Dubai: The general secretary of Dubai Sports Council (DSC) is convinced the city has the “full package” to cater to an ever-growing community-level health demand.
Formed with the vision of creating a unique sports community, the DSC’s ‘Dubai Pulse’ programme is one of the main initiatives that has contributed in putting the city among the best in the world. Launched six years back, ‘Dubai Pulse’ seeks to make healthy living a lifestyle.
The ‘Dubai Pulse’ has now spread out to encompass seven activities spaced out over the season, including ‘Dubai Swims’, Dubai Bikes’, ‘Dubai Walks’ and ‘Dubai Runs’.
The DSC also leads the efforts of the city at integrating physical activity and sports as a way of life for residents through initiation of other community-based activities such as workshops and events while building sports facilities and preparing public areas for better access to residents seeking to embrace an active and healthy lifestyle.
The figures say it all. Prior to the launch of Dubai Pulse, a mere 34.6 per cent of the emirate’s residents regularly involved themselves in physical activity. However, this figure has now risen to 41.9 per cent, well within the projected target of 45 per cent by 2015.
“For us this award is just the start. We believe we have the full package here in Dubai. There are more than 200 nationalities here and all of them have their own habits. It is our challenge to cater to them all and we are confident we can deliver,” Dr Ahmad Sa’ad Al Sharif, General Secretary, DSC, told Gulf News.