Every year, the Dubai Fitness Challenge brings groups of UAE residents together for high-energy fitness sessions, notably runners and cyclists for Dubai Run and Dubai Ride. For the first time, the event added the Dubai Stand-Up Paddle to its roster of events.
Organisers reported that “up to 1,000" stand-up paddle boarders made their way to Dubai enclave Hatta on Saturday to enjoy complimentary stand-up paddle boarding sessions with a mountainous backdrop.
“The tremendous success of our first-ever Dubai Stand-Up Paddle clearly demonstrates the burgeoning enthusiasm for outdoor fitness within our community,” said Ahmed Alkhaja, chief executive of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment.
“This event went far beyond gathering individuals for a day of physical activity; it aimed to cultivate a lasting commitment to health and well-being while fostering an inclusive and accessible sporting culture. Such initiatives exemplify Dubai's vibrant and forward-thinking approach to integrating inclusive fitness into the urban lifestyles of our community.
“We aspire to inspire residents and visitors alike to embrace an active lifestyle that extends far beyond the Dubai Fitness Challenge.”
Hatta Kayak hosted the water sports enthusiasts at the event, which comprised training sessions, a mass participation challenge and sunset SUP yoga classes.
The training sessions were 30-minute slots open to anyone aged five and above, of any skill level.
For the challenge, participants navigated a dedicated paddle boarding course – either on their own stand-up paddle boards or using borrowed equipment from Hatta Kayak, which was available free of charge – and received a certificate upon completion.
For a moment of Zen, there were two sunset yoga sessions, also held on boards and run by expert instructors in the centre of the dam's waters.
Hatta is located approximately one hour and 30 minutes away from Downtown Dubai by car – the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) ran a complimentary shuttle service for participants.
The Dubai Fitness Challenge is an initiative of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai. Now in its seventh year, it runs annually in October and November to encourage participants to take part in 30 minutes of exercise daily, for 30 days.
The 2023 challenge runs until next Sunday and will culminate in the Dubai Run on the final day.
Participants can choose between a 5km or 10km route at the event, which takes over part of the 14-lane Sheikh Zayed Road for a few hours. This year, organisers are hoping to attract more than 200,000 runners, surpassing last year's 193,000 total.
The 5km route begins near the Museum of the Future. It then passes Burj Khalifa and Dubai Opera and ends near Dubai Mall. It is a flat route suitable for runners of all ages and abilities.
The 10km route will also begin near the Museum of the Future, going along Sheikh Zayed Road to the Dubai Water Canal, then returning towards the World Trade Centre before ending on Al Mustaqbal Street near Dubai International Financial Centre. This route is suitable for more experienced runners.
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Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
'Worse than a prison sentence'
Marie Byrne, a counsellor who volunteers at the UAE government's mental health crisis helpline, said the ordeal the crew had been through would take time to overcome.
“It was worse than a prison sentence, where at least someone can deal with a set amount of time incarcerated," she said.
“They were living in perpetual mystery as to how their futures would pan out, and what that would be.
“Because of coronavirus, the world is very different now to the one they left, that will also have an impact.
“It will not fully register until they are on dry land. Some have not seen their young children grow up while others will have to rebuild relationships.
“It will be a challenge mentally, and to find other work to support their families as they have been out of circulation for so long. Hopefully they will get the care they need when they get home.”
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Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cyl turbo
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Torque: 275Nm from 2,000-4,000rpm
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“All across the Middle East, countries have banned and proscribed the Muslim Brotherhood as a dangerous organisation. We will do the very same.”
It is 10 years since a ground-breaking report into the Muslim Brotherhood by Sir John Jenkins.
Among the former diplomat's findings was an assessment that “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” has “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
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Defence review at a glance
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Brief scoreline:
Manchester United 2
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Doucoure 90'
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The specs
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