Dubai Fitness Challenge: Free events, classes, full calendar for November 2025
Dubai Fitness Challenge is set to kick off its eighth edition on Wednesday 1 November 2025.
Carrying on until Sunday 30 November, the citywide active living initiative will have an unparalleled programme of free fitness activities available to people of all ages and abilities.
Whether it’s taking part in four headline mass-participation events and three fitness villages, or trying a range of programmes at one of over 25 community hubs and thousands of citywide classes, DFC 2025 will make fitness accessible, inspirational and, most importantly, unforgettable.
Here’s what to look forward to in November:
Dubai Ride, November 2
Dubai’s DFC 2025 officially gets off to a flying start this Sunday, 2 November, when thousands of cyclists descend on Sheikh Zayed Road at 6.15am to begin the sixth edition of Dubai Ride.
Participants are encouraged to select a challenge within their comfort level, and will have the option of the family-friendly 4-km route that weaves through Downtown Dubai, or the high-octane 12-km route that takes in some of the city’s most iconic sights, such as the Museum of the Future, Dubai Water Canal and the Burj Khalifa.
Providing an adrenaline-charged start to the morning for the advanced cyclists, Dubai Ride Speed Laps returns from 5am-6am, when the selected participants will have the unique opportunity to ride on the 12-km route at speed, with a minimum average speed of 30kmph.
Dubai Stand Up Paddle, November 8 and 9
Dubai SUP is back. For the third year in a row, and for the first time ever, the event will take place over two full days in the stunning setting of Hatta Dam, at the foot of the imposing Hajar Mountains. The right combination of fitness and adventure with some of the most dramatic views in the Emirates…
Free introductory session of Stand Up Paddle boarding, free kayaking sessions available on a first-come, first-served basis (single kayaks for anyone aged 17+, doubles available for families), and instructor-led sunset yoga sessions on the water’s edge.
Taking place from 8.30am – 5.30pm over the weekend, Dubai SUP will provide boards, paddles and life jackets, plus training and guided activities as well as adapted activities for People of Determination. Transport to and from the stunning Hatta location will be provided by a free shuttle bus service from One Central free-of-charge parking area near Dubai World Trade Centre, to help turn the event into an ideal weekend getaway.
Dubai Run, November 23
Dubai Run is one of DFC’s premium products, returning for the seventh edition and setting the world’s largest free community fun run on Sheikh Zayed Road. Kicking off at 6.30am, it welcomes runners of all ages, abilities and fitness levels to take over Dubai’s most iconic road and enjoy the power of mass movement.
Runners can pick their distance, with the challenging 10km route to the DIFC Gate Building suited to seasoned athletes. The 5km Downtown route is a family-friendly option for less intense running, and ends near Dubai Mall on the Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard. Dedicated start zones and People of Determination volunteers ensure no one gets left behind.
Dubai Yoga, November 30
In a first for DFC, this year’s Challenge culminates with an all-new flagship event: Dubai Yoga. Thousands of yogis will come together to participate in a mass yoga session at Zabeel Park at sunset on the final day of the Challenge, one of the biggest in the region to date.
Designed with areas specifically for families and ladies, Dubai Yoga is a unifying, community-led moment that will bring all participants together to conclude the Challenge in one last yoga session.
Book your spot at DubaiYoga.ae.
Three free fitness villages
Kite Beach
Dubai’s biggest free sports village offers the biggest, most well-rounded fitness experience of the month. With something for everyone – and every ability – from beach soccer, basketball, cricket, beach volleyball, padel tennis, to obstacle courses, boxing and yoga, it’s the place to try new ways to move and form fitness rituals to last a lifetime.
Open Monday to Friday, 3pm to 11pm, and weekends 7am to 11pm, the sports village will have bookable courts, various active zones like HIIT, Obstacle Course Race and Beach Warrior, a full schedule of classes, hydration stations and an aquapark (fee applies).
Free entry will be available on the day after onsite registration, and courts can be pre-booked in advance.
Zabeel Park
Situated in the heart of Zabeel Park Gate 2, this active community hub is the epicentre of DFC's running and cycling community. Open Mon-Fri (4pm-11pm) and Sat-Sun (12 noon-11pm), Dubai Municipality 30×30 Fitness Village Zabeel Park is the destination for fitness lovers with its main stage hosting live classes, active zones (Spin Zone, Kids Fitness Zone and Boxing - new for 2025), and bookable courts for basketball, cricket and padel tennis.
In addition to the daily fitness classes, Zabeel Park is also the official bib collection point for Dubai Ride (Oct 29 – Nov 1) and Dubai Run (Nov 3 – Nov 22).
Al Warqa'a Park
Suitable for the whole family and outdoor lovers, the Al Warqa’a Park Fitness Village has everything fitness enthusiasts could want – the focal point is a scenic 2.8km track for running and cycling.
There will also be a new gym opening in 2025, an area for children, ladies-only classes, bike rental service and bookable courts for paddle tennis, volleyball, football and basketball. Fitness Village will be open daily from 4pm to 11pm.
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