How this Jordanian-Palestinian expat is building healthier communities across the UAE

Dubai: Long before Dubai's morning traffic begins and office towers fill with commuters, another kind of movement is already underway.

In parks, along running tracks, and on cycling routes, people from various nationalities gather before sunrise. Some are chasing a personal best. Others are taking their first steps towards a healthier lifestyle. Many arrive alone but leave having found a community.

At the heart of those early mornings is Fuad Naser, a Palestinian expatriate whose own journey in the UAE began very differently.

When he arrived at the end of 2016, he wasn't thinking about building fitness communities. He came with an engineering degree, a job as a civil engineer, and the same ambition to build a better future.

“I moved to the UAE with an engineering background and a passion for creating something meaningful,” Naser told Gulf News.

Originally from Palestine-Jordan, Naser spent his first three years working in engineering. But while his profession was construction, his real passion had always been elsewhere.

“Although my professional background is in engineering, my true passion has always been sports and community building.”

Big ideas

For Naser, choosing the UAE has never been just about employment opportunities.

“What attracted me most was Dubai's vision, safety, innovation, and its openness to people from all over the world. The UAE is a place where new ideas are welcomed and if you have the determination to make an impact, you'll find endless opportunities,” described Naser.

Those qualities have given him the confidence to pursue a dream that extended beyond fitness. He wanted to create a space where people from different backgrounds could come together, improve their health, and build lasting friendships.

It has been an ambitious idea, but one he believed could thrive in the UAE.

Nationwide community

Around eight years ago, Naser has founded what would become the 5:30 Sports communities. It has started with 5:30 Run in Dubai before growing to include 5:30 Yoga, 5:30 Cycle, and 5:30 Ihsan, a community focused on charity activities.

Soon after, it has also expanded to Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, bringing together residents from diverse cultures and fitness levels.

The communities have been designed to be inclusive, whether someone is taking their first steps into running or preparing for a marathon. Apart from the community sessions, the organisation has also offered structured running programmes tailored to different goals, helping beginners and experienced runners alike.

“These communities were built to inspire people of all fitness levels to adopt a healthier and more active lifestyle. Today, we continue to bring people together through running, cycling, yoga, and wellness initiatives that unite different cultures and backgrounds,” shared Naser.

Watching the communities grow has remained one of his proudest achievements.

Success didn't happen overnight

Like many expats starting something new, Naser has discovered that building a community takes patience.

“One of the biggest challenges was starting from scratch, building a network, earning trust, and turning an idea into reality in a new country,” recalled Naser.

Unlike launching a product, creating a community cannot be rushed.

“Community building doesn't happen overnight.”

Rather than looking for quick wins, he has focused on consistency and self-improvement. He has invested in his own education, becoming a certified running coach, certified personal trainer, and fitness instructor while continuing to build practical experience.

“The UAE's supportive entrepreneurial environment, along with the encouragement I received from the community and local partners, gave me the confidence to keep growing. Every challenge became an opportunity to learn, improve, and innovate.”

Greater purpose

While running, cycling, and yoga are at the centre of the movement, Naser says the mission has always been beyond exercise. Giving back has been equally important.

Through the 5:30 Ihsan community, the group has regularly supported charity runs, fundraising initiatives, and wellness events that raise awareness for meaningful causes. It has also collaborated with organisations and brands to encourage greater participation, inclusivity, and social impact.

“What drives me is seeing the positive difference these initiatives make in people's lives. Sport has the power to unite communities, inspire healthier lifestyles, and create opportunities to give back, and I'm proud to contribute to the UAE's vision of building happier and healthier communities,” exclaimed Naser.

Growing with UAE

Looking back on nearly a decade in the country, Naser believes the UAE has shaped both his personal and professional journey.

“The UAE has given me the freedom to innovate, connect with people from diverse backgrounds, and transform an idea into a thriving community,” stated Naser.

He has also credited the country's focus on health, wellness, and active living for creating the ideal environment for initiatives like his to flourish.

“The UAE encourages collaboration and supports individuals who want to make a positive impact which has motivated me to continue expanding our programmes and creating meaningful experiences for the community.”

Community building

Meanwhile, Naser's proudest achievement isn't simply the size of the communities he has built. It's seeing people who once struggled to run a few hundred metres complete races they never imagined possible. It's watching strangers become training partners and lifelong friends. It's seeing sport become a reason for people to give back through charity and community service.

For anyone hoping to build a future in the UAE, his advice reflects the journey he has lived.

“My advice is simple, be patient, stay consistent, and don't be afraid to dream big. If you remain committed to your goals and embrace opportunities, the UAE offers an incredible platform to grow both personally and professionally,” said Naser.

For Naser, success has never been about personal milestones alone.

“Most importantly, remember that your journey isn't just about achieving your own success. It's about creating a positive impact on the people and community around you.”

That is the real legacy of the movement he has formed before dawn all those years ago. It isn't measured by kilometres run or finish lines crossed, but by the thousands of lives connected through a shared belief that when people move together, communities grow stronger.