Dubai Fitness Challenge 2025 returns this weekend with citywide events and free activities

Dubai: The ninth edition of the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC), an initiative of His Highness 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, is set to renew the city’s mission to become one of the world’s most active cities as it begins on 1 November 2025.

Exuding a universally appealing vibe with its ‘Find Your Challenge’ theme, DFC 2025 invites everyone – residents and visitors alike – to commit to 30 minutes of daily physical activity for 30 days, transforming Dubai into a vibrant, month-long celebration of fitness, wellness, and community.

Running until Sunday, 30 November, the upcoming edition of the city-wide active lifestyle initiative promises an unparalleled calendar of free fitness experiences designed for all ages and abilities. From four flagship mass-participation events and three buzzing Fitness Villages to more than 25 community hubs and thousands of classes citywide, DFC 2025 aims to make physical activity inspiring, accessible and unforgettable.

Building a culture of daily movement

His Excellency Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, said: “His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Dubai Fitness Challenge with a simple, yet inspiring promise – 30 minutes of activity a day for 30 days. Today, it has evolved into a citywide movement that has transformed how Dubai views physical activity.”

Hareb added: “We measure success not only by the number of participants, but by the number of lives transformed – families who started walking together, employers who introduced wellness programmes in their workplaces, and neighbourhoods that have become more active and vibrant. This kind of behavioural change is vital because public health is a long journey, and the Challenge is the catalyst that turns intention into daily habit.”

He continued: “Beyond the numbers, the Challenge has placed Dubai on the global map as a city that turns vision into action. It embodies inclusivity through a wide range of activities and programmes designed for men, women, children and seniors alike, complemented by digital platforms that allow everyone to take part, wherever they are. This diversity and accessibility are what drive lasting cultural change. Our goal is for Dubai to remain a global home for sport and active living – ensuring the highest quality of life for every member of the community, and reinforcing Dubai’s position as the best city in the world to live, work and thrive.”

Innovative programming

Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said:

“The ‘Find Your Challenge’ theme perfectly captures what DFC is all about – inviting everyone to discover activities that suit their interests and abilities. In the UAE's ‘Year of Community’, this month-long celebration brings people together through movement, creating shared experiences that strengthen connections and inspire lasting healthy habits across our city.

“Dubai Fitness Challenge embodies our collective vision of making Dubai the most active, connected, and best city to visit, live and work in. Through strong partnerships, innovative programming, and the energy of our community, we’re building a healthier, more vibrant future for all.”

1. Dubai Ride presented by DP World — 2 November

Kicking off DFC 2025 in spectacular style, thousands of cyclists will converge on Sheikh Zayed Road on Sunday, 2 November, at 6:15am for the start of the sixth edition of Dubai Ride.

Participants can choose a challenge they are comfortable with, taking either the family-friendly 4km route winding through Downtown Dubai, or the 12km course alongside some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Museum of the Future, Dubai Water Canal, and Burj Khalifa.

For experienced riders seeking an adrenaline rush, Dubai Ride Speed Laps returns from 5:00–6:00am, offering advanced cyclists the rare opportunity to ride at pace on the 12km route with a minimum average speed of 30km/h.

With dedicated access points for People of Determination – including support for hand cycles, tandem bikes, and adapted bicycles – Dubai Ride embodies the inclusive spirit that makes DFC unique.

Registered participants can collect their bibs from the Dubai Municipality 30×30 Fitness Village Zabeel Park from 29 October until 1 November.

Since its inaugural edition, Dubai Ride has recorded an 85% increase in participation, with 37,130 cyclists turning up last year to experience the thrill of riding through a car-free Dubai.

Register now at www.dubairide.com and be part of this unforgettable journey.

2. Dubai Stand Up Paddle presented by RTA — 8 and 9 November

Due to overwhelming demand, Dubai Stand Up Paddle (SUP) returns bigger and better than ever, now spanning two full days at the breathtaking Hatta Dam.

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Hajar Mountains, the third edition offers the perfect blend of fitness, adventure, and natural vistas.

Whether you’re a first-time paddler or a seasoned pro, there’s something for everyone. Book your free Dubai SUP session, enjoy complimentary kayaking experiences on a first-come, first-served basis (single kayaks for ages 17 and over, doubles for families), and unwind with sunset yoga sessions guided by professional instructors right on the water’s edge.

Running from 8:30am to 5:30pm each day, Dubai SUP provides all necessary equipment – boards, paddles, and life jackets – along with expert-led training and adaptive activities for People of Determination.

Free shuttle services will run from One Central free parking lot near Dubai World Trade Centre, making it easy for participants to reach Hatta and turn the event into a full weekend getaway.

