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

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


Sophie Prideaux
  • English
  • Arabic

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."

LED Zumba by Master Jedai during the Dubai Fitness Challenge 2019
LED Zumba by Master Jedai during the Dubai Fitness Challenge 2019

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.

Yuki Means Happiness
Alison Jean Lester
John Murray 

The National in Davos

We are bringing you the inside story from the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos, a gathering of hundreds of world leaders, top executives and billionaires.

The biog

Favourite colour: Brown

Favourite Movie: Resident Evil

Hobbies: Painting, Cooking, Imitating Voices

Favourite food: Pizza

Trivia: Was the voice of three characters in the Emirati animation, Shaabiyat Al Cartoon

RESULTS

Main card

Bantamweight 56.4kg: Mehdi Eljamari (MAR) beat Abrorbek Madiminbekov (UZB), Split points decision

Super heavyweight 94 kg: Adnan Mohammad (IRN) beat Mohammed Ajaraam (MAR), Split points decision

Lightweight 60kg:  Zakaria Eljamari (UAE) beat Faridoon Alik Zai (AFG), RSC round 3

Light heavyweight 81.4kg: Taha Marrouni (MAR) beat Mahmood Amin (EGY), Unanimous points decision

Light welterweight 64.5kg: Siyovush Gulmamadov (TJK) beat Nouredine Samir (UAE), Unanimous points decision

Light heavyweight 81.4kg:  Ilyass Habibali (UAE) beat Haroun Baka (ALG), KO second round

The Word for Woman is Wilderness
Abi Andrews, Serpent’s Tail

Company Profile 

Founder: Omar Onsi

Launched: 2018

Employees: 35

Financing stage: Seed round ($12 million)

Investors: B&Y, Phoenician Funds, M1 Group, Shorooq Partners

The biog

Name: Timothy Husband

Nationality: New Zealand

Education: Degree in zoology at The University of Sydney

Favourite book: Lemurs of Madagascar by Russell A Mittermeier

Favourite music: Billy Joel

Weekends and holidays: Talking about animals or visiting his farm in Australia

Explainer: Tanween Design Programme

Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.

The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.

It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.

The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.

Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”

Super Bowl LIII schedule

What Super Bowl LIII

Who is playing New England Patriots v Los Angeles Rams

Where Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, United States

When Sunday (start time is 3.30am on Monday UAE time)

 

MATCH INFO

Fixture: Thailand v UAE, Tuesday, 4pm (UAE)

TV: Abu Dhabi Sports