As dating app fatigue sets in, Dubai’s fitness community is witnessing a fascinating trend. Singles are trading their dating profiles for running shoes, finding that love might be easier to catch on the track than in the digital realm.
“Looking for a long-term relationship, open to short,” the comical dating app intention that perfectly captures the dilemma of modern romance. In a city like Dubai, where everything is gold-plated on the surface, dating has evolved into an exhausting game of calculated moves and curated personas. Singles swipe through endless profiles showcasing perfectly filtered Friday brunches and yacht parties, whilst genuine connection remains as elusive as rain in the Arabian desert.
Finding love should be an adventure—instead, dating apps have transformed it into a draining cycle of small talk and ghosting, where people are treated as disposable options rather than potential partners. The promise of easy connection has devolved into a marketplace of best angles and carefully crafted bios, leaving many wondering if there’s more to love than a cleverly worded profile.
“It all just felt so forced,” shares Sammy James, founder of Balm Space (a beauty brand rooted in wellness), reflecting on her dating app experience. “Swiping, small talk, and trying to figure out if you actually like someone through a screen? No thanks!” James, who met her partner Jamie Hannon at the Humantra run club, represents a growing number of individuals finding authentic connections through a shared passion for fitness.
The appeal lies in the natural progression of relationships. Unlike the pressure-cooker environment of dating apps, running clubs offer a space where connections develop organically. “There’s no pressure. No awkward ‘So, what do you do?’ Just people showing up, doing something they love,” James explains. Her own love story took an unexpected turn when, just two days after meeting at run club, she underwent an operation. Hannon’s supportive response during…
