CONQUER DUBAI FITNESS CHALLENGE: YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO AN ACTIVE LIFESTYLE

The Cigna Wellbeing 360 Survey presents compelling data on the remarkable improvements in physical well-being achieved in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), particularly in the context of the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC). This survey, which is part of the Cigna 360q Global Well-Being Survey, demonstrates how the UAE has defied expectations and shown tremendous growth in physical well-being, outpacing global averages. The UAE’s Physical Well-being Index has significantly improved over the last few years. In 2018, the UAE scored slightly below the global average, with a score of 60.5. However, by 2022, the UAE’s score had surged to 65.4, surpassing the global average of 60.6. This substantial growth of 4.9 points in the UAE’s Physical Well-being Index, coupled with a slight dip in the global average, has propelled the UAE to be among the fittest nations globally.

One remarkable aspect of this improvement is the shift in the fitness levels of women in the UAE. In 2018, women in the UAE had the lowest Physical Well-being score of 59.2, but by 2022, their score had risen to an impressive 63.2. This score surpasses not only women globally (58.2) but also men globally (61.7), showcasing a significant stride towards gender equality in physical well-being. The DFC, a national exercise initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has played a pivotal role in driving this fitness transformation in the UAE. Over the years, the DFC has expanded, with participation increasing significantly. In 2021, the DFC engaged 1.65 million participants, which represents nearly half of Dubai’s population. The challenge encompasses a diverse range of fitness activities and community events.

In addition to the increase in participation, the survey reveals that the intensity and duration of exercise have also risen. In 2017, only 19 percent of DFC participants exercised for 60 minutes or more per day. By 2021, this percentage had surged to 36 percent. The number of DFC participants exercising more than an hour per day has nearly quadrupled, from 149,340 in 2017 to 594,000 in 2021. The survey further highlights the positive effects of increased physical activity on overall wellness. It indicates that more UAE residents are now exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and enjoying better sleep quality compared to global averages. These factors have contributed to improved well-being in the country.

The survey also considers the impact of the DFC on different demographic groups. Millennials in the UAE, aged between 25 and 34, rank the highest in the world for their Physical Well-being score, outperforming the global average by more than four points. Furthermore, individuals over the age of 50 in the UAE also exhibit higher well-being compared to the global average, primarily due to their sense of being at a healthy weight and experiencing better sleep. The UAE’s focus on family fitness is evident through the DFC’s success in encouraging children to participate. In 2021, more children engaged in the DFC than all participants in the first edition in 2017. The survey highlights the rise in school participation from 44 percent at the program’s launch to 50 percent in 2021. As of 2021, all schools in Dubai had enrolled in the DFC.

Moreover, working parents with children in the UAE have achieved a higher Physical Well-being score than their global counterparts, scoring 66.7 compared to the global average of 64. This shows that the DFC has successfully encouraged family fitness, promoting well-being not only for individuals but also for families. The survey delves into the concept of “Vitality” and reveals that the UAE’s residents have higher vitality levels compared to the global average. A significant percentage of respondents in the UAE feel energetic, alive, and alert, emphasizing the positive impact of physical activity on vitality.