Dubai Fitness Challenge: Sheikh Hamdan wants to make the UAE the 'world's most active country'

The 30-day challenge returns this month with more than 2,000 free sessions

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed launched the Dubai Fitness Challenge to encourage healthier, more active lifestyles. Faz3 Instagram account

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed is encouraging everyone to take part in this year’s Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) to help make the UAE “the most active country in the world”.

The 30-day challenge, launched by the Crown Prince of Dubai in 2017, returns for its fourth iteration this year, offering more than 2,000 free fitness sessions across the emirate and online between Friday, October 30 and Saturday, November 28.

As with previous years, DFC challenges Dubai residents to commit to 30 minutes of exercise every day for a 30-day period to improve their health and overall wellbeing.

"The return of Dubai Fitness Challenge is a testament to the emirate's resilience and its commitment to rebuild a stronger and happier society by embracing the benefits of fitness and wellness habits. When we create the right habits and make them a part of our lives, we have the opportunity to truly transform ourselves," Sheikh Hamdan said as he invited government entities, businesses and schools across the emirate to take part in this year's challenge.

"Dubai is a city that recognises the importance of physical, mental and social wellbeing, and constantly strives to provide everyone opportunities for an active lifestyle. All it takes for you to succeed is an unyielding pledge to enjoy 30 minutes of activity for 30 days. I challenge each and every one of you to embrace your fitness journey and make a difference in your life. Together, let’s make the UAE the most active country in the world."

This year’s challenge will look slightly different as organisers work to ensure that all events and activities are held in a safe and socially-distanced manner, as well as ensuring people can take part from the comfort of their own homes. The challenge will bring back its "Find Your 30" virtual content hub, a free-to-access, one-stop destination that will host a wide range of fitness content for all ages and abilities, while providing inspiration and trusted information for participants to craft their individualised fitness programmes.

Participants can explore workout videos, 30-day exercise programmes, discipline challenges, healthy recipes, health and wellness articles, vlogs, educational videos for children, and more from leading experts in the fitness and health industry. It will also include information on the challenge’s physical events and sessions.

The hub will also feature a virtual map spanning 30 locations across the city as part of its City is a Gym initiative, which provides people with information on where they can exercise for free without any equipment. Upon arrival at each location, participants will be able to scan a QR code with their mobile device to access a workout that will be unique to that place.

The physical programme will feature three dedicated Fitness Villages and eight Fitness Hubs. New for 2020 will be a programme of guided running tours providing a unique, on-foot perspective of famous sights across the city.

Registration for the 2020 Challenge is now open on the official Dubai Fitness Challenge website. By registering, participants can unlock free 30-day programmes from DFC partner apps – Fitbit Premium, NEOU, Sweat, Daily Burn, Les Mills on Demand and FIIT as well as deals and offers on fitness and wellness merchandise and exclusive workout and wellness videos from some of the world’s top instructors.