Sheikh Abdullah breaks a sweat for Dubai Fitness Challenge

A video of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation working out was shared by the Ministry on Sunday

Screengrab from a video showing Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, exercising as part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation YouTube
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The Dubai Fitness Challenge kicked off on Friday as hundreds attended the Opening Weekend Carnival at Safa Park with Sheikh Hamdan to take part in thirty minutes of exercise.

The Crown Prince of Dubai announced the city-wide movement this month which has received a resounding response from residents, companies and government organizations.

The latest public official to take up the challenge is Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation.

In a video posted on the Ministry's YouTube channel on Sunday, Sheikh Abdullah is seen working out and lifting weights while on a spinning bike. At the end of the video he says: “Bu Rashid, we accept the challenge and I hope my colleagues at the Ministry will join us in the challenge.”

The Minister is not the first to release a video indicating his intent to take part, on Friday residents shared their first work-outs on social media.

Two weeks ago, Dubai Police posted a video of officers telling Sheikh Mohammed that they had received his call and accepted the challenge.

RAK Civil Defence also got in on the action with a dramatic video showing firefighters crawling through flames and dragging dummies. They too will be taking part in the 30-day challenge.

More than 1,500 free fitness classes will be offered around the city. Participants can download the Dubai Fitness Challenge App to track their performance, discover events and unlock awards.