A growing number of UAE residents are swapping traditional holidays for international sporting challenges, combining their passion for fitness with a desire to explore the world. This trend sees amateur athletes travelling for everything from marathons in European capitals to triathlons in neighbouring Middle Eastern countries, seeking unique experiences that test their physical limits.
The Rise of Athletic Tourism
The concept of “athletic adventures” is gaining significant traction. A 2025 Travel Trend Report from hospitality group Accor noted a 50 per cent increase in searches for “workout holidays”. This reflects a broader shift in how people view their leisure time. For many, the appeal lies in merging personal achievement with cultural immersion.
“Why choose between adventure and challenge when you can have both?” asked Jonah Florido, a Filipino expatriate living in Abu Dhabi. “It’s a unique way of travelling, exploring, and challenging myself all at once.” Florido, who recently competed in the Almaty Marathon 2025, begins his training four to six months before a major race, exercising daily to prepare.
Personal Stories from the Racetrack
From Abu Dhabi to Global Marathons
Elizabeth Craig, a British critical care nurse, has competed in marathons and half-marathons in Rome, Astana, Amsterdam, and Reykjavik. Her next event is the Marakez Pyramids Half Marathon in Egypt. “To be able to combine my two loves is incredible,” she said. “I get to experience different countries like a local, see the sites as I’m running and meet lots of great people.”
Craig trains daily and follows specific programmes from her running club, adidas Runners Abu Dhabi. She believes her work in a hospital has given her a greater appreciation for her health, motivating her to “live and enjoy life to the fullest”.
Balancing Passion with Practicality
For French resident Charlotte Jade, the logistics of athletic travel require careful planning. Having completed half-marathons in Almaty and Uzbekistan, she is now preparing for the Tokyo Marathon in March. She acknowledges that cost is a major factor. “Sometimes I skip races that look appealing because they would cost too much,” Jade explained. “Tokyo Marathon will be an expensive trip but as it’s a major event and a very exciting opportunity it will be worth it.”
She finds the cultural aspect particularly rewarding. “I also love languages, so hearing the race countdown in a foreign tongue and people speaking around in different languages is always a thrill,” she added.
Building Community Through Sport
The social element is a powerful driver of this trend. Fitness tracking app Strava reported a 59 per cent increase in running club participation in 2024, with 58 per cent of users saying they made new friends through fitness groups. This sense of community was evident when Florido joined a group of 24 Filipino UAE residents to compete in Kazakhstan.
The UAE is also becoming a destination for international athletes. Events like the Sir Bani Yas Challenge triathlon, set in a wildlife reserve, are attracting overseas visitors. Jade, who participated in the debut event, noted, “I made friends from all around the world there.”
The Middle East as a Sporting Hub
The region is increasingly hosting high-profile fitness events. The recent AlUla Duathlon in Saudi Arabia, part of the AlUla Wellness Festival, drew competitors from Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the UAE. Zainab Yousef of organiser Race Arabia said the event allowed people to “experience the epic rock formations and canyons of AlUla, and at the same time engage in sports that you love,” a sentiment that aligns with new tourism developments such as when Rocco Forte plans Middle East debut with 60-room hotel in Red Sea.
This shift reflects a change in holiday priorities. “More and more residents no longer want to go on holiday to party. They want to recharge and do something that’s good for them,” said Clifford Victor Tindell, founder of Dubai-based fitness company Core Direction. He noted that younger generations are increasingly joining sports clubs to socialise and build connections.
