Fitness enthusiasts of all ages flocked to the Kite Beach fitness village on the inaugural day of the eighth edition of the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC). This unique, free, 30-day health and fitness initiative, spearheaded by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE, encourages residents to engage in 30 minutes of exercise daily for 30 days.
Three-year-old Lily, accompanied by her family, arrived at the village at 7:30 am. "She thoroughly enjoyed the aerobics corner and even tried walking on the balance beam," shared her father, Carson. "We arrived early because my wife, Erica, a Zumba instructor, was scheduled to teach a class at the main stage." The Japanese-American couple, who recently relocated to Dubai, is participating in the DFC for the first time. "I've never witnessed an entire city embrace fitness so enthusiastically," remarked Carson. "The village itself is quite impressive, and I'm eager to explore the other activities the city offers throughout this month."
The Kite Beach fitness village offers a variety of free classes catering to all ages and fitness levels, from cricket and padel to a water obstacle course and strength training. Open from 3 pm to 11 pm on weekdays and 7 am to 11 pm on weekends, the village also features a gymnastics corner and a dedicated space for teenagers to exercise.
For British chiropractor Nashila Jaffer, this is her "favorite time of the year," especially since her parents visit her annually during this period. "What I love most about the fitness village at Kite Beach is its inclusivity," she said. "Since its inception, my parents and I have always visited the fitness village together. My mom enjoys the yoga section, while I prefer the lift or spin sessions. My children love the beach and the teen section as well." Jaffer always encourages her clients to take advantage of the month-long fitness opportunities. "There are numerous free classes across the emirate this month," she noted. "It's a golden chance for people to try new workouts and stay active."
This year, the DFC runs until November 24 and includes a plethora of activities, mass participation events, fitness villages, and community hubs across Dubai. Three fitness villages and 23 fitness hubs will offer a range of free classes throughout the month. In addition to the popular Kite Beach village, there are fitness villages in Zabeel Park and Al Warqaa Park. Several communities also host their own fitness events. At Tilal Al Ghaf, weekend movie nights and kids' entertainment zones ensure the whole family enjoys the festivities. Meanwhile, Citywalk is organizing a Halloween run and offering free ice baths for visitors.
Filipina Vivian Bagalacsa drove from Bur Dubai to Jumeirah to attend her favorite activity, Zumba, at the village. The swimming coach at Regent International School loves visiting the fitness village. "I arrived early to ensure I didn't miss the class," she said. "I adore Zumba, and working out with strangers who share the same passion for fitness creates a unique bond. The energy is incredible, and I love it."
Since its launch in 2017, the DFC has seen exponential growth. The initiative, which attracted over 700,000 participants in its first edition, had more than 2.4 million participants in 2023. For employees of Studio International Engineering Consultants, the DFC is a time of intense internal competition. "Our company has actively participated in the fitness challenge for the past six years," said South African expat Vanessa. "This year, 76 people from our organization have registered. We participate in both DFC challenges and internal company challenges. Every department is highly competitive, fostering great camaraderie among employees."
Tai Chi masters Mohammed, from Egypt, and Chinese expat Maeline, returned to the fitness village for the third consecutive year. "Every year, many people attend our Tai Chi lessons, with some becoming regular members," said Mohammed. "We appreciate that this fitness village allows us to reach a broader audience."
For 23-year-old Indian student Shireen, a regular walk at Kite Beach turned into a spin class. "Since last month, my friend and I have been jogging at the beach every Saturday," she said. "We live in Dubai Hills and drive here at 6:30 am. Today, we discovered the fitness village and decided to give it a try. I've never tried a spin lesson before, and it was fantastic. My legs are a bit wobbly, but I thoroughly enjoyed it."
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