< Previous10 OCTOBER 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM Discover the city activities you can have a go at tomorrow morning (and meet the founders behind them). By Emilie Hill W hat time was your alarm set this morning? Everyone’s AM routine looks a little different. Some mornings are taken over by pre-school rituals of breakfast, uniforms and making packed lunches. while others have caffeine on the brain before even thinking about anything else. Or maybe, both are a priority. But for many in Dubai, the calm before a day in the city is the ideal time to get moving. Before the roads fill and the to-do list shouts, there are residents already up before dawn, doing some pretty amazing things that you can get involved in. And as winter reaches and temperatures settle, this may be the ideal time to rethink your routine. Here are unmissable activities you can book and experience, alongside the incredible people behind them. TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM OCTOBER 2025 11 Amp up your morning exercise class game Who’s behind it: Jade Griffiths, class instructor and personal trainer Just two weeks before the launch of 1Rebel’s first UAE branch in late 2022, Jade Griffiths was asked to venture to Dubai to bring the brand to life. Today, she’s one of the city’s most dynamic trainers, still teaching at 1Rebel in DIFC with spin classes and more but you can also find her at Aire Pilates on the Palm and Matcha Club in Al Quoz. Her classes are known for being tough yet empowering: “It can feel intimidating at first,” she admits, “but once you’ve finished, it’s amazing. Challenging, yes — but always achievable. You leave feeling like the best version of yourself.” A firm believer in morning movement, Griffiths credits early workouts with setting the tone for the entire day. “It’s like a meeting you can’t miss,” she says. “When you do something hard first thing, the rest of the day feels easier. I even book my own workouts into my diary to make sure they happen.” Griffiths is also a personal trainer offering in-person and online sessions too. Keep an eye on her Stories for a class timetable. O @jadegriffithss_. 1Rebel’s Jade Griffiths12 OCTOBER 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM 5-9 routine Be part of a community for mums Who’s behind it: Jo Hartley, Jessica Griffiths and Emma Qureshi, owners of The Mum Club Dubai Motherhood can be one of life’s most rewarding journeys and if you’re not in your home country you can often miss your family’s support. That’s exactly why The Mum Club Dubai was born. Launched in late 2022, the Dubai branch of the UK-founded community is all about creating a vibrant, inclusive space for mums in the city. “As expats ourselves, we know how much support and friendship matter when you’re far from home,” the founders explain. “Dubai desperately needed a part of The Mum Club, and so we brought it here.” Unlike baby-focused classes, The Mum Club Dubai puts mums first. From thoughtful wellness events to stylish social mornings, the focus is on you, not just the kids. Picture a reformer Pilates class where you can have your baby beside you – with on-hand babysitters ensuring you get the most from your workout. Or its now-iconic breakfast club, where mums gather in relaxed, chic venues for good food, honest conversation, and much-needed time for themselves. The community has grown to include monthly cinema mornings – complete with a breakfast buffet and a private Roxy Platinum screen, where the lights are lifted and sound softened to keep it baby-friendly. Fitness and wellbeing mornings also fill the calendar, all thoughtfully scheduled after rush hour but before lunchtime naps. At its heart, The Mum Club is about connection. “Most mums come alone, and that’s the point,” say the founders. “You won’t be nervously wondering if the mum next to you wants to chat – everyone here is looking to make friends. Our hosts make sure no one feels left out.” O themumclub.com, @themumclub.dubai. 55-5-999 roorouttutututiniinininineeeee Be part of a community for mumss Who’s behind it: Jo Hartley Jessica Emma Qureshi and Jessica GriffithsTIMEOUTDUBAI.COM OCTOBER 2025 13 Join a mum community 5-9 routine14 OCTOBER 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM Create new connections (and make new friends) Who’s behind it: Kayleigh Hucklebridge, founder of The Female Network Friendship circles in a city can be tough to break through, whether you’re a newbie or long-term resident. Helping women in Dubai break the ice is Kayleigh Hucklebridge, founder of The Female Network. Her initiative aims to bring women together via an ever changing monthly calendar of events to form friendship and to have fun. Hucklebridge had lived in Dubai for eight years and then left for the UK and Cyprus. But when she returned to Dubai in 2021, she realised all her former connections had now left: “It hit me, I didn’t know anyone. People are constantly coming and going and unless you already have your circle, it can feel so lonely.” A morning after school drop-off in May 2022 urged Hucklebridge to set up a Facebook group and within weeks, the page had welcomed a few thousand women, all joining for a sense of connection. It carried on growing organically, and shortly after Hucklebridge decided to delve into events and start the business formally, unexpectedly pressing pause on her former clothing business. Now, the Facebook group stands at 34,000 