BATOOL GHAITH (ABU DHABI)
As winter settles over the UAE, the season ushers in a shift in the wellness scene, with parks filling with joggers, mountain trails welcoming hikers, and outdoor courts echoing with cheers of sports enthusiasts.
From padel matches under the stars to sunrise hikes, the UAE’s winter has become synonymous with movement, social connection, and physical wellbeing, blending fitness with lifestyle.
According to wellness expert Diego Carrete, the cooler months are ideal for building Zone 2 aerobic base — a moderate-intensity exercise level that is essential for metabolic health and longevity.
“Activities like cycling, hiking, and long beach walks allow people to sustain elevated heart rates for longer durations without the thermal stress of summer,” Carrete told Aletihad.
This explains the seasonal surge in popular activities across the Emirates. Padel, one of the UAE’s fastest-growing sports, thrives during winter with packed outdoor courts, social leagues and tournaments. The sport’s appeal is not just social; it is scientifically sound.
‘Consistency Beats Intensity’
Padel is effectively high-intensity interval training (HIIT) disguised as a game. It requires short bursts of explosive movement followed by recovery, which improves VO2 max — the body’s maximum oxygen intake during intense exercise — and agility, Carrete explained.
“Padel’s rapid rise is due to its low technical barrier to entry and high fun factor, making it a sustainable habit rather than a chore, aligning perfectly with the principle that consistency beats intensity,” he added.
Other winter favourites include tennis, running, cycling and community jogs along the Corniche, desert trails, or city parks, activities that become almost meditative in the cooler air.
According to Carrete, outdoor activity offers a superior return on investment in time by combining physical conditioning with circadian regulation. Exposure to natural light regulates sleep-wake cycles and boosts Vitamin D, directly improving recovery and energy levels.
“This connection between outdoor movement and holistic wellbeing reflects a broader trend in the UAE, wellness as a lifestyle, not just a workout,” he said.
Water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, rowing, and sailing also see their seasonal peak in winter.
Meanwhile, indoor activities like bouldering, indoor climbing, ice skating, and even indoor snow sports, like at Snow Abu Dhabi and Ski Dubai, remain attractive family-friendly options that keep residents active throughout the season.
Mental Wellbeing
The mental health impact of the winter fitness boom is also significant. “Beyond the physical benefits, the social interaction in group sports combats the isolation often felt in busy lifestyles,” Carrete said.
“The combination of community and competition releases endorphins and oxytocin, effectively lowering cortisol [stress] levels more than a solitary gym session.”
For Abu Dhabi resident Chloe Robyn Wilson, running and walking in winter in Abu Dhabi “is the best.”
“We take a few weeks off in the summer because the heat can be really challenging, but running in winter in Abu Dhabi is honestly amazing. What I love most is that the girls do not just come for the workout, they come for connection, support, and to make friendships,” said Wilson, who is also the Founder of Stronger Together, which started as a running club in the emirate and later expanded into a fitness community.
She emphasised that being active brings people together. “I have been living in Abu Dhabi for 10 years. I wanted to create something that felt like a safe space where girls could come together, move their bodies, and connect.”