The inaugural edition is set to roll out in March 2026
- A milestone collaboration paving the way for a new chapter in city-based obstacle racing
- Further strengthening Dubai’s reputation as a global destination for contemporary urban sports
DXB LIVE, the experiential and event management arm of Dubai World Trade Centre, has formalised a significant Memorandum of Understanding with Arabian Warrior to introduce “The Urbanator”, an innovative urban obstacle racing series that turns Dubai’s districts, landmarks, and public spaces into a thrilling competitive arena.
Launching during the Holy Month of Ramadan, The Urbanator will present a refreshed take on obstacle course racing (OCR), moving the action away from traditional wilderness and desert settings and placing it firmly within the energetic, modern fabric of the city. It will merge sport, culture, and urban discovery in a completely new way.
A New Era of Urban OCR in Dubai:
Participants will take on adrenaline-driven challenges across architectural landmarks, rooftop climbs, street-level runs, and giant elevated obstacles designed to highlight Dubai’s dynamic urban identity.
The series will feature both daytime and nighttime races, including races aligned with Iftar timings, ensuring wide community participation from elite athletes to families, students, corporate teams, and first-time runners.
Race routes will stretch approximately 5 km across key districts, plazas, and iconic structures, delivering an immersive blend of fitness, entertainment, and cultural engagement.
Leadership Support from the UAE Obstacle Sports Federation:
Abdulrahman Abu Al Shawareb, President of the UAE Obstacle Sports Federation, said: “We congratulate this strategic partnership between DXB LIVE and Arabian Warrior, which represents a significant step forward in the development of obstacle racing in the UAE. ‘The Urbanator’ series introduces an innovative concept that redefines the sport by bringing it into the heart of the city, reflecting the UAE’s spirit of challenge, innovation, and creating new community experiences.” He added: “The Federation is committed to building a comprehensive ecosystem that elevates this sport to world-class standards. We will continue to support initiatives that empower local talent, expand participation across the community, and strengthen the UAE’s position as a regional and global leader in urban obstacle racing.”
Community-Centric Sporting Innovation:
Khalid Al Hammadi, Executive Vice President, DXB LIVE, said: “We are pleased to enter this partnership with Arabian Warrior, which marks an important milestone in expanding our portfolio of innovative sports events and strengthening Dubai’s position as a global hub for urban obstacle racing. Bringing this new race format into the heart of the city aligns with our vision to develop inclusive sports experiences that blend entertainment, fitness, and the spirit of challenge, while contributing to Dubai’s leadership in hosting world-class sporting events.”
A Bold Step Forward for OCR in the UAE:
Nick Cartwright, CEO, Arabian Warrior, said: “We are proud to collaborate with DXB LIVE to launch this pioneering concept in Dubai, a city that represents creativity, innovation, and boundless energy. Through this partnership, we aim to deliver an unprecedented sports experience that combines physical challenge with urban exploration. We are confident that this initiative will contribute to strengthening the UAE’s position as a leader in modern challenge-based sports.”
Supporting National Initiatives to Promote Fitness:
The MoU comes at a pivotal time following the establishment of the UAE Obstacle Sports Federation, a key milestone in supporting the growth of OCR and elevating its standards nationwide.
The Urbanator series aligns with the UAE’s broader efforts to promote community fitness, active lifestyles, and inclusive sporting opportunities for all residents.
DXB LIVE and Arabian Warrior aim to launch the first race in March 2026, followed by a wider expansion of events across the UAE and beyond, solidifying Dubai’s reputation as a global centre for innovative, world-class sports experiences.