Dubai Fitness Challenge 2022 sees participation of over 2.2 million people

Held from October 29 to November 27, the 2022 edition featured a range of free fitness events and activities at two fitness villages, DP World Kite Beach Fitness Village, and RTA Last Exit Al Khawaneej Fitness Village, as well as 19 community fitness hubs, a host of sporting events and thousands of free classes across the city, reported the state news agency, WAM.

In addition, participants had a chance to take part in two fitness events on Sheikh Zayed Road – Dubai Ride Presented by DP World, and Dubai Run Presented by Mai Dubai – in addition to the inaugural Expo City Dubai Sports and Fitness Weekend, offering over 45 partner sporting events and more than 13,000 free fitness classes.

The Fitness Villages and Fitness Hubs alone were attended by more than 263,000 participants who had the opportunity to engage in diverse activities ranging from Padel tennis and football training to rowing and spinning, apart from several fun high-energy group workouts, suitable for all fitness levels.

Sheikh Hamdan said, “With the conclusion of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, I would like to reflect on the amazing accomplishments of the 2,212,246 participants who made a commitment to their health and wellbeing by taking part in the inspirational fitness movement.

“The participants have set an example for committing to improve their health and wellbeing and contributing to transforming the fitness mindset of the entire community. I want to thank each and every individual, government agency, business and organisation who contributed to or took part in this initiative. Together, we are well on the way to becoming the fittest city in the world. While the challenge is over for another year, I encourage all of you to stay active and continue your fitness journey by embracing everything our great city has to offer.”

#Dubai Fitness Challenge an initiative of @HamdanMohammed aimed at making Dubai a happier and healthier city, saw 2.2 million participants committing to 30 minutes of exercise, every day, for 30 days. pic.twitter.com/5e2Ui8s1ux

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) December 3, 2022

Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals & Retail Establishment, said, “To see a record 2.2 million participants this year is truly inspiring – including almost 35,000 cyclists for Dubai Ride and over 193,000 runners for Dubai Run on Sheikh Zayed Road. As we look back over the last 30 days, it’s truly remarkable to see our city’s commitment to prioritising health and wellbeing. I would like to thank everyone who made this happen for the sixth edition of Dubai Fitness Challenge. It is a very special initiative and one I’m immensely proud to be part of.”

Saeed Hareb, general secretary of Dubai Sports Council said, “DFC was designed to give everyone the opportunity to enjoy the incredible range of fitness facilities the city has to offer, while challenging one another to reach new goals and embrace a more active lifestyle. The small changes made, and healthy habits started, during DFC do not need to end when the challenge does. I encourage everyone to continue prioritising their physical and mental wellbeing throughout the whole year. The sixth edition of Dubai Fitness Challenge has been another resounding success and I would like to thank everyone involved for this incredible achievement.”

In order to help everyone stay motivated across the 30 days of the challenge, DFC 2022 partnered with a host of world-leading health and fitness apps to promote positive behavioural change among participants through fun public and private challenges. This year’s app partners included Fitbit, Fitze, STEPPI, Count’d, Core Direction, Les Mills, McGregor FAST, Runkeeper, Technogym, ENHAPP, and Hygear.

Since its inception, Dubai Fitness Challenge has seen a steady increase in interest and engagement with the number of registered participants growing over 180 percent from 786,000 in the inaugural event in 2017 to 2.2 million in the 2022 edition. Participants in Dubai Run increased 176 per cent from 70,000 runners in the inaugural edition in 2019 to 193,000 in 2022. Cyclists taking part in Dubai Ride increased 75 per cent from 20,000 in 2020 to 34,897 in 2022.

Year after year, the city-wide annual fitness initiative has delivered its objective of positively impacting social wellbeing through a broad spectrum of wellness, sporting and fitness activities.

The 2022 Dubai Fitness Challenge included more than 285 fitness partners, and key global sports brands including adidas, Nike, Asics, Under Armour, Puma, Reebok and PepsiCo, hotels and malls showing their support with bespoke events and exclusive promotions; free check-ups from health and wellness providers, and 82 schools across the city getting involved with 30×30 sessions integrated into the curriculum along with visits to the Fitness Villages.

The 7th edition of Dubai Fitness Challenge will take place between 28 October and 26 November 2023.