How Dubai Fitness Challenge changed lives, from finding love to losing 50kg

Dubai Fitness Challenge, an annual community event launched in 2017, has grown into one of the emirate's largest events, encouraging residents and visitors to embrace a more active lifestyle. This year, the initiative returns from October 31 to November 29, offering thousands of free activities and fitness experiences across the emirate. The challenge has recorded over 16 million participants since its inception, bringing together people of different ages, nationalities, and fitness levels.

Under the theme, What's Your 30?, the Dubai Fitness Challenge has not only transformed lives but also brought together people from diverse backgrounds. Here are three stories of how the city's fitness culture has touched the lives of three residents, in their own words.

Tania Lolla Kaddoura, a physiotherapist, personal trainer, and athlete from Serbia, met her future husband at the finish line of the Dubai Fitness Challenge in 2017. Initially, she was a stranger in Dubai, carrying dreams and hopes for a new chapter. Upon hearing about the challenge, she decided to volunteer instead of participating in the Spartan Race in Hatta due to an injury.

While handing out medals, she recognized a fellow athlete she had supported virtually and congratulated him - it was Mohammed, the man she had been messaging. That encounter led to them becoming husband and wife. The experience not only resulted in a love story but also sparked a family tradition where they participate in the challenge together every year, involving their son Noah since he was seven weeks old.

Husam Mohamed, an overweight individual with a shy and private demeanor, first heard about Dubai Fitness Challenge in 2017 but wasn't particularly interested in fitness at the time. It wasn't until the second edition in 2018 that he began to take the challenge seriously, inspired by Sheikh Hamdan's lead by example attitude towards fitness.

Initially, he was almost zero in his fitness level and shy about participating in public activities. However, the challenge led him to make a commitment to his health, and he started noticing physical and mental results. Over time, he lost 50kg, and his transformation went beyond the number on the scale. He became mentally stronger, more confident, and focused on achieving his goals.

Husam believes movement is essential for daily life and enjoys sharing his story to encourage others to start their fitness journey. His advice to someone beginning their fitness journey is to enjoy the process, celebrate small achievements, and not rush towards the final result.