The onset of Dubai's cooler weather means one thing: it's time to lace up those trainers and explore the great outdoors.
And with Dubai Fitness Challenge usually coinciding with this time of the year, it's a good opportunity to take your daily workout routine outside. Luckily, Dubai has no dearth of venues that are specifically designed to meet your walking and jogging needs. From paths along the beach to those within parks, there are multiple options for all kinds of fitness levels. So if you're looking for a picturesque view and some fresh air alongside your daily walk, jog or run, give these a try.
For short and sweet runs
The Walk, JBR
With beach vistas on one side and views of Dubai Marina's skyscrapers on the other, the track along The Beach at JBR is always a popular option. The two-kilometre soft track can get a bit crowded during weekends and afterwork hours, but after the run is done, it presents plenty of food and drink options for those wanting to fuel up.
Zabeel Park
Those looking for lush greenery with a Downtown Dubai skyline can head over to Zabeel Park, which has a 2.5km jogging path that encircles the park. The well-maintained track has access to plenty of restrooms, parking and views of the Dubai Frame. It gets busy during the cooler seasons, with plenty of families and events, but ample space ensures that it's never too crowded, plus there's plenty to green vistas to enjoy along the way.
Al Barsha Pond Park
Another great spot for nature-lovers, Al Barsha Pond Park features a 1.4km path that circles the pond. The soft running track is marked every 100 metres, making it great for interval training while those wanting long-distance runs can take several laps around. Views of skyscrapers, and birds swooping along the pond make for a welcome sight along the run, and the central location is just another plus point.
The Greens
This neighbourhood features a 3.5km brick path that is lined with greenery and wraps around the picturesque lake, making for a good walking or light jogging spot. There are also plenty of food and beverage options nearby if you're feeling peckish after your workout.
Al Ittihad Park
This quaint space located on Palm Jumeirah offers a picture-perfect running track lined with trees. The soft path is 2.7km long, so it's not much of a challenge, and there are children's play areas and views of the monorail along the way.
La Mer
The picturesque beachside venue has grown in popularity since it opened, thanks in part to its water views and its dining options. The beachfront also has a boardwalk and changing facilities, making it a good spot to pack in a workout. A jog from North to South La Mer and back – or vice versa – will definitely get the heart pumping. It does tend to get busy on weekends though, with parking filling up quickly too.
For those looking to sweat it out
Expo 2020 Dubai
The newest addition to Dubai's wealth of running options is Expo 2020 Dubai. The global fair has separate running or jogging tracks, while there are also plenty of pathways for walking around too. The entire area is bigger than the Principality of Monaco and dwarfs the Vatican City, the smallest country in the world, so you know that you're getting enough exercise just moving around the place, and there's plenty to see. A single-day ticket is Dh95, so this might be best for season pass holders.
Jumeirah Beach running track
The 7km stretch of track along Kite Beach offers Dubai residents one of the city's best views, taking in the sand, sea and glimpses of world-famous landmarks such as the Burj Al Arab. The path features a soft surface and distance markers. Those looking to challenge themselves can go along the track and back, completing a good 14km. The sea breeze and sound of the waves only add to the ambience, and there are plenty of food and beverage options nearby too.
Al Safa Park
The expansive park features brick pathways that are ideal for walks or runs. After paying an entrance fee of Dh3, guests will have views of grassy lawns and trees stretching out on every side. There's a lot of ground to cover and the buildings of Sheikh Zayed Road in the distance add to the view. As a plus point, this park offers one of the best views of the Burj Khalifa.
Creek Park
One of Dubai's oldest and largest, Creek Park is a family-friendly destination with children's play areas and barbecue spots. Its running track is 4km long and offers green views.
Mushrif Park
The park features a cycling track that has an assigned running area. A lap is 4.5km for those wanting to work up a sweat.
Dubai Canal
The Dubai Canal, which was inaugurated in 2016, features a 6.4km stretch that presents serene water views for walkers or joggers. One can even see the Burj Khalifa peeking through across the distance. Those wanting to challenge themselves can also access the five pedestrian bridges to add more kilometres to their workout.
Al Mamzar Beach running track
A 10-minute drive for those living in Deira, Al Mamzar features a 4km synthetic running track. There are water views and distance markers.
Burj Park running track
When it comes to Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain views, this is as good as it gets. Burj Park sports a track that's about 5km, but it can get busy during the cooler months.
For long-distance runners
Dubai Marina
The promenade alongside Dubai Marina offers a scenic view of the area's high-rises and yachts. The entire loop is about 8km long, however there is no dedicated synthetic running track, so you'll need to make your way around passersby. But lovely water views make it worth the effort.
The Boardwalk
The Boardwalk along The Crescent of Palm Jumeirah is 11km long, making this a good spot for those looking to push their limits. However, it's always possible to park closer to Atlantis, The Palm and run to the East or West crescent and back for a shorter loop. The area can get a bit crowded during weekends and public holidays, especially during the cooler months.
Al Qudra Road
The 85km road offers a quiet and uninterrupted run far from the madding crowds. The desert vistas on all sides has its own unique charm.
Avatar: Fire and Ash
Director: James Cameron
Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana
Rating: 4.5/5
Company%20Profile
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Results:
CSIL 2-star 145cm One Round with Jump-Off
1. Alice Debany Clero (USA) on Amareusa S 38.83 seconds
2. Anikka Sande (NOR) For Cash 2 39.09
3. Georgia Tame (GBR) Cash Up 39.42
4. Nadia Taryam (UAE) Askaria 3 39.63
5. Miriam Schneider (GER) Fidelius G 47.74
Qosty Byogaani
Starring: Hani Razmzi, Maya Nasir and Hassan Hosny
Four stars
The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
Wicked: For Good
Director: Jon M Chu
Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater
Rating: 4/5
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Qyubic
Started: October 2023
Founder: Namrata Raina
Based: Dubai
Sector: E-commerce
Current number of staff: 10
Investment stage: Pre-seed
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Milestones on the road to union
1970
October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar.
December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.
1971
March 1: Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.
July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.
July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.
August 6: The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.
August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.
September 3: Qatar becomes independent.
November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.
November 29: At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.
November 30: Despite a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa.
November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties
December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.
December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.
Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
The%20Roundup
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