Dubai, UAE- MassiveMusic MENA, the region’s leading, award-winning sonic identity and music creative agency – and Authorised Music Curator for the 2025 Dubai Fitness Challenge – has created six mood-boosting, energising playlists for 30×30.
Dubai-based MassiveMusic has compiled individual, tailored playlists – available on Spotify – for the three Fitness Villages and the three flagship events: Dubai Ride, Dubai Run and Dubai Yoga.
Now in its ninth edition, the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) 2025 inspires everyone across the city to ‘Find Your Challenge’ and commit to 30 minutes of activity every day for 30 days. Established under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, DFC continues to transform Dubai into one of the most active cities in the world.
Music is scientifically proven to boost sports performance, enjoyment and endurance. Research shows that runners who listen to motivational tracks increase endurance by up to 15%, while participants in other sports improve by as much as 65%.
In the picture:Julie Hanse Director of Partnerships MassiveMusic
Julie Hanse, Director of Partnerships, MassiveMusic MENA, said: “Dubai Fitness Challenge is one of the biggest, most anticipated events in Dubai’s annual calendar, and we are proud to be on board. Our specialised team of music curators has compiled tailored playlists that are integral to 30×30, appealing to a diverse range of demographics and reflecting the essence of key events. We hope that participants enjoy and benefit from them throughout the Challenge – and make them part of their sports regime long after the event is over.”
Yaqoub Al Zarouni, Senior Manager, Dubai Fitness Challenge, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: “Music plays an incredible role in inspiring movement and motivation. The playlists curated by MassiveMusic add an energetic and uplifting layer to this year’s Dubai Fitness Challenge, helping participants stay active, engaged and connected through sound. Partnerships like this enhance the overall experience of 30×30 and bring to life the Challenge’s spirit of unity, wellbeing and joy across the city.”
Research shows that the benefits of music in sport are more than just physical. Music also boosts motivation, mood, serotonin levels and focus.
Julie Hanse added: “Sound-processing begins in the brainstem, which also regulates heart rate and breathing. That’s why calming music can slow the heartbeat and lower blood pressure, while upbeat tracks can increase energy and stamina. Put simply, a workout playlist quietly regulates the body’s internal rhythm. In addition, our natural rhythms like heartbeat and breathing synchronise with external rhythms like music – a process known as rhythmic entertainment. When this happens, energy use is more efficient, allowing athletes to sustain effort for longer. That’s why runners naturally match their strides to the beat or why cycling to perfectly timed music can feel almost effortless.”
