Dubai is creating more opportunities for inclusive sports participation through a series of free activities during the 10th edition of the Dubai Fitness Challenge. People of Determination will be able to access dedicated padel and table tennis facilities at ISD Dubai Sports City throughout November, encouraging greater participation in physical activity.
The initiative will run from October 31 to November 29, 2026, as part of ISD’s free 30×30 Challenge programme. Three padel courts and three table tennis tables will be reserved exclusively for People of Determination, with each session lasting one hour.
The programme aims to make recreational sports more accessible by providing dedicated facilities, regular sessions and an environment where participants can enjoy physical activity and connect with others.
Dedicated Sports Facilities for Inclusive Participation
The initiative places accessibility at the centre of Dubai’s wider fitness campaign. By allocating specific facilities for People of Determination, ISD Dubai Sports City aims to make participation easier for individuals who may face barriers to accessing conventional sports programmes.
Padel and table tennis offer different ways to stay active. Padel combines elements of tennis and squash, while table tennis encourages coordination, reflexes and concentration. Both activities provide opportunities for participants to develop sporting skills while enjoying a social experience.
Daniels Petrovs, CEO of ISD Dubai Sports City, emphasised that access to suitable facilities and welcoming environments is essential to encouraging participation.
He said the initiative is intended to help participants build confidence, develop friendships and make sport a regular part of their lives. The ambition is for the activities to continue influencing everyday routines even after the Dubai Fitness Challenge concludes.
Free Sessions Available Throughout November
The padel and table tennis activities will take place daily between October 31 and November 29. Session timings will vary depending on the day, with activities scheduled between 12.30pm and 9pm.
Each session will last one hour, allowing participants to enjoy the facilities during dedicated time slots.
All activities under the initiative are free. However, advance booking is required for the padel and table tennis sessions.
The dedicated arrangements are intended to give participants and their families greater flexibility when planning their visits while ensuring access to the facilities throughout the month long campaign.
Real Madrid Foundation Expands Football Coaching Across UAE Schools
Beyond padel and table tennis, ISD Dubai Sports City is expanding the Real Madrid Foundation’s Educational Football Programme to more schools across Dubai and Sharjah.
The initiative will introduce free football coaching during regular physical education classes, working alongside school PE departments to make organised sports more accessible to children.
The sessions will welcome children with different levels of sporting experience and focus on developing football skills alongside values such as teamwork, respect and resilience.
By bringing coaching directly into schools, the programme aims to reach children who may not otherwise have access to structured football training.
Football Activities at Kite Beach and Dubai Parks
The expanded programme will also extend into public spaces through activities organised with the Dubai Fitness Challenge’s Fitness Villages and Hubs.
Coaches will lead beach soccer sessions at Kite Beach and welcome school groups to Al Warqa Park. Further activities are planned at Zabeel Park and other community locations.
Children participating in the football activities will receive certificates and invitations to free introductory sessions at ISD Dubai Sports City.
The Real Madrid Foundation’s Educational Football Programme currently has almost 1,200 players and has the capacity to nearly double its participation. This expansion could introduce many more children to organised football and structured coaching.
Supporting Dubai’s 30×30 Fitness Movement
Running from October 31 to November 29, the 10th Dubai Fitness Challenge encourages residents to complete 30 minutes of physical activity every day for 30 days.
The campaign brings together fitness events, community activities and sporting opportunities across the emirate, making it easier for residents to incorporate exercise into their daily routines.
The initiatives at ISD Dubai Sports City add an important inclusive element to this year’s campaign. Dedicated sports facilities for People of Determination, free football coaching in schools and activities in public spaces create opportunities for different age groups and abilities to participate.
By extending sporting opportunities beyond traditional training facilities, Dubai continues to encourage a community wide approach to fitness, accessibility and healthier living.