Slacklining: A Thriving Community!

Every Wednesday, a committed group of slackliners gathers at Al Safa Park to challenge their skills, achieve balance, and connect with like-minded individuals.

What began as a casual way to relax after work has now evolved into The Slacky Mile, a thriving community that unites people from all backgrounds to relish the joy and growth that slacklining brings.

Slacklining involves walking, running, or balancing on a stretch of flat webbing secured between two anchors, similar to tightrope walking. However, slacklines are more flexible and have less tension, creating a dynamic experience that challenges both the body and mind.

The Slacky Mile community has expanded its reach through regular meetups at picturesque locations across the UAE.

These include a stunning waterline site in Hamriya, Sharjah, and highlining adventures at Fossil Rock—activities that combine the thrill of overcoming fears with exploring nature in a fresh, exciting way.

Founder Mouad Aburachid explains, “It’s about discovering balance—not just physically but in life as well—and being present in every moment.”

Mouad, a Moroccan-born balance coach, views slacklining as more than just a sport. His passion began on a beach in Morocco, where he first tried slacklining with friends.

When he moved to Dubai in 2017 for a Master’s degree in International Business, he found the traditional academic structure limiting and began exploring his love for movement.

After working in e-commerce for five years, Mouad faced a turning point when he was laid off despite meeting performance targets.

Instead of being discouraged, he embraced his passion for movement and dove deeper into slacklining during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Practicing on Kitesurf Beach in Umm Al Quwain, he not only honed his skills but also began teaching others.

By 2020, Mouad transitioned into a full-time balance coach. He now teaches slacklining, acro yoga, freeline skating, and surf skating.

For him, slacklining promotes physical and emotional well-being while helping others grow holistically.


“It’s not just about physical improvement but emotional health too,” Mouad noted, sharing how the discipline helped him address his own postural imbalances.

Mouad’s journey intersected with Amr Al Hossaini, founder and CEO of OutQore, a sports equipment retailer, when Mouad purchased a slackline from his store in 2021.

This encounter led to a partnership that expanded Dubai’s slacklining community.

“Setting up slacklines in Al Safa Park showed me how valuable community engagement is, especially in a city so full of distractions,” noted Amr.

Their collaboration has significantly raised awareness of slacklining, making it both popular and accessible across Dubai.

OutQore adapted its product lineup to include more recreational sports gear to meet the rising interest in outdoor activities like slacklining.

The Slacky Mile’s success demonstrates the strength of community and the meaningful connections that come through movement.

More Than a Sport—A Family

For many, The Slacky Mile is about more than slacklining. For instance, 33-year-old aerial dance instructor Ari Lamat, originally from Mexico, considers the group her “family.” Now married to Mouad, she shared, “This community is so much more than just the sport—it’s like a family.

Everyone contributes something unique.” Similarly, Apurv Gujar, who discovered slacklining six years ago at a festival in India, sees it as a “journey of self-discovery.”

He credits slacklining with teaching him resilience, focus, and discipline—skills he applies to his personal and professional life.

For 44-year-old teacher assistant Arlet, the diversity within the community offers a wealth of learning opportunities. “We interact with people from all over the world, learning about different traditions, cultures, and ways of life,” she said.

Even beginners like Sandeep Rathod, a newcomer to Dubai who tried slacklining six months ago, are discovering the sport’s deeper lessons.

“My legs trembled uncontrollably the first time I tried it,” Sandeep recalled, “but it taught me patience, focus, and the value of mutual support.”

Building Bridges Through Balance

The Slacky Mile continues to extend its impact with initiatives like workshops during the Dubai Fitness Challenge.

The group has also offered slacklining sessions for children, including those with Down syndrome.

Mouad explained his approach, saying, “We demonstrated posture and balance and avoided applying too much pressure, allowing the kids to connect with the movement naturally.”

Though slacklining is still a relatively new activity in the UAE, its growing popularity signals a bright future.

Under Mouad’s guidance, The Slacky Mile has become more than just a hobby; it’s a pathway to achieving mental and physical balance while nurturing a sense of belonging.

Source: khaleejtimes

The opinions shared in the GymNation blog articles are solely those of the respective authors and may not represent the perspectives of GymNation or any member of the GymNation team.