Gymnastics to breakdancing: Paris Olympics-inspired sports to try in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

From boxing and climbing to surfing and shooting, here's where you can try out these sports

If Simone Biles has inspired you, try some adult gymnastics classes. Bloomberg

2024 Paris Olympics: as they happened

The 2024 Paris Olympics has spawned many inspirational stories, from Simone Biles seemingly defying the laws of gravity to Algerian boxer Imane Khelif overcoming online critics to win gold.

Many will have been happy enough to cheer on from the comfort of a couch, but others might be inspired to follow in the footsteps of the athletes and sign up for a gym class or take up a new sport.

For those in the latter camp, here are some suggestions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Women's boxing

Khelif's journey through has got the world talking. Not allowing critics to slow her down, the Algerian took home a gold medal on Friday. Across the UAE, there are lots of ways to get into women's boxing.

Final Round in Umm Suqeim, Dubai, has a ladies-only workout space fitted with 10 stations for boxing exercises, from kick-boxing with a bag to practising jabs, uppercuts and hooks with a trainer holding pads. Other gyms across the emirate offering similar classes include Boxica in Studio City, Warehouse's women-only gym and Seven Wellness, both in Al Quoz.

Golden Ring is a boxing, kick-boxing and Muay Thai school tempting first-timers with three introductory sessions, while Rocky Road (both in Al Quoz) offers a split boxing training session, ideal for those who want to team up with a friend.

In Abu Dhabi, Cobra Fitness has sparring for adults, plus boxing and Muay Thai lessons for children and adults.

Breakdancing

Breaking, or breakdancing as it is more commonly known, was added to this year's Olympic line-up. Victor Montalvo, dubbed the LeBron James of breakdancing, was the favourite to win, but Canadian Philip Kim, better known as Phil Wizard, took home gold.

Australia's Rachael Gunn, nicknamed Raygun, went viral online after scoring zero during the round-robin stage of the competition, later becoming the subject of mocking memes online owing to her unusual approach. But the athlete hit back at trolls on social media, saying: “Don’t be afraid to be different.”

Tempo is a dance school in JLT that offers everything from salsa to belly dancing classes, alongside breakdancing lessons for children and teenagers. For adults, it's a little trickier, but there are plenty of hip-hop and street dance classes to explore.

Step Up Academy in Springs Souk and Hip-Hop Cardio in Business Bay both offer class packages for adults, while gym StudioRepublik offers drop-in classes for hip-hop, Afro-fusion, contemporary dance and more. James and Alex Dance Studio in Media City has drop-in classes – including all-level hip-hop available to book directly and through partners such as ClassPass.

Gymnastics

All eyes were on Biles after heartbreak at Tokyo 2020, but the American became the word's most decorated gymnast by winning three golds and a silver in Paris.

Inspired by Biles? Then check out Shams Gymnastics Club in Al Safa, which offers twice-weekly gymnastic training sessions for adults that can be purchased on a term-by-term basis. FitRepublik in Sports City provides both adult gymnastic sessions and callisthenics strength training classes. Fly High Fitness in Dubai Investment Park 1, meanwhile, offers six beginner-friendly adult gymnastic classes per week.

Want to hone a skill? Topstretching in Dubai Marina runs split training classes, too.

Surfing

Surfing was a new addition to the Olympics in Paris and made headlines with the standout picture of the competition: Brazilian surfer Gabriel Medina riding a huge wave which gave him a 9.90 score and set an Olympic record.

While mimicking Medina is more that a stretch, there are plenty of opportunities to dip a toe in the water in the UAE. Surf House Dubai in Umm Suqeim 2 has been established in the region since 2005 and offers private, couple and group classes for all levels. Amphibious Surf School along Jumeirah Public Beach in Umm Suqeim 3 likewise serves mixed-group sizes and provides private surfing lessons.

In the capital, Surf lo Dhabi recently announced it will open on Hudayriyat Island in October, complete with the world's longest ride, largest barrel as well as highest man-made wave. The park is designed for surfers of all skill levels, from beginners to elite.

Skateboarding

Skateboarding was introduced to the Olympics at Tokyo 2020 and all the talk in Paris was the wide ranging ages taking part. Zheng Haohao, 11, competed for China, while Andy Macdonald, 50, represented Britain.

Dubai Skateboarding School in Damac Hills offers a range of tutorial packages, including an adult and/or family-friendly bundle, while GoSkate can help you get set up with a certified instructor.

Shooting

It was on nobody's bingo card that this year's shooting would create new style icons. South Korean shooter Kim Yeji's baseball cap and glasses get-up (a magnifying lens on one eye and a sight blocker on the other) was the first to catch spectators' attention, followed by Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec's casual demeanour as he shunned ear protectors and specialised lenses, consequently stealing the show.

Feeling inspired? JA Shooting Club in Jebel Ali offers beginner's sessions for indoor target shooting and outdoor clay pigeon shooting.

Both Al Forsan International Sports Resort in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club offer shooting packages with professionals on hand to train and assist.

Climbing

Climbing is another sport that debuted in Tokyo, mirroring the rise of bouldering and rope climbing as weekend activities in the real world. In Paris, the sport was split into two categories – bouldering/lead combined and speed climbing, meaning more opportunities for medals and the chance to flex different skill sets this time around.

Ascents Sports Academy in Wafi City Mall offers private training sessions for up to two aspiring climbers and a beginner's course package deal for those keen to get to grips with the sport. Intro sessions can be booked directly or via ClassPass. Rock Republic in Dubai Investment Park 1 also offers a two-hour private coaching session alongside drop-in sessions.

Mountain Extreme in Al Quoz offers a short induction class before starting.

In Abu Dhabi, Clymb on Yas Island has the tallest indoor climbing wall in the Middle East and offers five experiences, including guided sessions.

Obstacle course

Obstacle racing will be added to the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. Some may recognise the sport from the Japanese game show Sasuke, which has inspired spin-offs worldwide, including the popular American Ninja Warrior. Each show recruits people to compete in different rounds of physical feats through qualifying courses to win life-changing cash prizes.

Keen for the challenge? Bounce UAE (located in Marina Mall and Khalifa City in Abu Dhabi; and Festival City and Al Quoz), has an adventure obstacle course that features warped walls familiar to the game's viewers, challenging opponents on speed, strength and timing. Bia Warrior ladies' gym in Al Quoz has several weekly ninja warrior sessions, while Wellfit gym, located in Meyden and JVC, has drop-in obstacle classes, too.

For those ready to test their skills, forthcoming races include Tough Mudder, XQuarry's Gladiator Obstacle Course and Desert Warrior Challenge Dubai.