Dubai Games Director: Safety First

Marwan bin Essa, the director of the Dubai Games, is an engaged and hands-on leader.

Instead of managing the project from afar, the 42-year-old fitness enthusiast personally tests every obstacle to guarantee the safety of participants.

Speaking with Gulf News, Essa provided a glimpse into the careful planning that goes into designing the obstacle course.

Having been part of the Games since their launch in 2018, the Emirati official emphasized the value of personal experience in truly understanding the challenges faced by participants.

“As a fitness enthusiast, it’s essential for me to put myself in their shoes,” Essa explained. “This has been my approach since the very beginning of this project.”

The Dubai Games, held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, have grown significantly since their inception.

Initially conceived to unite government teams in physical and mental challenges, the event now welcomes community teams, international participants, and even juniors.

“Our greatest inspiration is Sheikh Hamdan, who is also an athlete and a motivational leader. This is my sixth edition of the Games, and, God willing, the future editions will only get better.”

A Hands-On Approach

The event features seven challenging obstacle platforms—The Elevator, The Unreachable, The Grip, The Force, Ball Rush, Human Ladder, and Bulldozer—that test participants’ strength and resolve.

Essa personally tests every element of the course to assess both its challenge and its safety.

“We have to test and refine every component. That often means falling, getting injured, making adjustments, and improving things further,” he said.

“It’s not a one-day process; we started testing six months ago to ensure everything is perfect.”

Safety is a top priority for Essa. While the competition aspect of the Games matters, he stresses the importance of providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

“Yes, winning is significant, but safety is critical. For me, success means finishing the event without any injuries while ensuring participants have an incredible experience.”

Last year, Essa himself took on a grueling challenge—running up 160 floors of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world—part of one of the Games' events.

Inspiring Others

Essa’s dedication to safety is matched by his personal commitment to fitness. Known for his rigorous training, he regularly practices CrossFit, Hyrox, and obstacle courses.

On his official Instagram, he shares videos of his workouts, which include handstand push-ups, squats, sit-ups, powerlifting, deadlifts, running, and more, serving as motivation for others.

“Consistency is what keeps you pushing forward,” Essa explained. “It helps you grow, give more of yourself, and keep developing.”

Essa aims not only to maintain his own fitness but also to inspire those participating in the Games.

“It’s all about inspiring people. When participants see me doing these challenges, they might think, ‘If he can do it, why can’t we?’ That’s the goal—to encourage and motivate others.”

He concluded with excitement for the event, adding, “It will be fascinating to watch the top four competitors push themselves to the limit.”

Source: gulfnews

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