The initiative was introduced because of the rising levels of obesity in the country that has become a huge public health concern. The International Diabetes Federation reported that 1 in 5 – or nearly 19.3% – of U.A.E.’s population is diabetic. Furthermore, nearly 40% of the population is pre-diabetic and a large number still remains undiagnosed. With a simple change in people’s everyday lifestyles, this issue can be reversed. The Dubai Fitness Challenge is an initiative that can assist in reversing or reducing these effects. It aims to boost a healthy lifestyle among the residents of Dubai.
Nearly 1 million people from the government, corporates, schools, universities and the general public join in the movement and commit to getting their daily #Dubai30X30. This challenge is one of a kind because it gives me, as a father, an opportunity to bond with and find middle ground with my children.
My six-year-old son and I worked out, laughed, played and danced together – all, in one place. When someone completes a challenge successfully, they are presented with a gift. After completing our challenge, my son and I went to collect our gifts. There, an instructor from the Dubai Civil Defense showed us various exercises. He gave us different challenges to complete, such as crunches, sit and reach, etc. and we exercised with music too.
My daughter’s school also organized activities to take part in the Dubai Fitness Challenge. At her school, policewomen taught and exercised with them as part of the 30x30 challenge. The challenge began with a marathon that was graced with the presence of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan, Crown Prince of Dubai. The marathon was an amazing experience and I was extremely enthusiastic to complete a number of other challenges.
The Dubai Fitness Challenge also enables people to learn several new physical activities. When we were at Safa Park, as part of the challenge, trained boxing professionals gave us a brief introduction to the sport and also taught us many specialized techniques. I encourage everyone to participate. It is healthy and much fun!
The Dubai Fitness Challenge started in 2017 as a citywide initiative of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council for Dubai Government. With one goal in mind, the challenge encourages every resident and visitor in the city to exercise continuously for at least 30 minutes for 30 consecutive days, turning Dubai into the most active city in the world.
This year, Dubai Fitness Challenge returns to continue this commitment and to bring the fitness world to the public. With an all-new Dubai Fitness app, an action-packed calendar of events and a host of free fitness activities all across the city, it’s all about igniting a movement. This year, the Dubai Fitness Challenge will run from October 26, 2018, until November 24, 2018.
- Submitted by Shaikh Shahid Amin, Facility Supervisor
