DUBAI // Despite the grey skies and showers, the UAE’s first National Sports Day was business as usual as the emirate got active in the fresh winter air.
Dubai’s International Financial Centre was abuzz with people curious to explore new ways to get fit and healthy.
The day began with a power walk around the DIFC grounds then there were classes, including Body Pump and Zumba, football and basketball matches, and children’s activities such as a bouncy castle.
Emirati Obaid Al Muhairi who works in DIFC said the event was “an amazing concept that brings a lot of people together”.
He hoped it would raise awareness of good nutrition and the importance of an active lifestyle.
“The population needs to be more educated about what they eat and about sports,” he said.
The opportunity to try new events would “build confidence” for people to participate in sport without the fear factor of competition.
Maitha Al Kitbi, a teacher at Al Awir School, who took 60 children to the event, said: “It’s a good way to explain to children why sport is good for us and our bodies.
“The children have a different mood when they’re outside the school and sport is a way to show them to get along together.”
Trainer Mark John was delivering classes for gym chain Fitness First. “It’s great to bring people together and motivate them like this,” he said.
“Taking them out of the office to enjoy this and bring health to life and tell them about different activities, it’s really positive.”
There were also smaller events taking place across Dubai.
Ghalib Al Mansoori, 24, an Emirati, was one of a group taking part in a workout at fitness facility InnerFight.
“I wish there were events like this on a monthly basis,” he said. “People here need to have more encouragement to get active and it shouldn’t just be for one day of the year.
“It’s a different life once you start getting active.”
He said many people lacked the motivation or willpower to make physical activity a part of their lifestyle. “There are always excuses,” he said. “They don’t realise it can be social. I’ve met so many new people since joining the facility.
“We’ve done very well building this country but this kind of initiative has to be all year to create a healthier population.”
The Office of the Crown Prince of Dubai organised a yoga session for its staff. Saif Al Ketbi, director of the office, said the sports day would “strengthen the values of love and harmony among all, since sport is the best way to achieve such a noble vision”.
“I see this event today as a mini Olympiad in which participants talk one language, of sport, irrespective of their colours and tongues,” he said.
mswan@thenational.ae
