DEKA, the decathlon of functional fitness and hybrid racing from the creators of Spartan™, has officially announced its launch in the UAE.
Led locally by ITP Media Group, DEKA Middle East joins a rapidly expanding global network that includes the United States, Australia, Canada, China, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Middle East Debut Event
As part of its regional rollout, DEKA will host its Middle East debut event on 28 March at Skydive Dubai. This marks the first opportunity for athletes in the region to experience the format in a live competition setting.
Introducing the DEKA Format to the UAE
The UAE expansion introduces a structured functional fitness racing format designed to complement the region’s established training culture.
Unlike Spartan’s outdoor obstacle races held at large-scale destination venues, DEKA will offer:
- Year-round gym-hosted DEKA STRONG and DEKA MILE events
- DEKA FIT races delivered at iconic GCC locations
The format is measurable, repeatable and accessible, enabling athletes to train with purpose, compete consistently and benchmark progress over time.
Event Format: DEKA FIT
The inaugural UAE event will feature the DEKA FIT format, which includes:
- Ten functional fitness zones
- 500-metre runs between each zone
- A total of five kilometres of running
Participants may compete individually or in two-person teams. A cash prize pot will be available for Elite participants.
The DEKA Global Movement
DEKA is positioned as a sustainable, gamified training and testing system designed to deliver measurable results, from weight loss to strength gains.
Key features include:
- A global affiliate model spanning over 1,000 gyms
- Integration of DEKA classes into daily gym programming
- Local events that award participants a DEKA Mark
- 1,500+ events across more than 12 countries on five continents
From grassroots affiliate events to arena competitions in iconic venues, DEKA emphasises personal achievement and measurable progress.
“Bringing DEKA to the UAE marks an important phase in our international expansion and reflects the maturity of the region’s fitness market. The UAE has a highly engaged training community, and DEKA provides a clear, structured way for athletes of all levels to test their fitness in a competitive but inclusive environment.”
Emily leRoux, Vice-President, DEKA
“Training culture in the UAE has evolved significantly, with more people seeking meaningful ways to test their progress beyond the gym floor. DEKA meets that demand. Its standardised formats, integration within local gyms and structured event model allow us to grow participation steadily.”
Isla Watt, Deputy Managing Director, ITP Media Group
Tickets and Registration
Tickets for DEKA FIT at Skydive Dubai are available at:
arabia.spartan.com/en/deka
Early registration is recommended.
