Golf Returns to Dubai Fitness Challenge

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Golf organisations across Dubai are once again joining forces to bring the sport of golf to thousands of residents and visitors as part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC), the city’s annual month-long initiative celebrating fitness, well-being and community.

Following the success of last year’s pilot, Golf is Good x Dubai Fitness Challenge – supported by The R&A and the Emirates Golf Federation – has returned this year with more than 100 free golf activities across 10 venues from November 10-30.

With millions of participants expected to take part in DFC this year, newcomers and seasoned golfers alike are experiencing a wide range of activities – from golf lessons, simulator sessions and fitness workouts to a Walk to Win step challenge at Jumeirah Golf Estates during last week’s DP World Tour Championship.

As part of its on-going drive to make golf more accessible, the Emirates Golf Federation is delivering introductory sessions of The R&A’s Unleash Your Drive in Schools programme at local schools and during the DP World Tour Championship, alongside free golf lessons and a Mini Golf Sixes competition.

Neal Graham, Golf Development Manager – Middle East, Central Asia and India at The R&A, said: “We are delighted to see golf once again integrated into the Dubai Fitness Challenge. This initiative provides a fantastic opportunity to highlight the many health and well-being benefits of golf and to introduce more people to the sport.

“Through programmes like this, The R&A continues to support national associations around the world in developing participation and ensuring the sport thrives for future generations.”

General Abdullah Al Hashmi, President of the Emirates Golf Federation, added: “Dubai Fitness Challenge is an exceptional platform for encouraging the community to embrace healthy, active lifestyles and golf is an ideal sport for that.

“We’re proud to make golf more accessible and invite people of all ages and abilities to discover its physical and mental health benefits. Our hope is that many will continue playing long after the Challenge ends.

“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, Dubai Fitness Challenge inspires participants to complete 30 minutes of activity every day for 30 days, fostering a lasting culture of fitness and well-being across the city.”

Research commissioned by The R&A shows that golfers live on average five years longer and experience lower risks of loneliness, while regular participation can help prevent and manage over 40 major chronic diseases, improve strength, balance, and overall well-being.

Launched at Emirates Golf Club, venue for last month’s Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, the Golf is Good x Dubai Fitness Challenge initiative is supported by The R&A, Emirates Golf Federation, and Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, in partnership with the DP World Tour and Hero Dubai Desert Classic.

Golf activities are available at fitness hubs across Dubai including: Arabian Ranches, Dubai Creek Resort, Dubai Hills Golf Club, Emirates Golf Club, Five Iron Golf, Golf Tec UAE, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Montgomerie Golf, The Els Club Dubai, and Topgolf Dubai. For the full schedule of activities, visit www.dubaifitnesschallenge.com