‘Hooked on DFC’: These tourists travel to Dubai every year to take part in a fitness challenge – News

The sixth edition of the event began on October 29 and attracted thousands of residents to beaches, parks and outdoor venues to participate in physical activities.

For Lyndsay, the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) is the perfect excuse to travel to Dubai annually. While walking to the beach during a visit in 2019, the Scottish national noticed some exercise equipment. “I assumed it was an organized event,” she said. “I was surprised to find out that it was a free gym open to everyone.”

After the Covid pandemic, she returned to DFC for the first time in 2022. She is accompanied on these trips by her friend Jo. “We are absolutely hooked on the event,” Jo said. “We have participated in several events.”

The sixth installment of this fitness challenge kicked off in Dubai on Saturday, October 29, attracting thousands of residents who flocked to beaches, parks and various outdoor venues to engage in physical activities.

Lyndsay and Jo say what they love most about DFC is the hustle and bustle and energy. “There are multiple age groups, cultures and physical abilities – working together in an inclusive environment,” Jo said.

Lyndsay and jo

These two friends are among the many visitors traveling to the United Arab Emirates just in time for the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC), eager to enjoy the excitement as the entire city is transformed into one huge open-air gym.

In 2017, Indian expatriate Rahib Mohammed, who was working as a civil engineer on night shifts in Dubai, was unable to attend any of the fitness events during the first edition of DFC. This left him frustrated and discouraged. “That’s when I realized how important fitness was to me,” he told Khaleej Times. “I couldn’t find time for it and it made me very cranky.”

Realizing this, Rahib quit his job, returned to India and changed careers to become a famous personal trainer with clients from all over the world. Today he divides his time between India and the United Arab Emirates. However, the one thing he never misses is the DFC. “No matter where I am, I always come back to Dubai to take on the fitness challenge,” he said. “I have never seen a champion from the city work out like Dubai does. There are tons of free activities all over the city and that includes everyone. “No one is left behind.”

Rahib Mohamed

He continued: “What I love about DFC is how it makes fitness about fun. When you go to gyms around the world, they will tell you things like “no pain, no gain” and “go hard or go home.” But not Dubai. Here, fitness is fun, enjoyable and achievable. When you say 30 minutes, it already becomes a very achievable goal for people. “I really take my hat off to this city for what they do.”

Rahib Mohamed

An initiative of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, the DFC aims to make Dubai the fittest city in the world and has inspired more than 2.2 million people to adopt a healthier lifestyle. .

Last year, Rahib participated in the Dubai Ride. However, this year, due to work commitments, he will not be able to participate in the cycling event. “This year I will participate in the Dubai Run,” he said. “I already made my team and we are all training together. “I can’t wait to run down Sheikh Zayed Road.”

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