Dubai: Residents planning to shed those extra kilos can now visualise their extra weight in gold – thanks to a new health initiative that will be launched on Friday.
The Dubai Municipality announced on Tuesday the launch of its weight loss programme, “Your Weight in Gold,” which will run from July 19 to August 16.
“We carry out a number of health initiatives every year to benefit the community, and this year’s event aims to encourage adults and children to lose weight and be healthy,” said Eng Hussain Nasser Lootah, director general of Dubai Municipality.
Top winners will be those who lose the most weight during the 30-day programme, and the first three winners will be eligible to win a gold coin worth Dh20,000 through a lucky draw.
All registered participants have to lose a minimum of two kilograms to win gold, and will receive a gram of gold in return for every kilo lost. The weight loss contest is sponsored by Dubai Multi-Commodities Centre and Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group.
“Dubai has 91 places to practise sport activities including residential parks, public parks, squares, jogging track and beaches. The heat should not be an excuse because you can walk or exercise in the evening or early morning,” said Lootah.
The weight of each participant will be measured on both the date of registration and on the final day of the programme, but Lootah pointed out that “participants can register any day during the month”.
Programme volunteers will record the weight of participants through registering their national ID number at five sites from 8pm to midnight, including Gate 3 of Zabeel Park, the main gate of Al Khawaneej jogging track, the starting point of the jogging track at Mamzar Beach, gate 4 of Safa Park, and the main gate of Al Barsha Park.
“I personally think it is a great idea as I was looking for ways to become healthier, and would like to see more of these initiatives happening not only in Ramadan but throughout the year,” said Ahmad Bin Sulayem, executive chairman of Dubai Multi Commodities Centre.
“There are lots of ways to lose weight and also excuses to delay [getting fit]. A sprinter is different than a marathon runner, and everybody has their own techniques in becoming fit. If somebody wants to do body-building they can do so, but they have to be aware that they might gain weight,” he added.
- Mary Achkhanian is an intern at Gulf News
