Working out with a view has a whole new meaning at the new sporting arena Ballers, which opened this week in Downtown Dubai, with pitches and courts where you can see Burj Khalifa.
The new sports hub, on Dubai Fountain Street, spans 7,432 square metres, with football and rugby pitches, a gym, a multipurpose studio and six padel courts.
It’s industrial in its vibe, as a series of metal containers contain the studio, where yoga classes also take place, and a cafe, which sits alongside the courts and pitches.
While it’s open from 6am seven days a week, allowing visitors to get a workout in before it gets too hot, it doesn’t close until midnight, so the team are expecting night-time exercise sessions to be even more popular, “as the courts light up under Dubai’s famous city lights”, according to the opening statement.
“Ballers focuses on providing an escape from the stresses of everyday life.”
There are programmes available for individuals looking to hone their sporting skill sets, with a focus on understanding human movement, performance, injury risk and rehabilitation.
The Elite Academy, meanwhile, has been created for budding footballers and athletes. “The top-tier coaches will be on hand to nurture young talents rising the ranks through the academies which will all be spearheaded by the best football talent in the UAE.”
There’s also a Padel Tennis Academy, which offers private or group coaching sessions, with classes lasting 60 minutes for one-on-ones and 90 minutes for group lessons. Access to the courts starts from Dh450 for 90 minutes, while five-a-side football starts at Dh1,000.
Coaching via the Rugby Academy is also on offer, as is bubble football, for a change of pace.
Studio 14: eco-friendly fitness space for children and adults opens in Dubai — in pictures
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Studio 14 in Umm Al Sheif, Dubai, will open on May 16. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National -
The studio offers boxing and deep-stretching classes for adults. -
Kick-boxing classes for children 7 years and above are also available. -
Little ones can also be signed up for mindfulness sessions. -
The Himalayan salt wall helps to purify the air and reduce allergies. -
The studio has TechnoGym Skillrow and TechnoGym Skillmill machines, which don't use electricity. -
The machines are powered by the users themselves. -
A retail area offers sustainably made products. -
The eco-friendly space is inspired by nature. -
Boxing bags hang, ready for action. -
Boxing is a crucial part of Studio 14's offering.
