Ahmed Mohammed Al Teneiji has been crowned the overall winner of the second edition of the Ras Al Khaimah Fitness Challenge, securing the top cash prize of Dh50,000 after emerging as one of the standout participants in the emirate’s leading community fitness initiative.
Al Teneiji delivered a remarkable transformation over the course of the challenge, reducing his weight from 109kg before the competition to 90.5kg at the conclusion, a total loss of nearly 19kg, which ultimately helped secure his victory.
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Speaking to Khaleej Times, Al Teneiji described the win as a major personal milestone, crediting consistency and structured training for his success. He said he remained committed to maintaining a disciplined fitness routine and a balanced lifestyle throughout the six months of the competition, which kept him on track to achieve the result.
Al Teneiji explained that his decision to join the competition was driven by a desire to challenge himself, especially as he was already regularly working out. The initiative, he said, offered additional motivation to focus on weight loss and adopt a more structured fitness journey.
He expressed gratitude for the initiative, praising the support and motivation provided by the leadership behind the challenge, including the Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah, and noted that the programme encouraged participants to continue improving their health and fitness sustainably.
Throughout the competition, participants engaged in a variety of organised training sessions, including functional workouts and exercises and beach training sessions designed to diversify routines and keep engagement high.
Al Teneiji said the weekly group sessions created a motivating environment, combining discipline with enjoyment rather than feeling like a strict workout regimen.
Looking ahead, Al Teneiji said the journey is far from over, describing the challenge as “just the beginning” of a long-term lifestyle change.
He added that he intends to continue pursuing his fitness goals, aiming for an ideal physique that supports both personal wellbeing and broader contributions to the community.
The organiser explained that the evaluation is not based only on weight loss but is divided into two parts: body mass and fitness.
Each is scored separately, with a scale of 50 points for each category.
He mentioned that weight reduction is used as an indicator to calculate the score for body composition, and the system measures how much weight has been lost to determine the final rating, taking into consideration the fitness level.
Second place
Abdullah Mohammed Ali Al Shehhi, who secured second place and a cash prize of Dh49,000 at the Ras Al Khaimah Fitness Challenge, credited his achievement to faith, determination, lifestyle changes, and the strong support extended to Emiratis through health-focused initiatives.
Speaking after the competition, Al Shehhi described his participation in the challenge as a transformative experience that extended far beyond weight loss.
“First and foremost, this success is thanks to God,” he said. “We are also grateful for the unlimited support of Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud. These initiatives encourage us to preserve our health and promote a healthier, longer life.”
Al Shehhi revealed that he lost more than 30 kilograms during the challenge, describing the physical and personal transformation as significant.
He also paid tribute to his coach, Abdulaziz Matar, who has been unwavering in his support throughout his fitness journey.
“I would especially like to thank my coach, Abdulaziz Matar, who has supported me since the first edition of the championship, in which he also participated,” Al Shehhi said.
“He has been my coach for the past nine months and never fell short, whether during the day, at night, or even on holidays.” He has guided me throughout this journey and even before that.”
“We have seen a real difference in our lives,” he said. “Motivation is the foundation of success and should remain with us throughout our lives.”
Looking ahead, Al Shehhi said he is determined to maintain the healthy lifestyle habits he developed throughout the competition.
“Now that this way of life has become part of our routine, continuing will be easier, God willing,” he said.
Third place
The third place in the competition went to Hamadan Al Shemaili, completing the podium finishers of the second edition of the Ras Al Khaimah Fitness Challenge.
The organizer explained that the evaluation is not based only on weight loss, but is divided into two parts: body mass and fitness. Each is scored separately, with a scale of 50 points for each category. He mentioned that weight reduction is used as an indicator to calculate the score for body composition, and the system measures how much weight has been lost to determine the final rating with looking into consideration the fitness level
The second edition of the Ras Al Khaimah fitness initiative has recorded stronger participation and improved results compared to its inaugural year, according to Faisal Al Ghais Al Zaabi, chairman of the organising committee.
Speaking about the programme, Al Zaabi noted that this year’s edition introduced a new age category for participants aged 13 and above, expanding inclusivity compared to the first edition. The total weight loss achieved also increased significantly, rising from 600 kilograms in the first edition to 724 kilograms in the second.
Participation numbers also grew, from 110 in the inaugural edition to 121 in the current one, reflecting steady community engagement. The programme maintained a six-month duration across both editions.
Al Zaabi highlighted that the training structure included a mix of functional exercises such as rowing, squats, pull-ups and ball-based workouts with set distances, including 150-metre segments for selected activities.
He added that participants benefited from preparatory workshops, which improved their understanding and performance compared to the first edition.
While discussions about a potential third edition are still ongoing, Al Zaabi said recommendations will be raised to explore future expansion of the programme.
The allocated cash prizes, with the first-place winner receiving Dh50,000, second place Dh49,000, and third place Dh48,000, with prizes decreasing incrementally until 20th place, which received Dh31,000, reinforce the initiative’s goal of motivating participants and recognising achievement.
Source: Khaleej Times