Ras Al Khaimah further enhances its world-class sporting events portfolio with Mayhem Desert Heat, a two-day festival hosted by Rich Froning Jr., four-time Fittest Man on Earth, and Mayhem Nation, the global CrossFit leader

Mayhem Desert Heat to take place 12 – 13 November 2021 and will welcome CrossFit pro and amateur athletes from around the world

Ras Al Khaimah, the adventure capital of the Middle East renowned for its outdoor and sporting experiences, is delighted to announce the latest addition to its global sports roster - Mayhem Desert Heat - a two-day CrossFit festival that will take place this November at Grove Village and Corniche.

In line with Ras Al Khaimah’s commitment to developing enhanced outdoor and adventure activities for its visitors, the nature-led Emirate is set to host the exhilarating event from 12 to 13 November 2021 with plans to follow annually thereafter. Organised by RAK Leisure, a division of RAK Hospitality Holding, and in partnership with the global leader in CrossFit, Mayhem Nation, Mayhem Desert Heat will be the first CrossFit Festival hosted by Mayhem Nation outside of the USA, building on the destination’s impressive credentials in organising popular sporting events, and highlighting its spectacular natural outdoor setting that will delight and challenge the participants.

In its first edition, Mayhem Desert Heat is expected to attract up to 160 pro and amateur athletes, who will battle it out over two-days, while being cheered on by spectators, for a world-class experience.  Hosted by five-year individual CrossFit Games veteran Dan Bailey, participants will take part in a rigorous series of high intensity challenges based on body weight, gymnastics and free weights. Participation falls across two categories, the first consisting of 40 international elite athletes and the second of 80 amateur athletes (those able to complete the challenges with the prescribed weight and reps). Judged by a panel of 20 experts in the sporting field, participants will compete in heats throughout the day to reach the men’s and women’s final and win a cash prize purse of $150K.

Mayhem Nation is the international brand behind Rich Froning Jr., four-time Fittest Man on Earth, and comprises of other recognised brands such as Mayhem Athlete, Mayhem Mindset and Mayhem apparel. Mayhem Desert Heat stems from the brand’s mission to bring together athletes from around the world to embrace their wild side and play to win. In the first festival hosted by Mayhem Nation outside of the USA, top ranked athletes from across the world will compete in the prestigious event. These include one of Australia's leading CrossFit athletes, Khan Porter, the Fittest US Woman – Hayley Adams, CrossFit twins – Spencer and Saxon Panchik, the fifth Fittest Man on Earth 2020 – Jeff Adler, Russian CrossFit Champion – Roman Khrennikov, the 2021 National Champion of Switzerland – Adrian Mundwiler, and South American Regional Champion and Olympian – Sasha Nievas.

In the lead-up to the event and in between challenges, CrossFit legend Rich Froning Jr. will host a series of workshops and masterclasses that athletes can attend and learn skills and tips from the Fittest Man in History. Power Monkey Fitness, the leading gymnastics and weightlifting training brand, will also conduct their signature Monkey Method Weightlifting seminar and a Gymnastic Clinic with Olympians Dave Durante and Chad Vaughn across the two-day event. Visitors can also enjoy a dedicated kids’ fitness area, live entertainment, participate in fitness challenges and refuel at an array of dining outlets throughout the festival. 

Alison Grinnell, CEO of RAK Hospitality Holding, said: “We are hugely exited to host Mayhem Nation’s first CrossFit festival outside of the USA, here in Ras Al Khaimah. This is another milestone in the Emirate’s sporting culture and testament to our ability to stage exceptional global events that attract people from around the world. Our focus is on delivering innovative and exhilarating experiences to the highest standards across the full spectrum of adventure, athleticism, nature Jebel Jais attractions and eco-developments. Mayhem Desert Heat perfectly aligns with this strategy, and we cannot wait to welcome the CrossFit athletes and fitness enthusiasts to the inaugural festival this November -.”

Rich Froning Jr., four-time Fittest Man on Earth and Owner of Mayhem Nation, said “We are proud to bring our first CrossFit festival to Ras Al Khaimah and join the Emirate’s portfolio of world-class sporting and adventure experiences. Our aim is to unite elite athletes and enthusiasts from across the world to celebrate and shine a light on CrossFit’s massive global growth over the past few years. The regional CrossFit community is ready for a challenge to push themselves even further, something that I have no doubt ‘Mayhem Desert Heat’ will do. The destination’s rugged and diverse landscape provides immense potential, and we are already looking forward to expanding and hosting the event on a larger scale each year.”

The Emirate’s roster of prestigious global sporting events also includes the world’s fastest half marathon that has been running for 14 editions, The Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, The Road to Ras Al Khaimah (final of the European Tour Challenge Tour), Tough Mudder, Ras Al Khaimah Terry Fox Run, Spartan Ras Al Khaimah Race, Desert Warrior Challenge, UAE Cycling Championship and the UAE Tour – all of which play a significant role in boosting sporting tourism in the Emirate. Multiple editions of Tough Mudder and Desert Warrior Challenge have also been hosted highlighting the growing popularity of the Emirate as a regional sports destination.

For the chance to compete amongst the greats and register for the online qualifier, interested athletes should go to Mayhem Desert Heat by September 13th 2021. Visit Mayhem Desert Heat and the Instagram platform for more information, as well as the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority social platforms for more exciting outdoor activities across Instagram, YouTube and Facebook.