By Rafiq Vayani
DUBAI: Across the UAE, a new generation of Emirati women are transforming what it means to be active, confident, and connected. From scaling mountains to sprinting in cycling velodromes, from mastering the emerging sport of parkour to achieving Paralympic glory, they’re proving that fitness knows no boundaries – cultural, social, or physical.
These are the trailblazers of a growing movement: women embracing traditional and non-traditional sports not only as a form of self-expression, but as a path to empowerment and wellbeing and this year’s Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) – coinciding with the UAE’s “Year of the Community” – is amplifying their voices louder than ever.
They are also fulfilling the inspiring words of the Founder of the Nation, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who once said: “Nothing makes me happier than to see women assume their rightful role in society and fulfil their potential. Nothing should stop the progress of women.”
When Nayla Al Baloushi became the first Emirati woman to summit Mount Everest in May 2022, she wasn’t just climbing the world’s tallest peak – she was redefining possibility. Ms Al Baloushi believes her Everest triumph will inspire women in the country and region to scale new heights in more ways than one. “They have to hold on to their dreams, they have to have faith,” she said in an interview with The National. “You have to be sure that it’s your dream and you will achieve it.”
Her ascent inspired fellow adventurers such as Fatima Sajwani, who went on to climb Africa’s Margherita Peak and France’s Mont Blanc. They’re joined by Danah Al Ali, one of the UAE’s pioneering female mountaineers, who has scaled peaks from Kilimanjaro to Elbrus.
Their stories capture the essence of Dubai Fitness Challenge: determination, courage, and the pursuit of personal growth through physical challenge.
Inside Dubai’s growing spaces for sports and other fitness and wellbeing pursuits, Amal Murad has carved a unique path as the UAE’s first female parkour coach – a discipline that combines running, climbing, and jumping to move fluidly and powerfully through any environment.
Often described as “the art of movement,” parkour builds physical strength, coordination, and confidence by turning everyday spaces into opportunities for exploration. Ms Murad was asked in an interview with Sportageous interview what advice she would give to young Emirati women: “If you love doing something, do it to grow as a person, and not to prove a point. If you find obstacles in your path, take the time to understand each obstacle, take your time trying to make it work.” Her message mirrors the very heart of DFC – that movement, in any form, can be both empowering and transformative.
On the open roads of Dubai, professional race cyclist Safiya Al Sayegh is breaking barriers of her own. The young Emirati cyclist became the first woman from the UAE to qualify for a Summer Olympics cycling event, earning her place at Paris 2024. Her journey, marked by dedication and determination, exemplifies the growing infrastructure and support for women athletes across the Emirates – something DFC continues to nurture through inclusive, city-wide initiatives and events like Dubai Ride presented by DP World, Dubai Run presented by Mai Dubai, Dubai Stand Up Paddle presented by RTA and Dubai Yoga.
Meanwhile, Sara Al Senaani, the UAE’s first female Summer Paralympic medallist, continues to inspire as a true Woman of Determination. She made history for her country in Rio 2016 when she won bronze in the F33 shot-put event, and her resilience and determination remains a beacon for aspiring athletes with disabilities. Her resilience resonates with the spirit of community-driven DFC – inclusivity, persistence, and the belief that every person, regardless of ability, should have access to the joy and empowerment that physical activity brings.
The common thread among these stories is community. Whether scaling mountains, leaping across urban landscapes, cycling through Dubai’s roads, or standing on Paralympic podiums, Emirati women are discovering that the real transformation comes not from the sport itself but from the shared journey.
As Dubai cements its position as a global hub for wellness and active living, initiatives like DFC ensure that Emirati women remain at the forefront of this positive, evolving story. From the peaks of Everest to the cycling tracks of Al Qudra, they’re not just participants, they’re pioneers, role models, and community builders.
