New coworking space opened in Al Barsha Pond Park in Dubai for 50 dirhams per day
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Khaleej Times
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New coworking space opened in Al Barsha Pond Park in Dubai for 50 dirhams per day

Dubai residents can now replace home offices and cafes with a green environment thanks to the opening of a new workspace in Al Barsha Pond Park. The daily pass for this area costs 50 dirhams.

The facility operates daily from 8 am to 8 pm and allows residents to work or study while enjoying the park's recreational amenities. The 50 dirham pass includes access to the workspace and free coffee, making it an attractive alternative for freelancers, remote employees, students, and small business owners looking for a change of scenery.

This initiative, named Work from Park, is a project by the Dubai Municipality, developed in collaboration with Group AMANA and Letswork. It aims to integrate flexible workspaces into public parks, expanding their functions beyond simple recreation to create spaces for work, meetings, and community interaction.

Omar Almeiri, co-founder and CTO of Letswork, noted that the concept arose after discussions with the Dubai Municipality on how to encourage more people to visit public parks. He explained that the Work from Park idea originated from the vision of the Dubai Municipality team, whose goal was to make parks more accessible and prompt people to visit them for more than just traditional activities.

According to him, the task was to develop existing facilities in the parks—which already offer sports and recreational services, as well as food and beverage options—by adding another reason to stay there. For 50 dirhams, visitors can use the workspace all day and receive free coffee from the coffee partner. Existing Letswork members can also use their membership credits, with the daily pass costing 10 credits.

The workspace is designed to accommodate about 100 people simultaneously, catering to various work needs—from individuals seeking a temporary desk to teams requiring dedicated zones.

Ahmed Mohammed Almarzouki, Dubai Parks Manager at the Dubai Municipality, stated that Al Barsha Pond Park was chosen for the first phase of the project due to its location and variety of visitor amenities. He emphasized that this is the first stage of the Workfrom Park initiative, located specifically in Al Barsha Pond Park, and the location was selected because of its strategic position and presence of recreational areas, including a pond, running track, and playground.

Thus, visitors can combine a workday with active outdoor time, and parents can bring children to the park and utilize its infrastructure. Almarzouki also specified that the workspace is equipped for those who require a quieter setting, including a private room for employees or students needing a quiet place to work or study, as well as a meeting room. This initiative plans to reach various groups, including students and working professionals.

There is potential for Letswork to expand this initiative beyond Al Barsha Pond Park; other public parks and even beaches are being considered as possible locations. Almeiri added that the partnership also responds to changes in work models, as remote work becomes more accessible for employees, freelancers, and small and medium-sized enterprises. He noted that the idea was to bring workplaces closer to residential areas while more effectively utilizing public spaces.

He also mentioned that possibilities were discussed for using common spaces, including the majlis, traditionally used for weddings and other events, as potential workspaces. This initiative supports the Dubai Parks and Greenery Strategy 2040, the Dubai Master Plan 2040, and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, reflecting the commitment to integrating green public spaces with the changing urban lifestyle and work patterns.

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Dubai Fitness Challenge 2026 has started: 12 activities available at Kite Beach
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Dubai Fitness Challenge 2026 has started: 12 activities available at Kite Beach

Today, October 31st, marked the first day of the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) 2026. Dubai residents now have numerous opportunities to stay active, including trampoline jumping, obstacle courses, beach volleyball, and boxing.

The DP World 30x30 Fitness Village at Kite Beach officially opened to the public, celebrating the tenth anniversary of this event. During an exclusive media preview on October 30th, Khaleej Times explored this beach fitness zone as final preparations were underway for the opening.

This complex integrates sports activities, fitness classes, and interactive events designed for people of all ages and fitness levels. The goal is to encourage residents and visitors to engage in 30 minutes of physical activity daily for 30 days.

Upon entry, visitors are greeted by a registration area before several activity zones located along the beach. A central main stage is used for fitness sessions, while separate spaces for sports, strength training, wellness, and family activities offer diverse ways to move.

Among the attractive features is the Amazon Rebounder, where participants can take part in energetic trampoline workouts. This activity offers an alternative approach to traditional cardio training, combining jumping movements with a full-body workout.

