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In just a few short years, padel has transformed from a fast-growing trend into one of the UAE’s most dynamic sporting movements, and athletes like Aisha Alawadhi are helping shape its future. An Emirati padel player competing at a national level, Aisha represents a new generation of women driving the sport forward both competitively and culturally.

Wearables in the Middle East have firmly moved into the mainstream. What started as a niche fitness accessory has evolved into an everyday lifestyle product, driven by strong consumer spending power, rapid digital adoption, and a region-wide focus on active living. Smartwatches and fitness trackers are now embedded into daily routines across the GCC, and the numbers show just how fast the market is scaling.

Modest activewear shouldn’t feel like a compromise. Humble Power was created to give women pieces that allow them to train, move and compete without stepping outside their values. Founded by Noor B, a mother of five who understood the gap firsthand, the brand has grown into a community built on confidence, intention and choice. We spoke to her about why Humble Power needed to exist, what “modesty is power” really means, and how Dubai Active has supported the brand’s journey so far.

Connection is powerful, and sometimes, all it takes is a simple walk to spark something much bigger. In a city like Dubai, where ambition moves fast and lives are constantly evolving, many women quietly crave space to slow down, connect, and feel understood. What began as one woman navigating a major life transition has grown into a thriving community built on conversation, support, and shared movement.

Padel has evolved from a niche racket sport into one of the fastest-growing recreational industries in the UAE. Its rise reflects shifting lifestyle habits, sustained investment, and a global boom that continues to reinforce local expansion.

What does it really take to build a brand that actually scales in today’s fitness and wellness market? In this Industry Insights feature, we sit down with Hamza, founder of GHM Consultancy, a leading Middle Eastern based consultancy to explore the thinking behind building sustainable, system-led growth.

In this Industry Insights interview, we sit down with Nicki Bedford, Founder of the Female Founders Network and host of She Leads the Way, to explore the experiences that shaped her entrepreneurial journey and her mission to create intentional spaces where women can grow, connect and scale.

In light of the startling revelation by a recent Statista Consumer Insights survey about the world’s massive bottled water consumption, Bluewater, a trailblazing water purification and beverage brand, is ramping up its mission to provide a greener alternative.

Discover Seissense athleisure at Dubai Active 2025: sustainable, PFAS-free athleisure for men and women. Designed to support your workouts and lifestyle, Seissense combines science, style, and sustainability for performance you can feel good about.

REPZERO by RIANG LLC enters the activewear market with a mission to merge biotechnology and performance longevity. Made in Italy with certified fabrics, its collections aim to redefine health, recovery, and athletic achievement without reliance on plastics.

The sports and fitness supplements industry in the Middle East is entering a new phase of maturity and momentum. What was once a niche category for athletes and bodybuilders is now becoming part of everyday wellness routines across the region. Rising health awareness, expanding retail access, and strong economic fundamentals are combining to create one of the most promising growth periods the sector has seen to date. As we head into 2026, the data shows this is a structural shift in how consumers approach health and performance.

His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council (DSC), today launched the Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033, outlining a comprehensive vision to strengthen the sector’s competitiveness, unlock economic potential and position Dubai as the world’s top sporting city by 2033.

As a proud gold sponsor of Dubai Active, here’s what you can expect from Sweat and Kayla Itsines this year!

Whether prepping for action, mid-stride in a session, or winding down after a workout—The Beemine Lab’s ALIVIUM CBD Creams deliver versatile muscular comfort with the power of CBD, honey, and botanical extracts.