One of the most important parts of any fitness journey is hydration; getting enough water is vital, especially if you’re working up a sweat. But have you ever thought about how many plastic bottles you get through – and what happens to them when you throw them away?

Dubai Can, a sustainability initiative launched in 2022 by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, is aiming to tackle this issue of plastic waste – and to make staying hydrated in Dubai simpler and more sustainable for everyone.

What is Dubai Can trying to do?

Dubai Can’s main aim is simple: to reduce the number of single-use plastic water bottles across the emirate. The average Dubai resident uses around 450 plastic water bottles every year – and across the whole planet, we’ve created more plastic waste in the past 10 years than in the century before that.

Changing this is a vital step in improving our environment – and it needs everyone in the city to play their part.

So, during this year’s Dubai Fitness Challenge, why not challenge yourself to start using a refillable water bottle? You’ll find it easier than ever, as the Dubai Can initiative has launched more than 45 water refill stations across the city, with more being added over time.

Find your nearest refill station

The water from Dubai Can’s refill stations is chilled and filtered to remove any impurities, making it a perfect alternative to bottled water – and a great way to refresh and rehydrate.

All you need is a refillable water bottle, which you can find in most supermarkets and plenty of other shops too – you can even get a Dubai Can water bottle from Noon.com. Get a bottle that’s the size that’s right for you – and you can also find ones with features such as strainers, perfect for adding some healthy citrus to your water.

Tell your friends

Once you’ve got your refillable water bottle – or if you’re already using one – talk to your friends, family and colleagues about it, and encourage them to join in the Dubai Can movement.  

Dubai Fitness Challenge is the perfect time for everyone to make the switch – at a time when staying hydrated is more important than ever, Dubai Can makes it easier and more sustainable.