Over a thousand people took part in the first day of the Dubai Fitness Challenge on Friday, as popular shopping centre Dubai Festival City featured various fitness classes led by encouraging instructors.

The city-wide challenge was launched last year by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, in a bid to inspire residents to exercise for 30 minutes a day for 30 days.

The shopping centre was filled with various stalls by gyms, businesses and governments urging the public to take part in an activity. The Federal Electricity and Water Authority stand saw its employees compete in a tug-of-war.

Moreover, money bars, climbing wills and stationary bikes were available for the public, while a dedicated zone for children stood nearby, offering bootcamps and yoga sessions.

Such activities will be held across Dubai until November 24, while those taking part can download the Dubai Fitness mobile app to track their progress, find classes and connect with other participants.

Sheikh Hamdan said the aim of the challenge is to encourage people to lead healthier lives.

“My vision for the Dubai Fitness Challenge was to create a truly inclusive movement across our city and the wider UAE, to sustainably enhance the health and long-term well-being of people of all ages, abilities and levels of fitness," he said.

On Friday, the Crown Prince had said in an SMS, “I challenge you to join me and participate in @DXBFitChallenge,” while Du subscribers in the UAE had their service logo transformed into, “challenge accepted.”

The event will welcome Swedish professional boxer Badou Jack as well as Egypt’s health coach and nutritionist Dr Nourhan Kandil. It is expected that nearly 1 million people from government, corporate, schools, universities and the public will join the challenge.