Dubai: As the UAE establishes its status as a premier fitness destination, a number of vibrant events are set to unfold over the next five months.
From long-standing favourites like the Dubai Run and Abu Dhabi Marathon to emerging international competitions, there’s something for every fitness enthusiast.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to the exciting events lined up from October to February.
October events
Lululemon’s “Together We Grow” community event
In celebration of World Mental Health Day on October 10, Lululemon will host a complimentary community wellness gathering at Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Attendees can participate in high-intensity interval training (HIIT), calming yoga sessions, and insightful panel discussions.
Various fitness challenges and recovery stations, including ice baths, will also be available, along with refreshments and giveaways.
Date: October 5 | Time: 7 am - 10:30 am | Location: Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai | Registration: Required
Squatwolf's men-only mental health day
Squatwolf, in collaboration with Veo Hayya Lakes, invites men to a day focused on mental wellness. The event kicks off with a sunrise yoga session, followed by a discussion on fitness and mental health led by well-being coach Dr. Smitha Prabhakar. The day will conclude with a sound healing class.
Date: October 10 | Time: 6 am onwards | Location: The Lakes, Dubai | Registration: Required
Women's Epic trail run
Making its debut in Dubai, the Women’s Epic trail-running event offers races of 5km, 10km, and 20km around Lapita Hotel within Dubai Parks and Resorts. Participants can enjoy mindfulness sessions the evening prior and post-race activities, including yoga and brunch.
Date: October 19 | Time: 7 am | Entry Fee: From Dh150 | Location: Dubai Parks and Resorts
Hudayriyat Women’s Cycling Series 2024
Kicking off the first race of the Hudayriyat Women’s Cycling Series, female cyclists of all levels can participate in a 30km race or a 10km community ride on Abu Dhabi’s cycle track, promoting breast cancer awareness.
Date: October 20 | Entry Fee: From Dh45 | Location: Hudayriyat Cycling Track, Abu Dhabi
Dubai Active
This health and fitness expo will feature workout sessions, intense challenges, and talks from fitness personalities like Olympic weightlifter Sonny Webster. Wellness brands will also showcase their offerings.
Date: October 25-27 | Entry Fee: From Dh50 | Location: Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai
Arabian Warrior obstacle races
Dubai Island will host a variety of races, including a 1.6km race for kids and a challenging 50km for adults. Participants can compete in categories or enjoy the non-competitive heats, with entertainment available in the fan village.
Date: October 26 | Entry Fee: From Dh60 | Location: Dubai Island
Dubai Fitness Challenge
Kicking off on October 26, this month-long initiative encourages participants to engage in 30 minutes of exercise each day. With flagship events like Dubai Run and Dubai Ride, fitness villages across the city will promote community engagement through various sports.
Date: October 26 - November 24 | Location: Various locations in Dubai
Plus500 City Half Marathon
Runners can choose from a 5k, 10k, or 21k route at the sixth City Half Marathon in the Dubai International Financial Centre, featuring a marked, traffic-free scenic course.
Date: October 27 | Entry Fee: From Dh158 | Location: Dubai International Financial Centre
November events
Women's Run
This women-only run at Al Forsan Park offers three categories from a fun 3km to a 10km challenge. Children are welcome to join, and all finishers will receive medals.
Date: November 3 | Time: 6 am onwards | Entry Fee: From Dh26 | Location: Expo City Dubai
Dubai Stand-Up Paddle
Taking place at Hatta Dam, this free event welcomes both seasoned paddlers and novices. Certified coaches will assist participants, with boards provided by the organisers.
Date: November 2 | Time: 10 am - 5:30 pm | Location: Hatta Dam
Aura Skypool Tri in the Sky
This mini-triathlon challenges participants to complete a 3k static row, a 3k cycle, and a 250m swim in the stunning Aura Skypool, offering breathtaking views of the skyline.
Date: November 9 | Entry Fee: Dh150 | Location: Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
#KeepTheRunsOn Race
This family-friendly race in Al Barari features categories for children and casual runners, promoting community participation in fitness.
Date: November 10 | Entry Fee: From Dh165 | Location: Al Barari, Dubai
Dubai Ride
After attracting 35,000 participants last year, this free citywide cycling event includes a 12k route along Sheikh Zayed Road and a family-friendly 4km course.
Date: November 10 | Location: Sheikh Zayed Road and Downtown Dubai
The Music Run
This fun run at Meydan Racecourse combines music and fitness, featuring a 5k route with speakers along the way and culminating in a music festival.
Date: November 16 | Entry Fee: From Dh109 | Location: Meydan Racecourse, Dubai
Bike Abu Dhabi Gran Fondo
Cyclists can participate in this 154k race from downtown Abu Dhabi to Al Ain, with categorization by speed for both individuals and teams.
Date: November 16 | Time: 6 am onwards | Entry Fee: From Dh264 | Location: Abu Dhabi to Al Ain
Dubai Run
The highly anticipated Dubai Run, featuring routes of 5k and 10k, is set to take place on Sheikh Zayed Road, welcoming runners of all levels.
Date: November 24 | Location: Sheikh Zayed Road
Walk or cycle for life
This community event at Meydan Cycle Track encourages families to walk or cycle for cancer awareness, offering a wellness village with health screenings, nutrition advice, and entertainment.
Date: November 26 | Entry Fee: From Dh70 | Location: Meydan Cycle Track, Dubai
Garmin Fitness Festival
Hosted by Garmin at Meydan Racecourse, this event will feature races ranging from 100 metres to 10k, alongside a village for product testing and mini workouts.
Date: November 30 | Entry Fee: From Dh50 | Location: Meydan Racecourse, Dubai
December events
Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon
Returning for its sixth edition, this marathon attracted 25,000 runners last year and offers various distance options, from relays to shorter races.
Date: December 14 | Entry Fee: From Dh55 | Location: Adnoc Headquarters, Abu Dhabi
January 2025 events
Dubai Marathon
The 24th Dubai Marathon will feature a full route, as well as 4k and 10k options for casual runners, offering post-race entertainment and food options.
Date: January 12 | Time: 6 am onwards | Location: Umm Suqeim Road, Dubai
February 2025 events
TriYAS
This unique day-to-night event features swim, cycle, and run segments tailored to suit all age groups and fitness levels. Last year’s edition saw an impressive turnout, with over 13,000 participants.
Details of this free triathlon on Yas Island are yet to be revealed, registration is already open.
Date: February 8 | Location: Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi
Dubai Canal Run
Participants can enjoy a family-friendly city run with stunning views of the Dubai skyline, featuring distances for all ages and live entertainment.
Date: February 22 | Entry Fee: From Dh52.50 | Location: Dubai Canal
Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge
Returning for its 2025 season, this cycling challenge at Expo City Dubai serves as a qualifier for the UCI Grand Fondo World Series Championship, with build-up rides throughout the year.
The challenge features a 94.1km course, with build-up rides organised across four dates in 2024 on the Al Qudra cycle track. A day before the main ride, there's an event for junior riders for children aged two to seven.
Date: February 2025 | Location: Expo City Dubai
With such a dynamic lineup of fitness events, the UAE offers ample opportunities for individuals to engage in health and wellness activities while enjoying the beautiful surroundings. Mark your calendars and get ready to participate!