Participants say the Ras Al Khaimah Fitness Challenge’s incentives helped them develop lasting healthy habits, including better diets and consistent exercise routines.
The Dh5,000 reward that marked a milestone for Ras Al Khaimah Fitness Challenge participants has become more than just a prize. For many, it has served as a motivation to maintain the healthier habits they developed during the competition.
For 17-year-old Ali Mohammad Al Khateri, participating in the challenge became a turning point that transformed his approach to nutrition, exercise and everyday routines. Since completing the first edition of the competition, he has lost around 20kg, bringing his weight down from approximately 116-117kg to 97kg.
“Before, I didn’t pay much attention to my diet,” he said. “Now I make healthier food choices, manage my portions, and monitor my calorie intake. It has become a regular part of my lifestyle.”
Although he did not take part in the second edition, Al Khateri said the lessons and healthy habits he gained from the programme continued to shape his lifestyle even after the competition ended.
“It wasn’t just about the competition; it completely transformed my lifestyle. My health, mindset and the way I approach daily life are all different now,” he said.
He added that the physical transformation also boosted his confidence, helping him feel more comfortable with himself and motivating him to stay committed to his goals.
Receiving the Dh5,000 reward during the second edition of the Ras Al Khaimah Fitness Challenge was a proud achievement for Al Khateri. He said the recognition gave him additional motivation to continue working towards his target weight.
“The reward encouraged me to keep working until I reach my ideal weight and maintain a healthier body. This is about my future and taking care of my health,” he said.
Beyond changing his eating habits, Al Khateri has also made physical activity a regular part of his routine, walking frequently and increasing his daily movement. He credited his mother for motivating him to join the challenge, saying her support helped him take the first step towards a healthier lifestyle.
Like Al Khateri, another participant said the challenge helped him turn short-term weight-loss targets into lasting lifestyle changes.
Abdulla Al Masafri, 22, took part in both editions of the Ras Al Khaimah Fitness Challenge, improving his performance and finishing eighth in the second edition. Over nine months, he lost around 34kg, reducing his weight from approximately 148kg to 114kg.
He said the experience motivated him to become more active by increasing his workouts and making fitness a regular part of his daily routine.
“After the first competition, I became more motivated to continue exercising. I started walking more, cycling and going to the gym regularly,” he said.
Before joining the challenge, Al Masafri said he was not following a regular exercise routine. Today, he works out four to five days a week while continuing with daily walks and cycling sessions.
Along with becoming more active, he made major changes to his diet by cutting out soft drinks, sweets and other unhealthy foods.
“The biggest change I made was my diet. I stopped drinking fizzy drinks and eating sweets, and I have maintained these habits,” he said.
Al Masafri said the support of his family, especially his mother, played a key role in helping him stay focused on his goals. He also highlighted the challenge’s incentives, saying they motivated participants to continue pursuing healthier lifestyles.
Looking ahead, he said he plans to maintain his routine and hopes to take part in future editions of the Ras Al Khaimah Fitness Challenge.
“I will continue, God willing, and I hope to reach my goal weight,” he said.
