The ninth edition of the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) officially concluded today with the successful staging of Dubai Yoga 2025, a large-scale community yoga session held at Zabeel Park in the shadow of the Dubai Frame.Initiated by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, the Dubai Fitness Challenge ran from 1 to 30 November 2025 under the directive to encourage residents and visitors to engage in 30 minutes of physical activity daily for 30 consecutive days.
The closing ceremony, titled Dubai Yoga 2025, drew thousands of participants of all ages and abilities for a two-hour sunset session led by internationally acclaimed yoga instructor and former US Marine Dylan Werner, supported by a team of certified trainers. The event offered inclusive programming with dedicated zones for families, women and people of determination, along with adaptive yoga practices and a range of wellness activites. A live demonstration of Kalaripayattu, the ancient martial art of Kerala, added a cultural dimension to the evening and drew significant audience interest.
Organised by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and Dubai Sports Council for Sports, in partnership with presenting sponsor DP World and supporting entities including Dubai Municipality, Mai Dubai Water, and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the 2025 edition recorded the highest participation in the initiative’s history, with more than 307,000 registered individuals taking part in over 6,000 free fitness events across the emirate. Organisers confirmed that planning for the tenth edition of the Dubai Fitness Challenge in 2026 is already underway, with further enhancements to accessibility, digital integration, and community outreach anticipated.