Dubai Games 2025 Kicks Off with Thrilling Burj Challenge
Dubai reaffirmed its status as a premier global sporting hub with the exhilarating Burj Challenge, a prelude to the highly anticipated DUBAI GAMES 2025.
The event saw 50 international teams scale the iconic Burj Khalifa, competing for crucial points in the Battle of the Cities category.
Teams from across the world demonstrated exceptional endurance and resilience, racing up 160 floors while carrying weighted vests—10 kg for men and 7 kg for women. The top three teams, Colorado (USA), Oviedo (Spain), and Kutná Hora (Czech Republic), emerged victorious with impressive times of 31:13, 31:43, and 31:48 minutes, respectively.
DUBAI GAMES 2025 has attracted a record number of participants from five continents, with teams representing cities such as Abu Dhabi, London, Paris, Moscow, Seoul, and Cape Town. This global representation highlights Dubai's growing influence in the international sports arena.
Marwan bin Essa, Director of DUBAI GAMES, emphasized the significance of the event: 'The Burj Challenge embodies determination and ambition. The overwhelming international participation reaffirms DUBAI GAMES' status as a premier global competition.'
Now in its sixth edition, DUBAI GAMES continues to expand with strong backing from major partners, including DP World, DAMAC Group, Emarat, and DEWA. The main championship, featuring 244 teams across multiple categories, will run from 20 to 23 February at Dubai Festival City, boasting a total prize pool exceeding AED3.1 million.
With its refreshed identity, DUBAI GAMES aims to inspire younger generations towards an active lifestyle, reinforcing Dubai's commitment to excellence in sports and fitness. Follow @DubaiGames on social media for updates on the tournament.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
What's On
6 days ago
- What's On
Lace up: Dubai Fitness Challenge returns this November
Here's what we know… Great news, folks! The Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) – aka the 30×30 challenge, returns to Dubai this November 2025. The DFC is highly popular with UAE residents and is now in its ninth edition. It returns for 30 days from Saturday, November 1 to 30, 2025. *The best new Pilates studios in Dubai* Haven't heard of the Dubai Fitness Challenge? It's an annual event launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. The first edition took place back in 2017. It is part of Sheikh Hamdan's vision to transform Dubai into one of the world's most active cities. And it looks like his vision is working because, so far, over the eight editions, more than 13 million people have taken part in the Dubai Fitness Challenge. Basically, those who sign up for the challenge, have to make a commitment to themselves to exercise for 30 minutes a day for 30 days (30×30… get it?) And you don't have to do it alone. You can join others who have signed up for the movement at community events all across the city. People of all ages and cultural backgrounds come together, to not only support each other but also to foster a culture of health and vitality across Dubai. Commenting on the impact of DFC, His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council and CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation stated, 'The success of the Dubai Fitness Challenge would not have been possible without the passion, energy, and commitment of our community.' He added, 'Since its launch in 2017, DFC has grown into a citywide movement embraced by the people of Dubai – transforming the city into a world-class sporting hub. With 2025 declared the Year of Community in the UAE, I am confident that this year's edition will once again unite friends, families, and organisations in the shared pursuit of a healthier, more active lifestyle.' *17 free fitness classes in Dubai to try for the first time* What does the Dubai Fitness Challenge 2025 calendar look like? During the DFC in November, you can expect 30 days of free and inclusive fitness events, fitness villages, community hubs, classes, and activities. In short, expect Dubai to turn into a city-wide gym. A new flagship event has been introduced for the ninth edition: Dubai Yoga where you can enjoy sunset yoga sessions on November 30. Other popular events that are returning on the calendar include Dubai Ride (presented by DP World) November 2, Dubai Stand-Up Paddle on November 8 and 9 November, and Dubai Run (presented by Mai Dubai) on November 23. For all the latest updates, visit and of course, check back in with us on closer to the event.
