DUBAI // Despite a lower than expected turnout at the weekend’s Etisalat Fitness Festival, organisers said the message of adopting a healthier lifestyle was spreading across the UAE.
Organisers had hoped for around 30,000 visitors over the three-day event, which promised sample fitness classes, introductions to health and wellness brands, and the chance to watch athletes in action.
“This had huge potential to touch the community, to address issues like diabetes and obesity which are rife here,” said event ambassador Harriet Stewart, 28, who won the 100 metre sprint and title of UAE’s fastest woman.
Although 100 competitors had been expected to take part in the competition, only five runners entered the female category.
However, it takes time to create demand for certain activities, Ms Stewart said.
“There isn’t the sprinting community here yet so you can’t just announce an event and expect people to come.
“There needs to be engagement so they appeal to more people.”
Others taking part in the festival thought the entrance fee of Dh50 a day may have acted as a deterrent.
“It should have been free for the general public,” said personal trainer Malin Lenner, who had a stall at the event.
“I think there was too much focus on the industry and not enough on the public.”
Other fitness experts, such as Ian Houghton, a chiropractor and sports performance coach from Scandinavian Health and Performance, said some of the events could have been better tailored for the audience in mind.
“These events are a bit intimidating. Things like the Electric Run and the Spartan Race are much more appealing to the general public.”
But not everyone was put off.
Emirati Yasmine Baker, 24, who came with friends, said such events were great motivators.
“It’s inspiring to see fitness like this. It’s nice for people to see the different things available in Dubai. I’ve tried a bunch of different things here but I never stick with anything. Sometimes it’s hard to know what’s new and what’s happening, so to have it all condensed in one area is nice. There’s something for everyone.”
mswan@thenational.ae