Slacklining, an emerging sport in the UAE, is drawing enthusiasts from all walks of life. Combining balance, focus, and movement, it involves walking or balancing on a flexible webbing suspended between two anchors. Unlike tightrope walking, slacklining uses less tension, offering a dynamic challenge to both the body and mind.
The Slacky Mile Community
Every Wednesday, slacklining enthusiasts gather at Al Safa Park for The Slacky Mile, a community initiative started by Mouad Aburachid, a Moroccan-born balance coach. For Mouad, slacklining is more than a sport—it’s a journey of self-discovery and connection.
“The practice helps find balance not just in movement but in life,” Mouad explained. After moving to Dubai in 2017 and working in e-commerce for five years, Mouad transitioned to full-time coaching during the pandemic, teaching slacklining, acro yoga, and movement disciplines like surf skating.
Building Connections
The Slacky Mile community has grown rapidly, hosting sessions across scenic UAE locations like Hamriya Beach in Sharjah and highlining at Fossil Rock. Mouad’s collaboration with Amr Al Hossaini, founder of sports retailer OutQore, helped expand the sport’s visibility. Setting up slacklines in Al Safa Park allowed the duo to connect with a wider audience and make slacklining accessible.
For participants like Ari Lamat, an aerial dance instructor who met her husband Mouad through the group, The Slacky Mile is more than a sport—it’s a family. Others, like Apurv Gujar, describe slacklining as a “journey of self-discovery,” teaching lessons in discipline, patience, and resilience.
Community Impact
The Slacky Mile also promotes inclusivity by hosting workshops for children, including those with Down syndrome, demonstrating slacklining’s universal appeal. “It’s all about going with the flow and connecting with the movement,” Mouad said.
As the sport gains momentum, slacklining is becoming a unique way for UAE residents to find balance, both physically and mentally, while fostering a sense of community in the bustling city life. With its growing popularity, slacklining promises a bright future in the UAE fitness scene.