Sport360
27-05-2025
- Sport360
SPIA enjoys grand Abu Dhabi debut for 12th edition as Middle East's sports industry stars are celebrated
Prize winners included DP World, TikTok, ADSC, ADNOC, Ethara and Saudi Arabian Football Federation [SAFF]. Victors in the 19 categories had been picked by an independent panel of judges, comprising industry stalwarts chosen for their expertise in the Middle East sports ecosphere. Sport360X Managing Director Bassam Nawfal was thrilled by the strong response to this year's awards. He said: 'We are incredibly proud to have brought the 12th edition of the Sports Industry Awards to Abu Dhabi. 'This event has always been about celebrating the visionaries, organisations and initiatives driving the growth of sport across the region – and 2025 was no exception. Welcoming so many illustrious guests to Space42 Arena was a testament to the passion and momentum behind the Middle East's sports industry. 'From outstanding campaigns to world-class facilities, the calibre of this year's winners was truly inspiring. We're also grateful to all our partners and sponsors whose support made this latest celebration possible. 'Since being established in 2012, the Sports Industry Awards has stood as a beacon of excellence, and we're thrilled with the overwhelming response to this milestone edition.' Each submission was thoroughly evaluated against set criteria by a panel of seasoned experts from across the sports sector, ensuring a process rooted in integrity and fairness. With transparency as a priority, 16 judges applied a structured, impartial approach to provide every entrant an equal opportunity. These included: H.H. Princess Nouf AlSaud (General Manager – Marketing, Ministry of Sport Saudi Arabia), Richard Scudamore (Former Executive Chairman & CEO, Premier League), Marina Storti (CEO, WTA Ventures), H.E. Ali Al Ali (CEO & Board Member, Dubai Racing Club), Melissa Moncada (CEO & Founder, Aurora Group), Danny Townsend (CEO, SURJ Sports Investment), Tom Foley (CEO, Go Sport), Shaima Alhusseini (Saudi Sports for all Federation, Managing Director), Jan Paterson (Managing Director – Sport, NEOM), Andrea De Vincentiis (HSBC, Global Head of Brand Partnerships), Alex Brown (Senior Vice President, Brand & Marketing, ADNOC), Jamie Dean (Executive Director – Sports, MODON), Simon Morris (Vice President, Marketing, International, Adobe), Karim Younes (Islamic Solidarity Games Riyadh 2025, Head of Marketing & Commercial), Warwick Gird (General Manager – Marketing, Spinneys). Abu Dhabi Sports Council came away with 'Best Youth Sports Program' for Active Hub, 'Best Corporate Wellness' with Abu Dhabi Government Games 2024 and 'Best Mass Participation Event' for ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon. Their General Secretary, His Excellency Aref Al Awani, was also honoured with 'Strategic Leadership in Middle East Sport'. Saudi Arabia's Adwa AlArifi, Assistant Minister for Sport Affairs at Ministry of Sport, received the night's second recognition prize, for 'Transformational Leadership in Middle East Sport'. An evening of success for DP World included 'Best Sports Campaign' (Beyond Borders with 160over90), 'Excellence in Sustainability' with Green Drive and 'Best Sport Event' for DP World Tour Championship. Ethara won 'Best Sports Agency' and 'Outstanding Contribution to Sport in the Middle East', while their work with Train Yas was awarded with 'Best Community Sports Initiative'. Other highlights included TikTok Zone (For UAE Pro League) being honoured with gold in 'Best Fan Engagement in Sport' and (Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup 2034™ Bid) getting silver in 'Best Sports Campaign'. For more information, please visit . ABOUT THE ORGANISERS Sport360X Sport360X has been telling the Middle East's very best sports stories for more than a decade across video, social, gaming and events. It boasts the narrative and creative skills, in Arabic and English, to produce market-leading content that builds affinity with fans and commercial partners alike. Access is provided to more than 15m followers on Sport360X's native social media platforms, plus websites that generate more than 12m monthly page views. Interact Interact was founded in 2014 from a bold vision to inspire a healthier, more active generation. As the owners of the Sports Industry Series, Interact partners with leading brands and government bodies to embed healthy behaviours deep within communities. Their work spans the design, delivery and promotion of impactful, large-scale initiatives and events that boost physical activity, support healthier eating, and improve mental well-being across diverse population. Sport Industry Series October 2024's game-changing partnership saw Interact's Sport Industry Forum and Sport360X's SPIA come together under Sport Industry Series.
Khaleej Times
26-05-2025
- Khaleej Times
'Can't wait to play in India' — Rory McIlroy ready for debut at DP World Championship
Masters champion and four-time major winner Rory McIlroy has confirmed he will make his eagerly anticipated debut in India later this year, competing in the inaugural DP World India Championship at Delhi Golf Club from October 16-19. The Northern Irish star, ranked world number two, expressed his excitement about visiting India and taking part in a tournament that marks a significant milestone for golf in the region. 'I'm excited to not only tee it up in India for the first time but also visit a country that I've always wanted to explore,' McIlroy said. 'I'm proud to play in the inaugural DP World India Championship. I've always enjoyed playing a global schedule and, as I have previously said, there is tremendous potential to grow golf further in the country. This is a great opportunity, and I can't wait to play in front of Indian golf fans.' The tournament, boasting a prize fund of £2.9 million, is set to be a major highlight of the DP World Tour's season and the penultimate event in the Race to Dubai series, which McIlroy himself won last year. With hopes of attracting a strong field of the world's top golfers, the DP World India Championship aims to elevate the profile of golf across the Indian subcontinent and inspire a new generation of players. Yuvraj Narayan, Group Deputy CEO and Chief Financial Officer of DP World, welcomed McIlroy's participation as a huge boost to the event. 'Having a player of his calibre underscores the commitment both we and the DP World Tour have to the success of this tournament. Hosting a global icon like Rory in India is a proud milestone in our mission to grow golf from the grassroots.' McIlroy's announcement comes amid a busy season for the 36-year-old, who recently endured a tough outing at the US PGA Championship, finishing tied for 47th after cutting by a narrow margin. While the Masters champion did not speak to the media during that event, his focus is now firmly on upcoming tournaments. Following the DP World India Championship, McIlroy is scheduled to return to the Australian Open in December — his first appearance there in over a decade — where he will headline the field at Royal Melbourne, a venue where he secured victory in 2013. Looking ahead, McIlroy said: 'Playing a global schedule has always been important to me, and opportunities like this one in India offer not just a chance to compete, but also to connect with fans around the world. I'm really looking forward to experiencing the culture and the passion for golf in India.' With the excitement building around his debut in Delhi, fans can expect McIlroy to bring his trademark intensity and skill to the new tournament, further fueling golf's growth in one of the world's most dynamic sporting markets.