With 2,330 participants last year, the expanded two-day format allows even more people to experience the tranquillity and thrill of paddleboarding in one of Dubai’s most picturesque natural settings.

Register at www.dubaistanduppaddle.ae.

3. Dubai Run presented by Mai Dubai — 23 November

One of the crown jewels of DFC returns for its seventh edition, transforming Sheikh Zayed Road into the world’s largest free community fun run.

Starting at 6:30am, Dubai Run invites runners of all ages, abilities, and fitness levels to take over the city’s most iconic road and celebrate the power of collective movement.

Participants can choose the distance they feel most comfortable with: the 10km route finishing at the DIFC Gate Building for experienced runners, or the relaxed 5km Downtown route, perfect for families and casual joggers, concluding near Dubai Mall on Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard.

With dedicated start zones and volunteer support for People of Determination, Dubai Run ensures no one is left behind.

Last year, a record-breaking 278,000 participants made history, cementing Dubai Run’s status as a global phenomenon. With participation growing 297% since its inaugural edition, this year promises to be the biggest yet.

Register now at www.dubairun.com and be part of the most uplifting morning of the year.

4. Dubai Yoga — 30 November

For the first time in DFC history, the Challenge concludes with a powerful new flagship event: Dubai Yoga.

As the sun sets over Zabeel Park on the final day, thousands of yoga enthusiasts will gather for a mass yoga session – one of the largest in the region.

This transformative experience symbolises DFC’s evolution beyond physical fitness into holistic wellness, highlighting the importance of mindfulness, balance, and mental wellbeing.

With dedicated areas for families and ladies, Dubai Yoga offers a unifying, community-led moment that brings participants together to close the Challenge collectively.

This event encompasses more than yoga – it’s a celebration of the journey each person took, the healthy habits they adopted, and the city that moved in unison with them.

Register now at www.dubaiyoga.ae and help create history.

1. DP World 30×30 Fitness Village Kite Beach (1–30 November)

Dubai’s largest free sports village returns, offering beach sports, padel tennis, obstacle courses, boxing, yoga, and more. Open Monday to Friday from 3:00pm to 11:00pm, and weekends from 7:00am to 11:00pm, the venue features bookable courts, active zones, and hydration stations. Entry is free with onsite registration.

2. Dubai Municipality 30×30 Fitness Village Zabeel Park (1–30 November)

Located at Zabeel Park Gate 2, this vibrant hub serves as the centre for running and cycling activities, and is the official bib collection point for Dubai Ride (29 October–1 November) and Dubai Run (3–22 November). Open weekdays from 4:00pm to 11:00pm, and weekends from 12:00pm to 11:00pm.

3. Dubai Municipality 30×30 Fitness Village Al Warqa’a Park (1–30 November)

Perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts, Al Warqa’a Park offers a 2.8km running and cycling track, gym facilities, and ladies-only sessions. Open daily from 4:00pm to 11:00pm.

Over 25 Community Fitness Hubs will activate across Dubai, offering free daily workouts, specialised classes, and unique experiences – from skateboarding sessions and rooftop yoga to community runs and strength training.

The Fitness Hubs for 2025 include:

Full information is available at www.dubaifitnesschallenge.com.

Several international tournaments will take place during DFC 2025:

Beyond DFC programming, November will feature an extensive calendar of external fitness events across Dubai.

These include Adventure & Obstacle Races such as Spartan Wadi Hub Hatta, Tough Mudder Hatta, Arabian Warrior and Aura Tri-in-the-Sky; Running events such as Plus500 City Half Marathon, Mushrif Park Half Marathon, She Runs, Men’s Run, Nakheel Palm Run, Music Run, and Emirates NBD Unity Run; and Cycling, endurance, and multi-sport events like the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge Build-Up Ride, UAE MTB Challenge, Turf Games Dubai City Series, and FLITE Dubai International E Foil Race.

Unique and community-based events like The Hatta Sign Hike, Dubai Dodgeball Challenge, and C1 Championship will also take place, alongside the Level Up Sports Tech Innovation Expo (27–29 November).

Golf enthusiasts can join the Golf is Good programme and Golf in Schools sessions across multiple venues including Emirates Golf Club and Arabian Ranches Golf Club.

This extensive calendar ensures that every day of November offers something new to explore, try and conquer – making it easier than ever to ‘Find Your Challenge’ and achieve 30×30 goals.

Whether it’s high-intensity workouts, gentle yoga, family walks or cycling adventures, the Challenge is about building lasting habits and joining thousands of others across Dubai in a shared commitment to health and wellbeing.

Dubai Fitness Challenge 2025 is organised by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and the Dubai Sports Council (DSC), with the support of Presenting Partners DP World, Dubai Municipality, Mai Dubai, and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).