Dubai Fitness Challenge is back to whip you into shape

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, has renewed his emirate-wide call for every resident to take part in 30 minutes of exercise for 30 days.

Now in its second year, the Dubai Fitness Challenge – or Dubai 30x30 – is set up to make the city the most active in the world and improve the health and fitness of its residents.

The challenge extends to residents of all ages and abilities, government departments and businesses and begins on October 26, ending on November 24.

The campaign kicks off with a two-day “weekend carnival” at Dubai Festival City from 2pm on October 26, where more than 25 fitness classes, including yoga, spinning, dancing and basketball, will be held. The event promises to feature fitness celebrities and a dedicated area for children’s activities.

“My vision for the Dubai Fitness Challenge was to create a truly inclusive movement across our city and the wider UAE, to sustainably enhance the health and long-term well-being of people of all ages, abilities and levels of fitness,” Sheikh Hamdan said yesterday.

“This year, we have a target of one million participants and I urge you all – residents and visitors – to invest in yourselves and your happiness so you can better contribute to the welfare of your families, your communities and the global society.”

Nearly 800,000 people registered to participate in last year’s campaign but about a million were estimated to have taken part.

Highlights of last year’s challenge included appearances from celebrity fitness personalities Cassey Ho and Kayla Itsines, as well as events such as The XDubai Spartan Race.