UAE Fitness: Races and Festivals

The UAE is quickly establishing itself as a major hub for fitness, with more events being added to the calendar annually.

In addition to longstanding local events like the Dubai Run and Abu Dhabi Marathon, international brands are increasingly hosting festivals and competitive races in the country.

For fitness enthusiasts and those on a well-being path, keeping up with upcoming events can be challenging. Here’s an overview of the busy schedule from October to February.

Fitness Events in 2024

October

Lululemon's "Together We Grow" Community Event

To mark World Mental Health Day on October 10, Lululemon is organizing a free community wellness event at Jumeirah Beach Hotel.

It will feature high-intensity interval training (HIIT), calming yoga, and panel discussions.

Fitness challenge areas and recovery stations like ice baths will be available, along with workshops on goal setting and purpose finding. Refreshments and giveaways will also be offered.

• Date: October 5
  
  
• Time: 7am-10.30am
  
  
• Cost: Free, registration required
  
  
• Location: Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai
  
  

Squatwolf and Veo Hayya Lakes Mental Wellness Event

Local athleisure brand Squatwolf and gym operator Veo Hayya Lakes are hosting a men's mental wellness event.

The day starts with sunrise yoga, followed by a discussion on fitness and mental health led by well-being coach Dr. Smitha Prabhakar. It concludes with a sound healing session.

• Date: October 10
  
  
• Time: 6am onwards
  
  
• Cost: Free, registration required
  
  
• Location: The Lakes, Dubai
  
  

Women's Epic

American trail-running brand Women's Epic is debuting in Dubai with a race at Lapita Hotel in Dubai Parks and Resorts.

Distances of 5km, 10km, and 20km are available, followed by post-race activities and brunch.

• Date: October 19
  
  
• Time: 7am
  
  
• Cost: From Dh150
  
  
• Location: Dubai Parks and Resorts
  
  

Hudayriyat Women’s Cycling Series 2024

Female cyclists are invited to the Hudayriyat Women’s Cycling Series inaugural race on Abu Dhabi island's track.

The series opening on October 20 will promote breast cancer awareness. Participants can choose between a 30km race or a 10km community ride, with additional races scheduled for November 3, 17, and December 8.

• Date: October 20
  
  
• Cost: From Dh45
  
  
• Location: Hudayriyat Cycling Track, Abu Dhabi
  
  

Dubai Active

Primarily an expo for health professionals, Dubai Active will feature on-site workouts such as Zumba and yoga, intense challenges, and a weightlifting zone.

Fitness icons like Olympic weightlifter Sonny Webster and trainer Courtney Black will host talks, and wellness brands will showcase their products.

• Dates: October 25-27
  
  
• Cost: From Dh50
  
  
• Location: Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai
  
  

Arabian Warrior

This new obstacle course series launches at Dubai Island with races ranging from 1.6km for kids to a 50km challenge.

Participants can compete in open heats or register for age group categories. A fan village will offer entertainment and food.

• Date: October 26
  
  
• Cost: From Dh60
  
  
• Location: Dubai Island
  
  

Dubai Fitness Challenge

This popular month-long event encourages participants to exercise for 30 minutes daily for 30 days.

It starts on October 26 with flagship events like Dubai Run and Dubai Ride, and fitness villages will be set up across the city with various sports facilities.

• Dates: October 26 to November 24
  
  
• Locations: Various locations around Dubai
  
  

Plus500 City Half Marathon

Returning to Dubai International Financial Centre, this marathon offers 5k, 10k, and 21k options. The scenic course is traffic-free, with Dubai Police and RTA support.

• Date: October 27
  
  
• Time: 6.15am onwards
  
  
• Cost: From Dh158
  
  
• Location: Dubai International Financial Centre
  
  

November

Women's Run

Taking place at Al Forsan Park in Expo City Dubai, this women-only run features 3km, 5km, and 10km categories. Participants can run solo or with children, and finishers will receive medals.

• Date: November 3
  
  
• Time: 6am onwards
  
  
• Cost: From Dh26
  
  
• Location: Expo City Dubai
  
  

Dubai Stand-Up Paddle

Water sports fans can join the second stand-up paddle event at Hatta Dam, open to all skill levels. Certified coaches will guide participants, who can use their own boards or those provided by organizers.

