Al Jalila Foundation to provide free fitness activities for hundreds and thousands of people every Friday and get the UAE to become more active while also raising over Dh1,000,000 for charity.
“Working with companies in Dubai to offer their services free of charge, FitnessinDXB will ensure that residents can enjoy free yoga, boot camps, various workouts such as boxing and Zumba, and activities like bubble soccer, volleyball, paddle boarding, and more,” Jonny added.
Since its inception, FitnessinDXB has seen more people getting active and joining their activities, taking them closer towards their goal of making the UAE a fitter and healthier place. Every small step counts, and Jonny is working tirelessly to ensure they support government initiatives like the Dubai Fitness Challenge, headed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, and in turn make a difference in the emirate.
“The leadership is committed to creating a collaborative culture where like-minded people can support the community. Platforms like FitnessinDXB, coupled with government initiatives like Day for Dubai, are a testament to a city and a nation that wishes to instil a mentality of love within all its citizens,” Jonny said.