Dubai plans national fitness index as part of activity and wellness drive

Dubai is planning to launch a fitness index in 2018 as part of an initiative to encourage people living in the city to to be more active.

The Hamdan bin Mohammed Initiative for Community Sports has been unveiled by Dubai Sports Council in collaboration with 10 local government entities and departments in Dubai.

Backed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai's Crown Prince, the initiative aims to raise Dubai’s profile as a modern city where a high percentage of residents are engaged in activity and sport.

It also aims to fight unhealthy habits such as smoking and chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Introducing the initiative, Sheikh Hamdan stated “exercise and physical activity are good for just about everyone, as it helps people stay fit, and happy. Healthy individuals are able to work better and contribute more effectively to society. That’s why sport is one of the key sectors supported by the UAE leadership.

“The initiative is a quality addition to community sport in Dubai and has the support of various government entities that are working together to achieve the national objective of building a healthy, happy and productive society by raising awareness of the impact of physical activity on health and well-being.”.

The Hamdan bin Mohammed Initiative for Community Sports has six main components including strategic partnership between departments and entities, community sports events in Dubai featuring over 80 events such as jogging, swimming and biking in various areas of Dubai.

The initiative will also have ambassadors representing various sectors of society including Paralympic champion Mohammed Khamis who will represent the disabled, and ex-international football player Mohammed Al-Kous who will represent the category of retired while Ahmed Khalil, named best football player in Asia, will represent the category of youth.

Main image: The start of the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon 2016.

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