Ras Al Khaimah is putting real money behind getting its youth off the couch. Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah, has directed the launch of the third edition of the RAK Challenge, a community initiative built around one simple idea: reward people for actually changing their lifestyle, not just talking about it.
What Is The Challenge Actually About?
This isn’t a one-off fun run or a single weigh-in event. The Crown Prince has framed health and quality of life as an ongoing community priority, and the challenge is designed to nudge young Emiratis in Ras Al Khaimah toward regular exercise and sustainable habits rather than a quick fix. Faisal Al Ghais, Chairman of the organising committee, said this edition builds directly on the momentum of the previous two, and that the team is aiming to deliver something distinctive enough to push participants toward changes that actually stick.
Who Can Join, And What’s At Stake
The eligibility bar is specific: you need to be a UAE citizen holding a Ras Al Khaimah passport, aged between 13 and 30, with a BMI of at least 40, and you’ll need to already be a registered member at a gym in Ras Al Khaimah. This is squarely aimed at young people who need real support to make a meaningful health shift, not casual gym-goers chasing a leaderboard.
The prize structure is where it gets interesting. Twenty participants will walk away with cash prizes. First place takes home a hefty Dh50,000, and the reward tapers by Dh1,000 per rank down the list, meaning even 20th place still banks Dh31,000. That’s a genuinely wide net of winners, which shifts the incentive away from “beat everyone” and toward “just make the top 20”.
Also Read: What Is The RAK Ambassador Initiative Launched By Ras Al Khaimah To Promote Its Tourism?
When Can You Sign Up?
Registration opens in early September at gyms across Ras Al Khaimah, so if you or someone in your circle fits the eligibility criteria, this is the moment to start asking your gym about sign-up details. The challenge marks the start of a fresh competitive cycle aimed at motivating serious, lasting change, not just a few weeks of discipline before old habits creep back in.
Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro/ Aflo Images from アフロ（Aflo）
FAQs
Who is eligible to participate?
UAE citizens holding a Ras Al Khaimah passport, aged 13 to 30, with a BMI of at least 40, who are registered members of a gym in Ras Al Khaimah.
What can winners actually win?
Twenty participants receive cash prizes. First place gets Dh50,000, with the amount decreasing by Dh1,000 per rank down to Dh31,000 for 20th place.