Registrations are now open for the ninth edition of the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC), which will take place from 1 to 30 November 2025. This year promises to be the biggest and most community-focused edition yet, inviting residents and visitors alike to commit to 30 minutes of physical activity every day for 30 days.
Launched in 2017 by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, DFC has transformed the city into a vibrant, open-air fitness arena. Over the years, the initiative has inspired millions to adopt healthier lifestyles through its signature 30×30 challenge. Last year, 2.7 million participants joined, representing a 244 percent increase in participation since the initiative’s inception.
This year’s edition coincides with the UAE’s “Year of Community”, reinforcing the Challenge’s mission to bring people together through movement, motivation, and connection. DFC 2025 encourages participants to discover what drives them while uniting the city under the simple yet powerful message: 30 minutes of exercise daily for 30 days.
The theme for this edition is “Find Your Challenge”, inviting everyone to explore new ways to get active, no matter their age, ability, or fitness level. Returning flagship events include:
- Dubai Ride presented by DP World (2 November), transforming Sheikh Zayed Road into a citywide cycling experience
- Dubai Run presented by Mai Dubai (23 November), taking participants through Downtown Dubai for a day of running
- Dubai Stand Up Paddle presented by RTA (8 to 9 November) at Hatta Dam, extended to two days due to its growing popularity
A new flagship event, Dubai Yoga (30 November), will close the ninth edition with Dubai’s largest collective yoga session, emphasizing mindfulness and wellbeing.
Participants can also access three free Fitness Villages, featuring group workouts, dedicated ladies’ areas, and facilities for basketball, football, padel, and volleyball. In addition, 25 community fitness hubs and thousands of free classes across the city will keep Dubai active throughout the month. A full calendar of events will be announced shortly.
DFC 2025 will also host several world-class international sporting events, including:
- Dubai Premier Padel P1 (9 to 16 November)
- Dubai T100 Triathlon (15 to 16 November)
- Baseball United Season One (25 to 26 November)
- DP World Tour Championship (13 to 16 November)
- Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens (28 to 30 November)
These events further cement Dubai’s reputation as a global hub for sport and wellness.
His Excellency Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, said:
“Since its inception, the Dubai Fitness Challenge has played a vital role in realizing our vision of becoming one of the world’s most active and healthiest cities. The simplicity of the 30×30 concept continues to inspire people of all ages to prioritize their wellbeing. This ninth edition, in the ‘Year of Community,’ emphasizes the unifying power of movement and the connections that form when people come together with a shared goal.”
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, added:
“Inspired by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Dubai Fitness Challenge continues to grow in scale and impact, leaving a meaningful legacy that promotes long-term wellbeing across our communities. From flagship events like Dubai Ride and the new Dubai Yoga, to community fitness hubs and free classes across the city, DFC 2025 reinforces the values of connection and shared purpose. We look forward to nurturing a citywide culture of health, movement, and togetherness, preparing for a milestone tenth edition in 2026.”
Dubai Fitness Challenge 2025 is organized by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and the Dubai Sports Council (DSC), with support from Presenting Partners: DP World, Dubai Municipality, Mai Dubai, and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
Association Partners include Sun and Sand Sports, AW Rostamani Group, Commercial Bank of Dubai, Decathlon, Emirates NBD, e&, MIRA Developments, Huawei, talabat, The Ultimate Human Wellness Clinic, WHOOP, Shamal – Kite Beach, and Hatta Kayak. Official Partners are Emirates Airline and Emarat, Media Partner is Arabian Radio Network (ARN), and Government Partners include Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, KHDA, Dubai Police, Ministry of Education, Event Security Committee, and Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
Now is the perfect time to take the first step toward a healthier lifestyle. Whether you walk, run, cycle, paddle, or practice yoga, every move counts as part of a citywide effort to make Dubai one of the most active cities in the world.
Register for free at www.dubaifitnesschallenge.com and Find Your Challenge.