users and its dedicated Instagram account sits at 26,000 followers, as of September 2025. The business also operates on an app as a subscription, granting women access to events but also discounts from manicures to coffee. The Female Network’s events vary from early morning get-togethers over breakfast to post-work rooftop dinners and more. In fact, 2025 has seen a booked-out line-up of events so far. But for those who may be feeling apprehensive about walking into a room of strangers, Hucklebridge offers reassurance: “I had a lady message ahead of a night swim event and she was shy and didn’t know if she could push herself do it, but I told her to meet me earlier so she’s not alone.” She often also tells newcomers that there’s a group that are still friends today after meeting at the network’s first-ever event. “There’s a huge gap here for something like this – a way to connect women, help them feel less alone and open doors both personally and professionally.” O thefemalenetworkdubai.com, @thefemalenetworkdubai. fact, 2025 e ffe wwa HHu ““I nnig aand hher mme S tthat fffrien nnetw “Th sssome wwome aand op aand pr OO thefem @@thefem The Female Network events Kayleigh HucklebridgeTIMEOUTDUBAI.COM OCTOBER 2025 15 5-9 routine Ease into a busy day with a breathwork session Who’s behind it: Chloé Pierre, breathwork coach For Chloé Pierre, wellness has always been about more than green juices and yoga mats. In 2017, she launched thy.self, a platform built to create a more inclusive and accessible wellness space. Pierre is also an author, sharing her thoughts in print through her book Take Care: The Black Women’s Guide to Wellness, dedicated to guiding black women toward nurturing their mental, emotional and physical well-being. But beyond her role as founder and author, Pierre is also a certified breathwork coach and it’s these sessions that have transformed her clients here in Dubai to rethink how they use their mornings. Her one-to- one nasal sessions are designed to calm and realign the mind through intentional breathing practices. “It’s so powerful,” she says. “Clients often book one-hour sessions weekly — it’s like yoga for the mind.” Breathwork, she explains, has the ability to shift perspective, reduce stress, and create a deep sense of balance in an increasingly busy world. “Many of my clients come to me to work on confidence levels, and even imposter syndrome. Breathwork is a great way to get a sense of intention to improve on these personal areas.” Now living in Dubai for over a year, Pierre has continued to expand her offerings by bringing her signature approach to new audiences. She hosts Float and Flow sessions in collaboration with Ginger Moon and W Dubai – Mina Seyahi, blending mindful movement, breathwork and relaxation to ground and restore. Her ethos is simple: wellness should be inclusive, accessible and deeply personal. Want to breathe your way to a calmer morning? Follow @chloepierreldn to book your session at a location suited to you. O Dhs250 (per hour). Session times and locations vary, @chloepierreldn. 5-9 routine Chloé Pierre5-9 routine Give Pilates on the beach a go before work (and at weekends) Who’s behind it: Niamh Gough, founder of The Pilates Collective A qualified Pilates instructor, Niamh Gough has called Dubai home for four years. She runs The Pilates Collective, offering weekend classes on Kite Beach and Umm Suqeim with breakfast included with some of the sessions too. What started as a simple get-together has since grown into one of the city’s most uplifting grassroots wellness communities. “It all began with a Saturday ritual,” she explains. “My friends and I would always go for a walk on the beach, but we wanted something different to do. I wanted to join a running club, but I can’t run – so I thought, there must be something else.” So then came Pilates hosted on the beach. Her very first class was back in October 2024, with 15 people signing up – ten of them close friends. But by the next week, more joined. By January, messages were flooding in on socials with people desperate to book. “Meeting early is bliss,” Gough says. “The energy is incredible. People come before work, on weekends, and some even head straight from the airport after moving to Dubai. It’s become a place for newbies to feel connected while doing something fun.” The heart of the club is community. “People message saying they’re shy, but everyone is welcoming. You never know who you’ll meet – someone who might just be your closest friend in the city to someone who could unlock your next job. That’s the magic.” So, whether you’re a Pilates pro or a complete beginner looking for a sense of connection, The Pilates Collective might be the perfect place to start your morning. O Prices vary. Sat, 7.30am. Common Grounds, Kite beach; Prices vary (breakfast included). Sun, 7.30am, Wed 6.30am. Coast Bowls, Umm Suqeim beach, @ThePilatesCollective__. but ev know w might the cit your n So, or a co a sens Collec to star O Price Ground include Bowls, @ThePi The Pilates CollectiveTIMEOUTDUBAI.COM OCTOBER 2025 17 Go for a run with a men-only running club Who’s behind it: Tom Kinsey, Dayle Hallam and Jack Graham, founders of Menathon When Tom Kinsey co-founded Menathon alongside friends Dayle Hallam and Jack Graham, the vision was clear: to create more than just another fitness group. Launched two years ago, Menathon has grown into a community where men in Dubai not only train, but support