Dubai, Jul 17 (Emirates24|7): Dubai Municipality has launched a community initiative under the slogan 'Your Weight in Gold' aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle and encouraging members of society to achieve and maintain their optimal body weight.

Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director General of Dubai Municipality, has launched this initiative after the success of the 'Yallah Walk' initiative launched in 2011. Senior officials from Dubai Municipality, Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman of Dubai Multi-Commodities Centre and Anil Dhanak, General Manager of Dubai Gold and Jewelry Group, were present on the occasion.

"It is aimed at introducing walking tracks in different parks in Dubai. Walking is as an easy and economic way to stay fit and healthy that people can easily apply to their day-to-day life. Dubai Municipality has provided residents with safe and accessible walking tracks," Lootah said.

"Currently Dubai has 91 places to practice sporting activities, including residential parks, public parks, squares, jogging tracks and beaches. In addition, every year the civic body opens new parks in more areas and adds sports equipment and tools for the public to promote a healthy community," he said.
   
"Ramadan is the most appropriate season to launch such initiatives as it reminds us of the many health benefits of reducing weight and encourages us to take steps to change our bad lifestyles," he added.
  
Ahmed bin Sulayem said, "DMCC is proud to work with Dubai Municipality and DGJG to further support His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in his ‘Your Weight in Gold’ health awareness drive to encourage society to change their daily routines in return for a healthier lifestyle.
 
"We would highly encourage everyone from all walks of life to take part in this great initiative and hope DMCC’s contribution of Dh100,000 worth of gold coins will help motivate individuals reach the final target of improving and sustaining a healthy lifestyle and consequently a better quality of life," he said.

Anil Dhanak, DGJG, said, "It is amazing to know that the municipality takes initiatives to encourage people to adopt a healthy lifestyle and I believe that this how Dubai distinguishes from other cities in the world. I am sure Dubai can be the role model and astonish the world by its innovative ideas and initiatives."
 
The weight losing contest sponsored by DGJG and DMCC is open for public participation. The winners will get 2gm of gold if they reduce at least 2kg weight of their body within one month.
 
The overall winner will be the person who achieves the highest weight loss during the programme period of 30 days from its inception on  July 19. The minimum weight to lose for eligibility is 2kg and participants will get one gram of gold for each kilo reduced from his/her body weight.

The top three winners will get a gold coin equivalent to Dh20,000  through a lucky draw. The weight of each participant will be measured at the point of initial registration and again at the end of the programme.