Swim, walk or cycle: Dubai Crown Prince challenges residents to get fit in 30 days

What will be your Dubai 30x30 challenge?

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, launches the inaugural Dubai Fitness Challenge in 2017. Courtesy Dubai Government Media Office

Hop on a bike, exercise with colleagues at the start of the work day, swim or walk with family before dinner.

Residents are being urged to commit to 30 minutes of daily activity for 30 days from October 20 to 18 November as part of an initiative to make Dubai the most active city in the world.

The 30x30 Dubai Fitness Challenge begins with a carnival on October 20 in Safa Park and people of all ages and fitness levels are being encouraged to participate.

The challenge is an initiative of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, the Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council.

The aim is to get people to exercise at home or outdoors by pulling together residents, corporate business houses, government organisations or schools and ensuring they register for the month-long activities.

“Whether you work out regularly or are thinking of getting fit, now is the time to make a change,” the challenge organisers announced online, which asks people to be a champion of change in their community by trying something new and pushing their limits.

Quick and easy information, from how to workout at home, guides about where to cycle and run in Dubai and tips are available on the website. Trainers such as Emirati parkour instructor Amal Murad offer advice in videos that shed light on her training regime, which combines running, jumping and vaulting.

Prizes are in store for people taking on various activities that range from swim events, triathlons, cycle challenges, timed runs and fun events such as the popular Colour Run.

Enthusiasts can track their performance on a Dubai Fitness Challenge app that will give them access to more than 1,500 free classes and discounts at various outlets, plus about 75 pop-up locations where people can workout.