From running up Burj Khalifa to taking up other challenges: Dubai Games director has done it all to ensure safety

Dubai: Marwan bin Essa, the director of the Dubai Games, is a hands-on official. Rather than overseeing the Games project from a distance, the 42-year-old fitness enthusiast tests each obstacle himself to ensure the safety of the participants.

In a candid chat with Gulf News, Essa shared insights into the meticulous process behind designing the obstacle course. Being part of the Games since its inception in 2018, the Emirati official highlighted the importance of personal experience in understanding the challenges participants face.

“I am a fitness enthusiast. It’s part of the job and the Games. I need to be in their shoes to understand what they feel. That’s why I’ve been involved with this project from the beginning.”

The Games, held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, has significantly grown over the years. Launched as an initiative to bring government teams together to participate in physical and mental challenges, it now includes community teams, international cities, and juniors as well.

“Our biggest inspiration is Sheikh Hamdan, who is also an athlete. He is a leader who inspires everyone. This is my sixth edition, and let’s hope, Inshallah, the coming years will be the best.”

Hands-on approach

The Games feature seven different obstacle platforms: the elevator, the unreachable, the grip, the force, ball rush, human ladder, and bulldozer, designed to test the determination and willpower of participants. Essa has tried all these elements himself to gain first-hand experience.

“We have to try and test them. We have to fall, get injured, readjust everything, and put it in a better way. And we don’t test for just one day. We tried six months ago. We need to see that everything is perfect.”

Essa tests every obstacle to ensure it’s not only challenging but safe for participants.

“Winning is important, yes, but safety is much more important. I want everyone to have a great experience and not get injured. We hold this event with no injuries, that’s success.”

Last year, he even undertook the challenge of running up 160 floors of the Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest building – which was one of the events held as part of the Games.

“I did Burj Khalifa last year, but not this time.”

Inspiring others

Essa’s commitment to safety is matched by his dedication to personal fitness. Known for his intense training regime, he practices CrossFit, Hyrox, and obstacle courses. The videos he posts on his official Instagram handle show him trying handstand push-ups, squats, sit-ups, handstands, powerlifting, deadlifts, burpees, running, and more.

“Consistency is the goal. It’s what keeps you ahead as a human being, to push more, give more, and develop more.”

His goal is not only to stay fit but to inspire the participants as well.

“I keep on doing this just to inspire people, the participants. They’ll think: ‘Oh, look at him. If he’s doing this, why can’t we?’ It’s just inspiration.”

“It is going to be interesting to watch the top four competitors go all out.”