Hundreds of Brits have signed up for a self-defence retreat in Dubai over phone theft fears.
In 2024, 117,211 mobile phones were stolen in London, according to the Metropolitan Police.
Often, the criminals will whiz by on a bicycle or moped and snatch the device out of unsuspecting hands.
UAE-based fitness chain GymNation put up an extensive advertising campaign across London last week.
The company placed giant billboards in Hackney and Southwark – two of the phone theft hotspots – promoting an ‘escape’ to Dubai for a self-defence retreat.
Aimed at Londoners sick of phone thefts, guerrilla posters have also been plastered in Soho, and advert bikes in Oxford Street and Piccadilly Circus.
Since first appearing last week, the retreat has received 3,000 QR code scans and more than 600 sign-ups.
The self-defence retreat is led by UAE’s top instructor, Jason Woodham and offers Brits free spaces in a bid to restore Londoners confidence on the streets.
UAE-based fitness chain GymNation put up an extensive advertising campaign across London last week
It combines physical training, stress management, and urban awareness workshops.
Participants will learn how to project calm confidence and defuse threats before they escalate.
Jason commented: ‘It’s a misconception that learning self-defence is just about physical aggression, but actually it teaches you vital skills to reclaim your confidence, be more self aware, and feel empowered.
‘We’re not advocating aggression – we’re teaching composure.
‘When people feel strong, they make better decisions. They run if they must, they speak up when they can, and they stop living like victims.’
GymNation’s Self-Defence retreat begins on November 15 at their Al Quoz club and runs every week until December 20.
The company’s CMO, Rory McEntee, said: ‘This campaign is incredibly timely, with the Met Police just announcing a new dedicated chief to find new tactics to tackle phone thefts in London – and the theft figures are staggering.’
He added: ‘We’re not telling people to fight crime with fists – we’re telling them to stop surrendering to fear.
Participants will learn how to project calm confidence and defuse threats before they escalate
‘Londoners are proud, resilient people. They deserve to feel confident and safe walking down the street and commuting to and from their place of work so we created the dedicated self-defence retreat to help restore that confidence – and who wouldn’t want to come to Dubai.
‘It’s the safest place in the world, and the weather isn’t bad either – since we ran the promotion, we’ve had hundreds of requests for Brits to attend the class.’
Earlier this month, Lastminute.com revealed the top winter sun destinations for 2025 and Dubai placed third – accounting for 69 per cent of the bookings.
The popular Middle Eastern spot sees temperatures of around 31 degrees in the winter and draws in visitors with its impressive landscapes and luxurious shopping malls.
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