Dubai, UAE — The ninth edition of the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) has concluded with resounding success, coinciding with the release of a new global survey powered by Dubai, canvassing the opinions of over 10,000 people across the globe.
The inaugural 30x30 Global Fitness Index reveals a striking contrast in global activity levels. While nearly half of respondents exercise at least four days a week, one in five struggle to fit in even a single day of physical activity.
The survey highlights a clear tension between intention and reality when it comes to daily movement. Time pressure is the single biggest barrier, with more than a third of respondents (36%) saying that work and family commitments prevent them from being as active as they’d like. Motivation is a close second: 34% admit they struggle to find the drive to exercise, even when they know it would benefit them.
Health, disability, and mobility challenges also play a significant role, affecting one in four people globally, while 14% say the cost of classes, equipment, or gym memberships puts regular fitness out of reach. A further 11% report they don’t have safe or suitable spaces nearby to exercise, highlighting a gap in local infrastructure and community access.
Yet despite these obstacles, the survey reveals a strong desire for change. Many people believe they would be more active if fitness felt more varied, social, and affordable. Nearly one in five say that simply trying new types of workouts would help them exercise more regularly, while 14% are motivated by fun, social activities where they can meet others. Another 14% say that more accessible and affordable classes or trainers would make a meaningful difference to their routine.
Running from 1 - 30 November 2025, this year’s Dubai Fitness Challenge saw participation from more than three million participants, energising the city with flagship events including Dubai Ride, Dubai Run, and Dubai Yoga, alongside a vibrant, citywide calendar of community classes and activities.
Launched in 2017 by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, DFC inspires individuals to commit to 30 minutes of activity every day for 30 days. Since its inception, the initiative has evolved into a month-long celebration of movement, uniting residents and visitors through thousands of free workouts, classes, community hubs, and signature events, each designed to make fitness inclusive, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone. As it enters its 10th anniversary in 2026, DFC now stands as a global model for urban wellbeing and city-led behaviour change.
As DFC looks toward its milestone 10th edition, the initiative is expanding its global ambition - inviting cities, organisations, and individuals worldwide to #MoveWithDubai and adopt the “30 minutes for 30 days” commitment as a universal wellbeing habit.
Notes to Editors:
Commissioned and powered by Dubai, the Index benchmarks global attitudes and behaviours around physical activity, identifying the barriers preventing people from moving more and the motivators that could support healthier habits. The survey gathered responses from a sample of 10,003 people Aged 18+ across Australia, the UK, Germany, USA, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain. Survey conducted 14.11.2025 - 27.11.2025.
Regional Insights
In addition to the global findings, the UAE emerged as one of the most active markets surveyed. More than half of UAE respondents report exercising four or more days per week, placing the country among the highest activity levels globally. Barriers to movement in the UAE closely mirrored worldwide trends — primarily time constraints and lack of motivation — reinforcing the value of accessible, community-led initiatives such as the Dubai Fitness Challenge and the city’s year-round commitment to wellbeing.
United Kingdom
● UK has one of the highest weekly activity rates (52%)
● But also the highest proportion who feel “nothing would encourage” them to be more active (32%)
● Holidays are widely seen as a time to switch off rather than increase activity
Germany
● One of the most time-pressed populations (41% cite lack of time)
● Strong appetite for employer support and structured, affordable options
● High preference for balancing active and relaxation-based holidays
United States
● Motivation is the biggest barrier (37%)
● Strong interest in trying new exercise formats
● Highest proportion globally who do not take holidays at all (14%)
Australia
● Lowest frequent activity rate of all spotlight countries (40%)
● Motivation is the biggest challenge (40%)
● Strongest preference worldwide for holidays that combine relaxation with activity (44%)
About Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC)
Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) is an initiative of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. Launched in 2017, the initiative supports His Highness’ vision of making Dubai one of the world’s most active cities by inspiring people to commit to 30 minutes of activity for 30 days.
Organised by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and Dubai Sports Council, DFC has grown into a citywide celebration of movement, featuring thousands of free fitness classes, community activities, and flagship mass-participation events including Dubai Ride, Dubai Run, Dubai Stand Up Paddle, and the all-new Dubai Yoga.
Now in its ninth edition, DFC has become a defining part of Dubai’s identity as a global benchmark for health, wellbeing, and active living. With millions of participants over the years and an expanding global footprint, DFC continues to empower individuals, families, workplaces, and communities to discover what motivates them most — building healthier habits that last far beyond the 30 days. For more information, visit www.dubaifitnesschallenge.com and follow @dubaifitnesschallenge.
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Shows: Dubai, UAE -
1. GV’s of Dubai Run
2. Interviews from Dubai Run
- Yaqoub Al Zarouni, Senior Manager Of Dubai Fitness Challenge
3. GV’s of Dubai Yoga
4. Interviews from Dubai Yoga
- Al Reem Al Redha, Manager At Dubai Fitness Challenge
- Dylan Werner, Yoga Instructor
- Ghani Souleymane, Completed 100th Consecutive 100km Triathlon During Dubai Fitness Challenge
5. GV’s of Arabian Warrior, Large-scale Obstacle Course
6. GV’s of Premier Padel
7. Interviews from Premier Padel
- Javi Garrido, Professional Padel Player
8. GV’s of Stand-Up Paddleboard
9. Media Contact Details
15 December 2025