• Date: November 2
  
  
• Time: 10am-5.30pm
  
  
• Location: Hatta Dam
  
  

Aura Skypool Tri in the Sky

Participate in a mini-triathlon at Aura Skypool on Palm Tower, starting with a 3k static row, followed by a 3k cycle and a 250-meter swim. Finishers receive a certificate, medal, and goody bag.

• Date: November 9
  
  
• Time: 6am onwards
  
  
• Cost: Dh150
  
  
• Location: Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
  
  

#KeepTheRunsOn Race

Al Barari hosts a race with 1.6k, 5k, and 10k categories for different age groups. Families and casual runners are welcome.

• Date: November 10
  
  
• Time: 6am onwards
  
  
• Cost: From Dh165
  
  
• Location: Al Barari, Dubai
  
  

Dubai Ride

Drawing 35,000 participants last year, this citywide cycling event offers a 12k route along Sheikh Zayed Road and a 4km family-friendly course in Downtown Dubai.

• Date: November 10
  
  
• Location: Sheikh Zayed Road and Downtown Dubai
  
  

The Music Run

This fun run combining music and fitness takes place at Meydan Racecourse, featuring a 5k route with a curated playlist and ending with a music festival.

• Date: November 16
  
  
• Cost: From Dh109
  
  
• Location: Meydan Racecourse, Dubai
  
  

Bike Abu Dhabi Gran Fondo

The 154k race runs from downtown Abu Dhabi to Al Ain, with participants split into speed groups.

• Date: November 16
  
  
• Time: 6am onwards
  
  
• Cost: From Dh264
  
  
• Location: Abu Dhabi to Al Ain
  
  

Dubai Run

The highlight of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, this free run along Sheikh Zayed Road offers 5k and 10k routes for all levels, often attended by Dubai’s Crown Prince.

• Date: November 24
  
  
• Location: Sheikh Zayed Road
  
  

Walk or Cycle for Life

At Meydan Cycle Track, this community event promotes cancer awareness with walking and cycling options.

• Date: November 26
  
  
• Cost: From Dh70
  
  
• Location: Meydan Cycle Track, Dubai
  
  

Garmin Fitness Festival

Hosted at Meydan Racecourse, Garmin’s festival includes races from 100 meters to 10k for children, plus 5km and 10km for adults. The race village offers product trials, mini workouts, and leisure zones.

• Date: November 30
  
  
• Time: 7am onwards
  
  
• Cost: From Dh50
  
  
• Location: Meydan Racecourse, Dubai
  
  

December

Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon

Returning for its sixth edition, the marathon features various race distances, including a relay and shorter courses. The marathon village offers food and entertainment.

• Date: December 14
  
  
• Cost: From Dh55
  
  
• Location: Adnoc Headquarters, Abu Dhabi
  
  

Fitness Events in 2025

January

Dubai Marathon

The 24th edition includes 4k and 10k routes for casual runners, with entertainment and refreshments at the start/finish line.

• Date: January 12
  
  
• Time: 6am onwards
  
  
• Location: Umm Suqeim Road, Dubai
  
  

February

TriYAS

Details are forthcoming, but the free Yas Island triathlon will offer different swim, cycle, and run segments for all ages.

• Date: February 8
  
  
• Location: Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi
  
  

Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge Returns

The Expo City Dubai cycling event is gearing up for its 2025 season, taking place in February.

This annual event acts as a qualifier for the 2025 UCI Grand Fondo World Series Championship, scheduled in Australia this October.

Participants will tackle a 94.1 km course, with preparatory rides set for four dates in 2024 at the Al Qudra cycle track. Additionally, a junior event is planned for children aged two to seven, occurring the day before the main race.

On site, the Eat Well Live Well village will host food and drink vendors, inflatable attractions for kids, and amenities like ice baths and massage areas for cyclists seeking relaxation.

• Date: February 23
  
  
• Cost: From Dh45
  
  
• Location: Expo City Dubai

Source: thenationalnews

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