Why Dubai residents are opting for post-Taraweeh workouts to stay fit during Ramadan
During Ramadan, a time that promotes both spiritual and physical discipline, many residents are finding post-Taraweeh workouts to be a refreshing and productive way to balance fitness with fasting.
As the combination of favourable weather and adjusted fasting schedules encourages an active lifestyle, many Muslims are turning to nighttime workouts to maintain their fitness. From lacing up their sneakers to grabbing their rackets or heading to football fields, residents are flocking to various sports venues.
For some, the beachside provides the ideal spot for a post-prayer jog. Suhail Saeed M, a fitness enthusiast who lives in Al Mamzar, makes it a habit to visit the beach and park every night. 'After Iftar, I walk to Al Mamzar Beach, where I pray Isha and Taraweeh at a nearby mosque. I come dressed in my jogging gear so I can start my workout right immediately after prayers,' he said.
'I usually cover around three kilometres along the beach track, followed by some bodyweight exercises like push-ups, squats, and stretching. I do this for about an hour and a half, which helps me stay active during Ramadan without feeling exhausted during the day,' added Saeed.
Others prefer indoor sports, like badminton, which has seen a rise in demand during Ramadan. Basit Bafakki, who resides in Al Nahda, Dubai, heads to Cleopatra Academy at Al Etihad School after prayers. 'Since my schedule changes during Ramadan, I find playing after Taraweeh prayers works best for me. The courts are often fully booked, as many players prefer evening sessions over daytime ones,' said Basit.
'It's a great way to stay fit while also socialising with fellow players. We play in a friendly yet competitive spirit, and it's a perfect balance of fun and exercise,' he added.
Football enthusiasts are also taking advantage of nighttime sessions at MK Sports in Al Nahda, Sharjah. Ahmed Suleiman, a Sudanese resident of Al Majaz, finds it to be the best way to stay active during Ramadan. 'Every night after Taraweeh, I join football games with my friends. We play for about an hour, and it's a mix of fitness and fun,' he said.
'Since everyone is fasting during the day, these nighttime matches allow us to maintain our routine without affecting our energy levels. Football is not just a sport for me, it's a passion. Ramadan gives me the perfect opportunity to play in a relaxed and enjoyable setting,' he added.
With more residents opting for post-Taraweeh sports sessions, some sports academies and facilities have seen a surge in bookings. A coach at MK Sports highlighted the increased demand for nighttime slots. 'We have been getting heavy bookings during Ramadan, especially for night slots after Taraweeh prayers. The cooler weather plays a big role, as people find it more comfortable to play football at night rather than during the day,' said the coach.
'Many regulars shift their routines to late evenings, and we even see new players joining in just for Ramadan fitness,' added the coach.
Despite the popularity of outdoor sports in the pleasant weather, Adel Muhammed from Cleopatra Academy noted that indoor sports are still drawing a crowd, particularly for badminton.
'People are definitely choosing outdoor sports this Ramadan due to the good weather. However, we are also experiencing a lot of bookings for indoor sports,' said Adel.
'While outdoor activities are seeing higher demand, indoor sports still attract players who prefer controlled environments, especially for badminton and squash,' added Adel.
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