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At Dubai Sports World at World Trade Center. Image Credit: Arshad Ali/Gulf News

In case you haven’t noticed, droves of UAE residents have been flocking to the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) since the June 1. Human traffic will remain heavy towards the venue as DWTC houses Dubai Sports World (DSW) until September 2.

DSW is abundantly equipped with various sporting and fitness facilities for kids and adults alike, from a running track to basketball, to pro-wrestling, to a skate park. But none captured my attention quite like its newest addition — the Ninja Warrior course by Just Play.

“We are delighted with the interest and response to our Ninja Warrior course. There is of course a lot of support for obstacle races, CrossFit and other similar activities in Dubai, so we’re confident people would be keen to come and try it for themselves,” says Kent Daniels, chief operating officer of Just Play.

Inspired by the popularised American Ninja Warrior game show, this is a compact running the gauntlet version of its overseas counterpart. Channel your inner monkey as you’re expected to leap, grab and swing your way to the finish whilst trying to beat others’ times.

Trying Ninja Warrior with friends was a fun-filled experience. We moved as ninjas would, swiftly and with finesse. At least that’s how we pictured it in our heads, until we saw video of our run.

Depending on your fitness level and your dexterity, you can complete the 14-part course in under two minutes or stumble around the obstacles and keep trying until you eventually hit the buzzer at some point.

It’s extremely satisfying to be able to sprint up the warped wall and finish. You see it in everyone’s faces when they turn to the spectating crowd with fists up the air. Ninja Warrior sure made its presence felt in DSW. “We’re very happy with the results — and more importantly so are our customers,” confirms Daniels.

I recommend you try it for a unique undertaking, but if dangling around isn’t your thing, take advantage of DSW’s other plentiful offers.

Doing physical challenges indoors is a necessity if you are to remain fit during the scorching summer. Find something that interests you. Daniels, of Just Play, adds: “Ninja Warrior is just one of our offerings. We have the trampoline park, a huge sports camp, and virtual cricket and soccer simulators.”

Stay active this Eid but stay indoors to avoid heat exhaustion. If you’ve ever overcompensated and eaten more than you should at iftars, if you’ve always wanted to try multiple sports under one roof, DSW is the perfect venue for you. Head down with family and friends and burn off those calories.