Batool Ghaith (Abu Dhabi)

From first-time competitors testing their limits to experienced athletes chasing faster times, HYROX Abu Dhabi brought together a growing fitness community over the weekend, as the UAE capital continues to expand its calendar of major sporting events.

Held at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi from October 23 to 25, this year’s event marked HYROX’s second edition in the capital after its Abu Dhabi debut in July 2025. The 2026 programme also included a dedicated women-only race day on October 23.

HYROX combines endurance and functional fitness in a standardised indoor race format. Competitors complete a one-kilometre run followed by a functional workout station, repeating the sequence eight times for a total of eight kilometres of running and eight workout stations.

For Manish Mordani, 37, from India and living in Dubai, the race proved more demanding than he initially expected.

“Going in, I thought that it would not be as challenging,” Mordani told Aletihad, noting that he spent around a month preparing for the race.

What stood out was the atmosphere created by racing indoors and having spectators close to the competitors throughout the course, he said.

For Mordani, Abu Dhabi also offered an accessible destination from Dubai and a venue well suited to the race format.

“It is great to see so many people participating from all over the world, including Emiratis, especially as it is in Abu Dhabi this time, which gives it great visibility too,” he added.

Mordani believes that accessibility is one reason events such as HYROX are drawing wider participation. He also pointed to social media as a factor encouraging people to take on fitness challenges.

“People see each other and get encouraged and energised and they want to be fitter and to achieve certain goals,” he said.

For Hossam Yousef, 33, an Egyptian fitness coach living in Dubai, HYROX has become a personal challenge as well as an opportunity to watch the people he trains progress.

Abu Dhabi marked his fourth HYROX race. After previously competing abroad, Yousef completed his first race in one hour and 20 minutes, while in Abu Dhabi he finished in one hour and five minutes.

As a coach, Yousef said one of the most rewarding aspects is seeing clients move from everyday training into competitive events.

“I love seeing my athletes go into racing, travel to do races, get on podiums and achive amazing results,” Yousef told Aleithad.

Having the event in Abu Dhabi also made participation easier since he did not have to travel, he noted.

Omar Basyouni, who participated in HYROX for the first time in Abu Dhabi, said that the event was very well organised.

“ADNEC Center Abu Dhabi holds a special place in my heart as I previously attended several sports events there,” Basyouni told Aletihad.

His journey with fitness started in 2024. “I have been obese, but I decided to take matters into my into my own hands. I lost 50kg and changed my bad habits and became happier with an active lifestyle,” Basyouni said.

Despite facing a medical mishap during the race, he said that he and his partner managed to cross the finish line thanks to the support of their loved ones.

“Special thanks to the volunteers and judges. Most of them are well known people from the sports community,” Basyouni added.