- The renewed five-year partnership reflects a shared mission to inspire active lifestyles in Dubai, centred around Dubai Run.
- GMG continues as an Association Partner of Dubai Run until 2029, supporting the wider objectives of the Dubai Fitness Challenge to position Dubai as one of the world’s most active cities.
Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has announced the extension of its association partnership with GMG, a global well-being conglomerate. The renewed five-year agreement will see GMG continue as an Association Partner for Dubai Run, a flagship event of the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC), through to 2029.
The extended collaboration underscores GMG’s dedication to fostering active, healthy lifestyles and empowering communities to embrace fitness as a daily routine. This aligns with the overarching goals of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, which aims to transform Dubai into one of the most active cities in the world.
The partnership agreement was signed by Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), and Mohammad A. Baker, Deputy Chairman and CEO of GMG.
Under the agreement, GMG will support Dubai Run by introducing engaging on-ground activations designed to elevate the participant experience and encourage widespread community participation. Dubai Run 2025 is set to take place on 23 November, transforming Sheikh Zayed Road and Emaar Boulevard into the world’s most iconic running track.
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), commented: “We are delighted to welcome GMG as an Association Partner of Dubai Run for the next five years, as we continue to grow Dubai Fitness Challenge and inspire people across the city to embrace healthier lifestyles. Partnerships with leading organisations such as GMG are instrumental in amplifying DFC’s impact, and together we will create even more opportunities for the community to get active, stay engaged, and celebrate the spirit of Dubai as one of the world’s most active cities.”
Speaking about the renewed agreement, Mohammad A. Baker, Deputy Chairman and CEO of GMG, said: “We are proud to renew our partnership with Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment for the next five years as Association Partner of Dubai Run. The Dubai Fitness Challenge, one of the city’s most anticipated wellbeing events, reflects our long-term commitment to making fitness a way of life in Dubai and beyond. At GMG, we believe in the power of movement to inspire healthier, happier communities. Over the years, we have worked to empower people of all ages and abilities through engaging activities across the city, and we look forward to building on this momentum – driving lasting lifestyle changes and supporting the wellbeing of future generations.”
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, the Dubai Fitness Challenge is a city-wide, month-long initiative each November encouraging residents and visitors to complete 30 minutes of activity daily for 30 days.
For more information about the Dubai Fitness Challenge, please visit www.dubaifitnesschallenge.com.
