Leading real estate developer Aldar Properties has unveiled Athlon, a first-of-its-kind “active living” concept in Dubai.
Meticulously designed with principles of active living throughout, Athlon is Dubai’s first and only concept designed for the everyday movement of its residents. Featuring world-class amenities, as well as a program of activities exclusively curated by wellness experts, the development redefines fitness-focused living, with the goal of ensuring long-term well-being and a profound sense of community for all residents.
Developed in partnership with Dubai Holding, a diversified global investment company with investments in 31 countries, Athlon represents the joint venture’s second residential project in Dubai, building upon the resounding success of Haven by Aldar, launched in late 2023.
Jonathan Emery, CEO of Aldar Development, said: “The unveiling of Athlon marks a definitive moment in our ambitious Dubai expansion strategy, building upon the tremendous success of Haven by Aldar. As we witness an unwavering demand for unparalleled residential developments in Dubai, from both local and international investors, we are confident that Athlon’s groundbreaking concept will captivate a diverse range of investors and homeowners, setting a new standard for active living in the region.”
Located beside Global Village, the luxurious development is defined by a seamless connection of interactive green spaces — where athletic spaces merge with green walkways and vibrant parks — and features tailored activities to suit every age and interest.
Expertly planned around a captivating central park that forms the community’s beating heart, Athlon — inspired by the Greek word for “place of contest” — features four additional parks — Adventure, Play, Wellness, and Valley — as well as a total of seven clubhouses, weaving dedicated zones for fitness and socializing throughout the community. The community features more than 10 km of tracks, trails, and loops — with the cycling loop connected directly to Al-Qudra’s iconic track — offering boundless opportunities to indulge in jogging, cycling, roller-skating, and functional training within the community.
From activities that push limits, to those focused on well-being, sports, play, and gathering, the entire emotional and psychological spectrum of wellness has been carefully considered throughout Athlon, for the benefit of its residents, visitors, and workers. State-of-the-art amenities here include a café, massage rooms, jacuzzi, sauna, yoga room, gym, and a kids’ playroom.
Surrounding the parks, the residences, featuring 1,492 units ranging from three- to four-bedroom townhouses, three- to five-bedroom standard villas, and four- to six-bedroom premium villas have been designed to maximize natural light and use colors and materials that enhance the sense of space and well-being.
In line with Aldar’s commitment to sustainability and achieving its net-zero targets, Athlon will be developed with an emphasis on efficient and low-carbon design principles. This approach will be supported by the use of locally sourced and low-carbon materials, as well as the adoption of responsible and green construction practices.
The development has achieved LEED Platinum pre-certification, incorporating features such as energy-efficient and water-saving fixtures, electric vehicle charging facilities, smart waste disposal systems, and access to public transportation.

As part of its commitment to nurturing sporting talent in the Kingdom, Jameel Motorsport collaborated with the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation to launch the GR Saudi Driving School Future Co-Driver Program. This initiative will discover the next generation of professional co-drivers who will partake in cross-country rallies, bolstering Saudi Arabia’s presence on the regional and international motorsports stages.

The Future Co-Driver Program took place recently in Jeddah, bringing together the chosen participants with international industry experts. Led by renowned motorsports racer Captain Abdullah Bakhashab, the program provided aspiring co-drivers with a unique opportunity to undergo rigorous training to hone their skills and prepare them for the challenges ahead.

From a pool of around 600 applicants, the top 32 individuals were handpicked from four regions: the western region, Eastern Province, northern region, and central region. This selection process ensured that only the most deserving candidates progressed to the next stage.

Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, chairman of the SAMF, said: “The launch of the GR Saudi Driving School Future Co-Driver Program marks a significant milestone in our efforts to empower the youth of the Kingdom. This initiative underscores our dedication to fostering a new generation of skilled professionals, equipped to navigate the challenges of the racing world with precision and proficiency. Through strategic collaboration and innovative training, we are laying the foundation for a future where Saudi talent shines on the global stage, driving our nation toward a thrilling era of success in motorsports.”

The program’s curriculum encompassed a comprehensive range of essential skills tailored to prepare participants for the dynamic role of a co-driver in motorsports. Candidates delved into the intricacies of their role, understanding the crucial responsibilities of navigating alongside the driver. They learned to read roadbooks with precision, utilize devices such as ERTF and Stella and gain valuable knowledge to navigate rulebooks effectively. Participants also learned about time management, including handling timecards and administrative tasks, as well as effective communication and collaboration techniques with drivers, fostering a cohesive team dynamic essential for success on the track.

Hassan Jameel, chairman of the board of managers of Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, said: “The GR Saudi Driving School Future Co-Driver Program marks a pivotal moment in our ongoing commitment to nurturing talent and promoting excellence and leadership in motorsports. Our collaboration with the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation focuses on cultivating promising young talents in the Kingdom, in line with Vision 2030’s Quality of Life program. By empowering aspiring co-drivers with world-class training and mentorship, this initiative not only elevates the standards of motorsports in Saudi Arabia but also paves the way for an even brighter future in the sport, fostering a culture of innovation and success.”

Upon completion of the program, all participants were awarded certificates, recognizing their dedication and accomplishment in mastering the complexities of co-driving.

With the launch of the Future Co-Driver Program, Jameel Motorsport and the SAMF are poised to inspire a new generation of motorsports enthusiasts, driving innovation and excellence across the Kingdom and beyond.