DUBAI FITNESS CHALLENGE

Rise to the challenge

It’s time to lace up as the Dubai Fitness Challenge returns

Let’s face it: You don’t always treat your body like a temple. And that’s OK. Those buffet brunches aren’t going to eat themselves. But it’s always good to have a balance. That’s where the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) comes in. Taking place from October 29 to November 27, this annual month-long fitness challenge, launched in 2017 by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, invites everyone in the city to complete 30 minutes of activity every day, for 30 days. With an action-packed calendar of free classes, sporting events, group workout sessions and healthy eating tutorials via its website, the DFC aims to help get you moving every single day. Live events will also take place at specially designed ‘fitness villages’ across the city, including a primary complex at Kite Beach. Plus, look out for news incoming on this year’s dates for the famous Dubai Ride and Dubai Run challenges, which takes participants on a mega loop along Sheikh Zayed Road. Need something to work towards? Check out these upcoming fun races

Pink is Punk Paddle Date: October 29 Entry fee: Dhs158 (incl. board rental) Dress in pink and take to the calm Palm Jumeirah waters for the Ignite Pink is Punk Paddle. This charity fun race sees participants paddleboard their way around a 1.5km loop. All proceeds from the race are donated to the Al Jalila Foundation to help support breast cancer treatment and research. The first wave sets off at 7am. ignite.ae/events

Mai Dubai City Half Marathon Date: October 30 Entry fee: From Dhs150 Instead of pounding the pavement alone, why not enter into the annual half marathon? The route travels through one of the world’s most photographed neighbourhoods, Downtown Dubai, starting at the Gate Building in DIFC and follows a path passing Burj Khalifa, Jumeirah Emirates Towers and Museum of the Future. Cover a distance of 21km (Dhs225) for the half marathon, or choose to run the 5km (Dhs150) or 10km (Dhs175) circuit, depending on your ability. promosevensports.com

Skechers Performance Run Date: November 13 Entry fee: From Dhs175 Run, walk or sprint the 3km, 5km, 10km or 16km course at Dubai’s most popular community run series. Start and finish at Meydan – The Track, where traffic-free roads take you on a scenic journey around Nad Al Sheba. Races start at 7am. supersportsuae.com

OM, SLEEP, RAVE, REPEAT

Raktopia is the yoga-fuelled DJ’d dance party on the beach you’ve been looking for

Tickets for Coachella sell out in an instant. Flights into London before the Wilderness Festival are prohibitive and forget about Airbnbs or hotels. No problem – you can still find parties on this planet that your friends haven’t already selfied to exhaustion. And with the arrival of Raktopia – taking place this month in Ras Al Khaimah – there’s now no need to look further afield.

Raktopia is your chill, outdoorsy alternative to urban celebrations, desert raves, and spiritual carnivals. The emirate’s latest festival features music, yoga, meditation and more, set in the pretty confines of the What’s On Awardwinning Longbeach Campground where selfcare seekers, beach lovers and festivalgoers will enjoy a weekend getaway with relaxed vibes, interactive activities and captivating beats.

HERE’S A LOOK AT THE LINE-UP…

WELLNESS

Allaoua Gaham, an experienced yogi and certified senior instructor of Animal Flow, introduces a yoga-meets-breakdancing workout to help students gain more body awareness, and Systema, a form of martial arts that focuses on physical, mental and spiritual wellness. Meanwhile, Dubaibased yogi Sarah White offers guided meditations, holistic health coach Tamara Khoury leads cardio Pilates by the beach and Charl Chaka, a renowned creative facilitator in music and movement dance, will host a series of jamming sessions.

MUSIC

During the day, expect a line-up of talented local DJs spinning a carefully curated selection of chilled out beats, followed by a host of internationally renowned DJs, including EDM favourite NU, Argentinian DJ LUM and regional stars 2Third taking festival-goers on a spiritual journey through the world of electronic music.

ART

Complementing the day programme is a series of interactive ceramic and mandala workshops led by UAE-based artists who will also co-create special art projects to showcase the unique character and landscape of Ras Al Khaimah.

After you’ve camped under the stars, backstroked in the ocean, and gorged mindfully on good food, you may start to ask yourself what all the fuss about Coachella was.

October 22 to 23

Longbeach Campground, Ras Al Khaimah, Sat noon to 3am and Sun 6am to 7pm. visitrasalkhaimah.com/raktopia

Festival packages

Early bird packages with an overnight stay at Longbeach Campground for two guests and two-day festival passes are available from Dhs1,345 per couple. Individual early bird passes are priced at Dhs350 for Day 1, Dhs180 for Day 2 or Dhs400 for a two-day pass (Dhs450 on the door). Tickets are available via platinumlist.net

T&C’s apply. For bookings and inquiries, call 04 814 5604 or email restaurant.reservation@jaresorts.com JAresorts.com jatheresort

Kick-off the weekend with an indulgent feast and chilled out vibes for families and friends at this picnic-style brunch with live cooking stations, a DJ churning out top-chart beats, alongside live music and entertainment for the kids.

With pool and beach access included, We Be Brunchin’ is the perfect way to make a splash on your day out!

Every Saturday | 12:30PM - 4PM

AED 249 Soft Beverage Package AED 349 House Beverage Package AED 99 Kids Package Kids below 6 years old dine for free

Anchor Pool area JA The Resort, Jebel Ali Beach, Dubai Sheikh Zayed road exit 13

DESTINATIONS | STAYCATIONS

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