For those seeking a serious physical challenge, there is the Nissan Navara Pro Obstacle Course, which tests participants' balance, strength, and coordination as they navigate a series of obstacles. Another specialized zone, Skechers Beach Warrior, offers fitness trials for more demanding training.

Team sport enthusiasts can head to the DP World Cricket Arena, and nearby are courts for beach football and beach volleyball, allowing friends and families to compete and exercise on the sand.

A dedicated court has also been allocated for basketball enthusiasts, and the Wasl Padel Arena provides an alternative for racket sports lovers. For skateboarders, the Emirates Skate Park is equipped with a special space for practicing skating skills.

Those who prefer structured workouts can explore the Puff fitness zones, which include spinning classes, circuit training, and the Engine Room for strength and conditioning exercises. Additionally, the DIEZ zones allow participants to try boxing, mixed martial arts, and high-intensity interval training to test endurance, strength, and overall physical fitness.

For those preferring a slower pace, the CBD Wellness zone offers wellness activities, while the dedicated Whoop Pilates, Body Work, and Lift zones are intended for those interested in flexibility, body conditioning, and strength training.

Water sports are also part of the complex's program, providing an opportunity to experience fitness outside of a traditional gym setting. In addition to the main sports areas, the complex includes the Talabat Playground for younger visitors.

The main stage is one of the central attractions, hosting a rotating program of group fitness classes throughout the challenge. Furthermore, the Whoop Run Club Hub serves as a designated meeting point for running enthusiasts, and additional partner activations are planned throughout the complex.

During the tour, organizers emphasized the variety of planned activities, noting that some zones are still being prepared for the official public opening. The complex is designed so that visitors can explore various training stations rather than focusing on a single activity, allowing them to combine sports, cardio, strength training, and wellness in one visit.

The DP World 30x30 Fitness Village at Kite Beach will operate from October 31st to November 29th, with free entry for visitors who register on site. Operating hours are from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM on weekdays, and from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. Although activities and classes are free, visitors wishing to use specific sports facilities are advised to book sessions in advance.

The Dubai Fitness Challenge was launched in 2017 by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and calls on people to dedicate 30 minutes to exercise every day for 30 days.

Emirates Skywards loyalty program offers miles for staying in Dubai
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Emirates Skywards loyalty program offers miles for staying in Dubai

The Emirates Skywards loyalty program, belonging to the airlines Emirates and flydubai, has relaunched the 'Mile-A-Minute' promotion. This promotion allows participants to earn one Skywards mile for every minute spent in Dubai, with the possibility of earning up to 7,200 bonus miles.

This limited-time promotion coincides with the winter season of festivals, events, and outdoor activities in the city. It was previously introduced in 2021.

Bonus miles are credited in addition to those already accumulated from purchasing tickets on Emirates or flydubai that meet the conditions. The offer applies to all cabin classes and fare types.

The limit of 7,200 miles is equivalent to 120 hours or five days of stay in Dubai. Members staying longer can receive the maximum number of miles, while shorter trips or stops also allow earning miles for time spent in the city.

The promotion is available to Emirates Skywards members residing outside the UAE. To qualify, participants must:

  • Register before November 5, 2026, via the Emirates and flydubai websites and apps.
  • Book a qualifying return flight departing from outside the UAE between October 21 and November 5, 2026.
  • Arrive in Dubai between October 21 and December 13, 2026, staying for a minimum of 24 hours and no more than 30 days.

Bonus miles will be calculated based on the planned arrival and departure times from Dubai and will be automatically credited after the stay concludes. Passengers who are not yet members of the program can join Skywards for free and register before the booking deadline.

Ways to earn miles

Visitors can also accumulate miles through Skywards partners in the city. For example, miles are earned when staying at hotels such as Atlantis The Palm. Program members can earn or spend miles on selected tours, including desert safaris and excursions offered by Arabian Adventures. Additionally, miles are awarded for purchases made at Dubai Mall.

Everyday spending

With the Skywards Everyday app, members can link up to five payment cards and earn miles at hundreds of participating brands across the UAE, covering dining, shopping, wellness, and leisure sectors.

Accumulated Skywards miles can be used to pay for flights and upgrade services on Emirates and flydubai, as well as for hotel stays and participation in exclusive events through Skywards Exclusives. Participants can also use the Cash + Miles option to reduce the cost of a flight or for travel on the Skywards rail network in Europe.

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