• Expo 2020 Dubai has a dedicated 5,400-square-metre Sports, Fitness and Wellbeing Hub that’s free to use. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Expo 2020 Dubai has a dedicated 5,400-square-metre Sports, Fitness and Wellbeing Hub that’s free to use. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The venue is located adjacent to the Alif – The Mobility Pavilion and done up in bright blue and yellow hues.
    The venue is located adjacent to the Alif – The Mobility Pavilion and done up in bright blue and yellow hues.
  • It's divided into six zones. The biggest zone is the football field or Aussie Park.
    It's divided into six zones. The biggest zone is the football field or Aussie Park.
  • A screen at Aussie Park will stream live events.
    A screen at Aussie Park will stream live events.
  • Aussie Park also has room for spectators who want to sit in on matches.
    Aussie Park also has room for spectators who want to sit in on matches.
  • Located next to Aussie Park is a multipurpose court.
    Located next to Aussie Park is a multipurpose court.
  • It is primarily used for basketball, although sports like badminton, volleyball - and even bowling - can take place here.
    It is primarily used for basketball, although sports like badminton, volleyball - and even bowling - can take place here.
  • Big bash cricket nets at Expo 2020 Dubai's Sports, Fitness and Wellbeing Hub.
    Big bash cricket nets at Expo 2020 Dubai's Sports, Fitness and Wellbeing Hub.
  • Participants can learn to fine tune their cricket skills using the facilities.
    Participants can learn to fine tune their cricket skills using the facilities.
  • The Sports, Fitness and Wellbeing Hub also houses an indoor and outdoor gym with all necessary equipment.
    The Sports, Fitness and Wellbeing Hub also houses an indoor and outdoor gym with all necessary equipment.
  • The gyms are fully equipped and can be used by all for free.
    The gyms are fully equipped and can be used by all for free.

Inside Expo 2020 Dubai’s fitness hub, where visitors can exercise for free


Janice Rodrigues
  • English
  • Arabic

A trip to Expo 2020 Dubai is good for your fitness goals. Not only should simply walking around the site be more than enough to cover any daily step goals you’ve set, it’s also brimming with jogging tracks and other activities.

For those wanting to pack in a quick workout during a visit, Expo 2020 actually has a dedicated 5,400-square-metre Sports, Fitness and Wellbeing Hub that’s free to use.

The space is adjacent to Alif – The Mobility Pavilion and can be spotted by the Mobility Gate (look out for the bright blue and yellow signage).

The space features six zones. The main one – the largest – is the football field, also called Aussie Park. It’s home to a constant stream of events, activations and tournaments, such as AC Milan’s Academy sessions. There’s even a giant screen to stream live sporting events.

Adjacent to it is a multipurpose court predominately used for basketball, but also netball, volleyball, badminton, tennis and even bowling. Different events take place there in the evenings, while people can also book it for sports sessions.

Behind that is a global fitness stage, designed for mass participation, where events such as Les Mills training sessions and the Aussie Boot Camp take place.

Aussie Park, inside Expo 2020 Dubai's Sports, Fitness and Wellbeing Hub. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Aussie Park, inside Expo 2020 Dubai's Sports, Fitness and Wellbeing Hub. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Then there are two cricket batting cages. Thanks to a tie-up between the Indian Premier League team Rajasthan Royals and the Expo 2020 sports hub, there are academy sessions taking place here a few nights every week, where teachers take participants through the game of cricket.

Then there's an outdoor gym. The basics are available, including treadmills, weights, stationary bikes, exercise ropes and even a punching bag, all of which can be accessed for free by Expo visitors.

For warmer days, there's also a better-equipped indoor gym with all the essentials. A few evenings every week, this space is reserved only for women who want to exercise in privacy.

Finally, Expo 2020 Sports, Fitness and Wellbeing Hub is also the starting point for the free cycling tours that are held daily in English and Arabic. Find out how you can book them here.

Toilets, changing rooms and shower facilities are also available.

In the coming months, Expo 2020 will have a roster of health and fitness events taking place. Some major activations in November include the International Bowling Federation Super World Championships, Al Ain Football Club Activation and the start of the IP Men’s Football Tournament.

Organisers recommend checking the daily programme to ensure the facilities you need will be free during your visit. Meanwhile, selected events and classes, from cycling tours to spin classes, can be booked in advance via the Glofox app. Those who want an impromptu workout session at the indoor or outdoor gyms can stop by without registration beforehand, as long as the space isn't being used for other events or ladies-only classes.

The Expo 2020 Sports, Fitness and Wellbeing Hub is open daily, 9am-midnight. More information is available here.

WORLD CUP SEMI-FINALS

England v New Zealand

(Saturday, 12pm UAE)

Wales v South Africa

(Sunday, 12pm, UAE)

 

THE 12 BREAKAWAY CLUBS

England

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur

Italy
AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus

Spain
Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Real Madrid

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Copa del Rey final

Sevilla v Barcelona, Saturday, 11.30pm (UAE), match on Bein Sports

'Worse than a prison sentence'

Marie Byrne, a counsellor who volunteers at the UAE government's mental health crisis helpline, said the ordeal the crew had been through would take time to overcome.

“It was worse than a prison sentence, where at least someone can deal with a set amount of time incarcerated," she said.

“They were living in perpetual mystery as to how their futures would pan out, and what that would be.

“Because of coronavirus, the world is very different now to the one they left, that will also have an impact.

“It will not fully register until they are on dry land. Some have not seen their young children grow up while others will have to rebuild relationships.

“It will be a challenge mentally, and to find other work to support their families as they have been out of circulation for so long. Hopefully they will get the care they need when they get home.”

The specs

Engine: 5.2-litre V10

Power: 640hp at 8,000rpm

Torque: 565Nm at 6,500rpm

Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch auto

Price: From Dh1 million

On sale: Q3 or Q4 2022 

The biog

Favourite book: You Are the Placebo – Making your mind matter, by Dr Joe Dispenza

Hobby: Running and watching Welsh rugby

Travel destination: Cyprus in the summer

Life goals: To be an aspirational and passionate University educator, enjoy life, be healthy and be the best dad possible.

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

Updated: November 14, 2021, 10:30 PM