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by Barbara Yakimchuk
February Wellness Digest: From Cycling Races To Relaxing Yoga
24 Jan 2025
February is the perfect time to focus on your health. Why February? First, it is the month after we have all overindulged during the New Year and Christmas festivities — so it is time to get moving. Second, it is the month just before the holy month of Ramadan, making it the ideal time for those observing to prepare both body and mind. And last, February in the UAE is literally brimming with wellness and sports events. Whether it is cycling through the heart of Dubai or unwinding with yoga and pilates in a cosy, leafy studio, there is something for everyone. Here are some wellness must-visits for the month ahead.
Kayan Wellness Festival
January 31–February 2
This three-day mindful wellness festival takes place on Fahid Island, Abu Dhabi. The venue itself is a showstopper — a gorgeous beachfront space carefully divided into four zones, each designed to offer something unique.
- Mind Zone: a stage and seating area where talks and workshops will be held by renowned guest speakers (more on that shortly).
- The Soul Space: dedicated to mindfulness-related activities like yoga and meditation workshops.
- Body Zone: the space for those who is looking for something more dynamic, offering classes like Pilates and HIIT.
- Heart Zone: a large open area featuring cafés, kids’ zones, and live performances.
As for the speakers, the line-up is nothing short of exceptional. The name includes internationally famous speakers with multi-million audience in social media like Mo Gawdat, Mary Cristine, and the world-renowned Sadhguru. So, secure your spot and see you there!
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The Hundred Wellness Centre
Every Saturday, 9 am–1 pm
The Hundred Wellness Centre is so much more than just a place for yoga and pilates — they also offer comprehensive health check-ups, from lab tests to psychological and mindfulness coaching. But this month they have stepped further.
In February (and who knows, maybe even later), they will introduce a weekly farmers’ market where you can pick up fresh, organic, and sustainably farmed vegetables. The market is run in partnership with IGR, one of the UAE’s first certified organic farms.
So here is what my ideal Sunday would look like: starting with a Pilates session at The Hundred Wellness Centre, followed by a green smoothie at the cosy 100 Café (yes, they also have a café!), and finishing it by stocking up on cherry tomatoes for healthy salads and blueberries — the perfect popcorn alternative for evening series marathons.
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L’Étape by Tour de France
February 2
Cycling enthusiasts, get ready to celebrate — there will be two big cycling events in the upcoming month! First one — the official amateur event of the legendary Tour de France, coming to Dubai. By the way it is a rare treat, as they only visit 25 countries worldwide each year.
This exciting ride is open to both seasoned cyclists and enthusiastic beginners and will take place on the morning of February 2. There are four routes to choose from, ranging in distance: 101 kilometres, 50 kilometres, 20 kilometres, and a friendly 1.8 kilometres.
And one more thing — do not let the word “amateur” fool you — the last official Tour de France was won by a team from the UAE. Who knows? You might just spot some of them at the starting line!
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15th Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge
February 22
Another exciting event for cycling lovers is the 15th Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge, held in partnership with Dubai Sports Council right in the heart of Dubai. This race lasts 92 kilometres, starting at Expo City Dubai and finishing at Al Forsan Park — perfect for those who are strong, determined, and up for a real test of stamina!
For anyone into active sports, it is the ideal opportunity to push your limits. But if you are not planning to participate, make sure to organise your day carefully — some roads in the city will be partially closed. As part of the same event, there will also be training rides on 22 February, with shorter routes of 35 kilometres and 12 kilometres.
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Desert Palm X-Country Run
February 16
This event is perfect for all the running enthusiasts out there. It offers a choice of four distances: 15 kilometres, 10 kilometres, 5 kilometres, and 3 kilometres, so there is something for everyone, no matter your fitness level. Credit to the organisers for their thorough preparation — all the essential details, from race maps (showcasing scenic routes through lush ranches and desert landscapes) to timelines and race rules, have already been published on their website weeks in advance.
A lovely bonus? Every participant gets a post-run snack and beverage provided by the organisers.
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Burj2Burj
February 9
If you are into running, you would know that hitting certain milestones is a big deal for professional runners. One of the most important is the half marathon (a 21 kilometres run), and Burj2Burj is the perfect opportunity to take it on. The setup is simple: choose your distance — whether it is the full half marathon or something shorter like 5 kilometres or 8 kilometres — book your slot and make sure you are at the starting point on time.
What is truly impressive is the organisers' attention to detail. Six hydration stations will be available along the course to keep runners refreshed with water. Even better, this event has partnered with Dulsco to ensure all single-use plastics along the route are collected and recycled.
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DDF Tennis Championship
February 16 – March 1
This is not just an event to participate in, but one to inspire — for all the tennis lovers out there, the much-anticipated tournament is back.
Get ready to hear the famous tennis lingo (I had to watch a few matches myself to figure out why the score jumps from 15 to 30)! Who knows? This might even inspire you to start taking tennis lessons.
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