Dubai: DXB LIVE, the integrated event management and experiential agency of Dubai World Trade Centre, has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding with Arabian Warrior to launch ‘The Urbanator,’ a groundbreaking urban obstacle racing series that transforms Dubai’s skyline, districts, and public spaces into a high-energy sporting arena.
Debuting during the Holy Month of Ramadan, The Urbanator will introduce a reimagined obstacle racing (OCR) format that shifts the sport from rugged outdoor terrains into the vibrant heart of the city, combining sport, culture, and urban exploration.
A new era of Urban OCR in Dubai
Participants will take on adrenaline-driven challenges across architectural landmarks, rooftop climbs, street-level runs, and giant elevated obstacles designed to highlight Dubai’s dynamic urban identity.
The series will feature both daytime and nighttime races, including races aligned with Iftar timings, ensuring wide community participation from elite athletes to families, students, corporate teams, and first-time runners.
Race routes will stretch approximately 5 km across key districts, plazas, and iconic structures, delivering an immersive blend of fitness, entertainment, and cultural engagement.
Leadership support from the UAE Obstacle Sports Federation
Abdulrahman Abu Al Shawareb, President of the UAE Obstacle Sports Federation, stated that, “We congratulate this strategic partnership between DXB LIVE and Arabian Warrior, which represents a significant step forward in the development of obstacle racing in the UAE. ‘The Urbanator’ series introduces an innovative concept that redefines the sport by bringing it into the heart of the city, reflecting the UAE’s spirit of challenge, innovation, and creating new community experiences.”
Al Shawareb added that, “The Federation is committed to building a comprehensive ecosystem that elevates this sport to world-class standards. We will continue to support initiatives that empower local talent, expand participation across the community, and strengthen the UAE’s position as a regional and global leader in urban obstacle racing.”
Community-centric sporting innovation
Khalid Al Hammadi, Executive Vice President, DXB LIVE, remarked that, “We are pleased to enter this partnership with Arabian Warrior, which marks an important milestone in expanding our portfolio of innovative sports events and strengthening Dubai’s position as a global hub for urban obstacle racing. Bringing this new race format into the heart of the city aligns with our vision to develop inclusive sports experiences that blend entertainment, fitness, and the spirit of challenge, while contributing to Dubai’s leadership in hosting world-class sporting events.”
A bold step forward for OCR in the UAE
Nick Cartwright, CEO, Arabian Warrior, stated that, “We are proud to collaborate with DXB LIVE to launch this pioneering concept in Dubai, a city that represents creativity, innovation, and boundless energy. Through this partnership, we aim to deliver an unprecedented sports experience that combines physical challenge with urban exploration. We are confident that this initiative will contribute to strengthening the UAE’s position as a leader in modern challenge-based sports.”
Supporting national initiatives to promote fitness
The MoU comes at a pivotal time following the establishment of the UAE Obstacle Sports Federation, a key milestone in supporting the growth of OCR and elevating its standards nationwide.
The Urbanator series aligns with the UAE’s broader efforts to promote community fitness, active lifestyles, and inclusive sporting opportunities for all residents.
DXB LIVE and Arabian Warrior aim to launch the first race in March 2026, followed by a wider expansion of events across the UAE and beyond, solidifying Dubai’s reputation as a global centre for innovative, world-class sports experiences.
MOST READ | Abu Dhabi issues sustainable fisheries policy to protect marine resources
