For years now, every November in Dubai, the city has hosted the 30×30 Dubai Fitness Challenge for the whole country, wherein various fitness activities are hosted across the city for every day of the month, for the public to participate. And with the Dubai Airshow set to begin tomorrow, the organizers decided to host a one-of-a-kind fitness activity at the airshow site…. wait for it…. by hosting a 5K run among the static aircraft displays.
As an AvGeek and a resident in Dubai, of course, I took part in the wonderful run, taking the opportunity to view various aircraft that have arrived in Dubai ahead of the Airshow.
Aircraft Studded Airport Run At DWC
While runway runs are not uncommon, it is incredibly rare for members of the public to get an opportunity to run around various aircraft, ranging from passenger jets to cargo and private jets, and even military aircraft. This incredible opportunity was made available this morning at 
The static display this morning included various types of aircraft, including general aviation, charter aviation, commercial jets, cargo jets, helicopters, and large military aircraft from different militaries around the world, including the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Russia, and more. When looking at specifics, key attractions included the Boeing 777-9, which was flown in from Seattle earlier this week, China Southern’s Comac C919, which arrived from Urumqi on Thursday afternoon, Vistajet’s Bombardier Global 7500, and more.
The presence of these aircraft on the ground gave runners the opportunity to get up close with various aircraft, which is not always possible, and make the run memorable. Considering DWC is an active airport, it also gave the runners a chance to watch aircraft land and take off during the course of the run.
There Were Noticeable Absences!
While the majority of aircraft arrived well ahead of the airshow, some aircraft due to be present were not on display this morning. The most noticeable was the absence of Dubai’s home carrier, 
Considering these aircraft are based out of DXB, which is a short hop over, Emirates can easily fly them over before the airshow commences tomorrow. However, two of the airline’s flight training academy’s aircraft, Diamond DA42 and GameBird BG1 Aerobatic aircraft, were present.
Another major absence from the static display was the commercial jets belonging to Airbus. From its passenger products, the manufacturer is due to display the Airbus A350-1000 and the Airbus A220-300. Data from Flightradar24 shows that an A350-1000 landed in DWC about two days ago from Toulouse. This would suggest that the aircraft was positioned in another part of the airport. Rather interestingly, while it was announced 
Dubai International In On The Fitness Action Too
Earlier this month, 
After the success of the previous year, this time, the event was larger and better, with members of Dubai Airports joining the public as well in participation. This included Paul Griffiths, the CEO of Dubai Airports.
Dubai Airports were partners in both events, and the Airport has previously organized several interesting events and experiences for the public and members of their staff throughout the years. In March 2024, during the holy month of Ramadan, the airport organized an airside iftar event (breaking the fast at sunset) for select members of staff at DXB, making it a unique opportunity for people to eat out openly on the airport apron while surrounded by aircraft moving in and out of the airport.