Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) Dubai's biggest community fitness festival is back for its ninth edition, running 1-30 November, with a packed calendar of free events encouraging everyone to get moving for 30 minutes of exercise for 30 days.
The heartbeat of DFC pulses through every corner of the city, bringing accessible fitness to everyone, everywhere, witnessed by the momentum of this growing from 760,000 participants in its first edition to more than 2.7 million last year.
Flagship Events
The month began with Dubai Ride on 2 November, transforming Sheikh Zayed Road into a cyclists' paradise with 4 km and 12 km routes for riders of all abilities.
Dubai Stand-Up Paddle – November 8-9
- Returning for its second year, this event invited paddlers to the scenic Hatta Dam for a weekend of water-based workouts and mountain views.
- Participants could bring their own boards or use complimentary equipment from Hatta Kayak, and all finishers received completion certificates.
- The event also featured sunset yoga on paddleboards and a free shuttle from Dubai city for participants.
Dubai Run – November 23
- The centrepiece of Dubai Fitness Challenge, Dubai Run will see tens of thousands of runners take over the city's 14-lane Sheikh Zayed Road at sunrise.
- Open to all ages and abilities, participants can choose between 5 km and 10 km routes, passing iconic landmarks such as Museum of the Future, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Opera, and Emirates Towers.
- Dedicated zones for People of Determination ensure inclusivity, with free bibs and T-shirts provided to all registrants.
Dubai Yoga – November 30
- Closing the month-long challenge, Dubai Yoga at Zabeel Park invites participants to unwind through movement and mindfulness against the backdrop of the city skyline.
- Global yoga experts will lead a series of free sessions beginning at 2:30 pm, with separate zones for women, families, and People of Determination.
Fitness Villages
Whether you're aiming for an intense workout or a more relaxed exercise session, Fitness Villages will cater to all fitness levels and ages, including children's classes, for the entire month, free of charge.
- Kite Beach Village – the city's largest outdoor gym and a must-visit hub during the event with zones for HIIT, boxing, bootcamp, yoga and beach sports, plus a new skate park and rooftop yoga deck. Several classes by expert instructors will take place daily.
- Zabeel Park Village – a central hub for running, cycling, boxing, spinning and padel, with a Kids' Zone and live fitness stage.
- Al Warqa'a Park Village – a community-focused space featuring a 2.8 km running and cycling track, new outdoor gym, and Ladies-Only Zone.
Community Fitness Hubs
Thirty Fitness Hubs bring free classes and workouts to neighbourhoods across the city – from beach yoga at Palm West Beach and padel at Danube Sports World to mountain biking at Hatta Wadi Hub and mindfulness sessions at Ripe Market.
Whether you choose a flagship event, drop into a Fitness Village, or find your rhythm at a neighbourhood hub, there's a challenge waiting for you. Take the first step - register for free at www.dubaifitnesschallenge.com and turn 30 days of movement into a lifetime of wellness.
