Nike Well Festival Makes Its Dubai Debut
The two-day fitness and wellness extravaganza took over Nara Desert Camp in Al Ain this past weekend
As a part-time fitness fanatic (kept in check by my full-time work on Bazaar Arabia) I’ve attended my fair share of classes and retreats throughout the UAE. And while I certainly enjoy working up a sweat at my local spin studio or practicing yoga with a breath-taking view of the sea as the backdrop, there’s something profoundly healing about being out in the desert at golden hour, mindfully focusing on well-being from the inside and out.
The Nike Well Festival, which took place from April 27-28th out in Al Ain was the perfect opportunity to hit the mental and physical reset button, a reminder of the importance of self-care and health as the post-Eid al-Fitr rush picks up.
From sunset yoga to sound healing, attendees could register online for a variety of classes that centered around mindfulness, nutrition, movement and more. Sessions felt inclusive, with all levels of fitness welcome, without the pressure to participate (“You make it your own,” one organiser told me when I confessed I wasn’t feeling up for a class. “It’s all about what you want to do and your own wellness journey.”) Attendees could borrow a pair of fresh Nike trainers to work out in, before taking a break at the Conversation Pit to listen in on a thoughtful discussion before grabbing a healthy meal on-the-go from Mama Rita’s pop-up stand.
Portable phone chargers were in abundance and reusable water bottles were available, along with hydration stands near the changing rooms. Nike had thought of everything.
As expected, the fits were on point. From vintage-inspired track suits to over-sized sweats in bright hues; butter soft yogawear in a variety of pastels and statement trainers, the crowd dressed to impress – a firm remind that the brand has very much been a stalwart in the active wear space throughout the decades, a pioneer of the intersection where style meets functionality.
For more information visit nike.com/nikewellcollective
