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Record-Breaking Turnout at Dubai Stand Up Paddle 2025 Highlights City’s Growing Outdoor Fitness Culture
More than 5,000 participants converged on Hatta Dam this weekend for Dubai Stand Up Paddle 2025, presented by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), marking the largest edition yet of the Dubai Fitness Challenge’s flagship outdoor event.
Held over two days, the event drew paddlers, kayakers, and outdoor enthusiasts to the clear waters of Hatta, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Hajar Mountains. The expanded weekend format was designed to give participants more time to explore the region’s hiking trails, dining venues, and adventure activities, turning the competition into a broader wellness experience for families and individuals alike.
Free training sessions were offered for all skill levels, with safety briefings and full equipment provided. Beyond paddleboarding, participants enjoyed complimentary kayaking and sunset yoga sessions led by professional instructors, combining physical activity with mindfulness as the sun set over the mountains.
On land, an entertainment zone offered family-friendly attractions, including a bouncy castle, face painting, and refreshments. The event’s informal mascot - a giant inflatable duck - became a popular photo spot throughout the weekend.
His Excellency Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, said the two-day expansion “allowed even more people to experience this unique combination of fitness, nature, and community.” Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), called the event “a demonstration of how fitness becomes transformative when experienced in nature.”
The Dubai Stand Up Paddle is organized by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and the Dubai Sports Council, presented by RTA, in partnership with Decathlon and Hatta Kayak, and supported by several government entities including Dubai Police, Dubai Municipality, and the Ministry of Education.
The Dubai Fitness Challenge continues later this month with Dubai Run, presented by Mai Dubai, on November 23 along Sheikh Zayed Road, followed by the inaugural Dubai Yoga at Zabeel Park on November 30.
Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office
Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.
Oksana Bozhko