each other’s physical and mental well-being. The format is simple but impactful. Every Sunday at 6am, the group meets near Entourage 3 on Kite Beach for a two-hour session, often including runs along the shoreline and group workouts. During the week, Tuesday track sessions provide a midweek push to keep members on track with their fitness. Both sessions are completely free and designed to be inclusive, attracting a wide range of men, from 18-year-olds just starting their fitness journey to seasoned regulars in their 60s. The diversity extends beyond age, too. Members come from all walks of life: personal trainers, real estate professionals, entrepreneurs and everyone in between. “It’s about more than fitness,” Kinsey says. “There’s a really important social aspect. Menathon provides a sense of routine, it’s about belonging, consistency, and knowing you’ve got people to run alongside you.” With Dubai’s busy lifestyle, the early-morning format is a success. Sessions wrap up in time for the workday, giving men a sense of accomplishment before the day job or a great way to kick off Sundays. Want to join the next run? Follow Menathon (@menathon) and visit menathon.net O Free. Sun, 6am. Kite Beach, menathon. net. Free. Tue, 6am, ISD Sport City, menathon.net @menathon 5-9 routine TIM Members come fro pers esta entr in be “It fitnes a rea aspec a sens belong knowin run alo With the ear a succe in time f men a s before th to kick of Want t Follow Me and visit m O Free. Sun net. Free. Tu menathon.ne “More than just another fitness group” Menathon Tom Kinsey and Dayle Hallam Tom Kinsey 18 OCTOBER 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM “Sleeping earlier will ease yourself into those earlier starts effortlessly” 5-9 routine Bradley SimmondsTIMEOUTDUBAI.COM OCTOBER 2025 19 Three to try Get creative Ready for something fun (and a sea view)? Start your Sunday morning with a creative kick at Ula Beach on the Palm, where breakfast is paired with a paint brush. Tuck into a chef- inspired dish with two hot drinks before enjoying a guided workshop led by a trained instructor. All paints and supplies are included, so all you need to bring is your imagination. Perfect for solo guests or groups keen on a colourful start to the day. O From Dhs275 (per person). Sun 10am- noon. Dukes The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, solutions-leisure.com (04 566 3041). Spin away Blow away the cobwebs with an early morning indoor cycle. Spin studio Crank, in Al Quoz, is known for pushing the boundaries when it comes to a spin class (the team has even hosted one on the DXB runway), so expect to push yourself at one of the sessions. Get in the zone inside the darkened studio, get lost in the music (the playlists are top-notch) and keep riding until your legs are burning. Expect some intense endorphins after this one. O From Dhs130. Open Sun, Mon, Wed, Fri 6.30am-9.30pm, Tue, Thu 6am-9.30pm, Sat 8am-2pm. Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz crank-fit.com (04 321 2095). Try paddle boarding The weather’s cooling down, it’s time to get outside and make the most of the Dubai winter. Not tried padddle boarding before? Now’s your chance. Head to The Surf House to hire a board and head out to the waters of Umm Suqeim Beach solo or with your early-riser plus one. Great for the core, try your luck at standing up on the board without falling in. Simply take yourself to the beach. O From Dhs75 (per hour). Open daily 7am-7pm. Umm Suqeim, surfingdubai.com (050 504 3020). Hit your fitness goals with a personal trainer Who’s behind it: Bradley Simmonds, personal trainer. If you struggle to work on exercise each week, a dedicated one-to-one session with an expert may be a good place to start if you need an extra dose of motivation. Celebrity personal trainer Bradley Simmonds, known for training sport stars such as John Terry and Jamie Redknapp back in the UK, now resides in the city, transforming residents’ fitness routines each morning and beyond. “I can train anyone suffering from the menopause to someone who wants a complete transformation. I can work with anyone who is willing for a challenge and wants to do it for the right reasons.” Balancing in-person training with online coaching and a workout app aptly named, Get It Done, Simmonds’ earliest client is typically at 7am. But an early start comes recommended by Simmonds, whether you opt for personal training or not: “I love the saying, ‘the early bird catches the worm’. The days are short in Dubai so a workout in the morning sets you up for the day. It releases endorphins, you feel good about yourself and you are more likely to be disciplined with your nutrition too.” If you are looking to work with a personal trainer, Simmonds advises to consider your goal before your first session. By starting small but aiming big, this will help your workout routine feel more achievable: “Look at when you are going to bed for example. Sleeping earlier will ease yourself into those earlier starts effortlessly.” As for where to work out, there are lots of spots to try in the city that are great for not only squeezing in some exercise, but to meet a new group of people too: “I go to Warehouse gym along with a few others to meet and collaborate with new people, which is fun to do. But I also love being outside at Kite Beach or Dubai Hills for its running track for a quick run or walk with my dog.” O @bradleysimmonds, getitdone.fitness.Next >