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SportHealthEntertainment

by Dara Morgan

Summer In Dubai Just Got Interesting: 4 Unusual Sports You Need To Try

2 Jun 2025

The summer has arrived, and you are probably wondering whether it will bring any fresh adventures or simply more creative ways to avoid the sun. With cultural events winding down (though you may always consult our digest — there are still a few things happening), and the terrace circuit feeling a bit too familiar, now might be the perfect time to try something new. Something with a hint of sweat, a splash of joy, and just enough impressions to turn your training session into a whole story to tell in company. Here are four sports activities that will test your body, lift your mood, and — who knows — bring you a new hobby.

1. Hot Fitness

Where? Jebel Jais
When? Starting June 14
How much? 450 AED (single), 700 AED (double)
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Source: visitjebeljais.com

You know that part of summer where everyone starts dramatically wilting in the heat? Good. Now imagine deliberately exercising in it. Welcome to PEAK HEAT, the UAE’s first-ever outdoor hot fitness experience — because regular suffering was clearly not enough.
Taking place on Jebel Jais, 1,934 metres above sea level, this golden hour workout swaps mirrored studios and artificial heat for open skies and actual sun. No air-con, no filters, no escape. Just you, your breath, and a surprisingly stunning view. But don't worry — there are chilled towels, cold refreshments, and a three-course dinner waiting for you afterwards at 1484 by Puro (the UAE’s highest restaurant, because of course it is). The experience includes an overnight stay and transfers, so you may fully commit to your moment of high-altitude, high-temperature transformation.
Sessions run monthly through summer. Limited spots. Naturally.

2. Gyrotonic

When? June 3–5, 8, 10–12
How much? 400–500 AED per session
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Have you already got used to Pilates Reformer? Brilliant. Time to step further. Enter Gyrotonic, and its signature piece of equipment — the Gyrotonic Tower. Yes, it does look like something confiscated from a medieval castle. No, it is not actually dangerous. Quite the opposite, in fact.
Also known as the Gyrotonic Expansion System, this method was developed by Juliu Horvath in the 1980s and focuses on enhancing spinal movement in three dimensions. Think of it as yoga, dance, and Tai Chi having an oddly flexible love child — one that is very concerned with your posture and back health.
To mark Global Wellness Month, The Hundred Wellness Centre is hosting a series of masterclasses led by none other than Marco Metoldo, a visiting Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis master trainer. Marco will guide you through flowing, wave-like motions that gently stretch the body while strengthening it — all on that slightly intimidating (but ultimately forgiving) tower. There will also be mat-based Gyrokinesis sessions — a cousin of Gyrotonic, minus the equipment but with all the rhythmic elegance and spinal mobility you didn't realise you were missing.
Expect to feel taller, looser, and quietly superior to anyone still doing crunches.

3. Freediving

When? Private sessions available
How much? From 1,100 AED
Would you like to hold your breath and sink slowly into a vast, silent pool while pondering your life choices? Fantastic. Welcome to freediving — part sport, part underwater meditation, and entirely unlike anything else.
Deep Dive Dubai boasts the world’s deepest pool (a casual 60 metres), and yes, it contains a submerged city. Because why not. Beginners can opt for an introductory freediving experience (up to 5 metres), while future spearfishers and ocean romantics can pursue proper PADI and AIDA certifications.
The focus here is not brute strength — it is calm, stillness, and mental clarity. Freediving teaches you to stay underwater longer by relaxing, not forcing. A surprisingly effective metaphor for modern life, if you ask us.

4. Puppy Yoga

Where? Dubai (various studios), Abu Dhabi (The Bridge Wellness Hub)
When? See the timetable here
How much? 250 AED
There are many ways to achieve inner peace, but few involve being interrupted mid-downward dog by a small, furry creature licking your nose. Puppy yoga is exactly what it sounds like: a bit of actual yoga, followed by a lot of adorable chaos.
Each session includes 20 minutes of structured movement and 35 minutes of being surrounded by very excited puppies, plus 5 minutes of meditation — assuming you are capable of meditating with a puppy on your lap. You may choose to continue the yoga or give up entirely and cuddle. There are no rules here. Just serotonin, puppy breath, and the overwhelming urge to adopt.
The sessions also help socialise the puppies and match them with new families — so yes, it is also technically community service. Feel free to mention that when justifying your fourth booking.