Final weigh-in for Dubai's gold-for-weight campaign

The weigh-ins started on Saturday night and will take place in five locations: Safa Park, Zabeel Park, Al Barsha Park and Al Khawaneej and Al Mamzar jogging tracks.

Powered by automated translation

DUBAI // The final weigh-in for the Your Weight in Gold campaign takes place tonight.

Residents were challenged to lose their excess kilograms in exchange for gold coins as part of the healthy living initiative.

Those who lose at least 2kg and up to 5kg win a gram of gold per kilo, while dropping between 5kg and 10kg earns 2g a kilo. Losing 10kg or more earns 3g a kilo.

Mohamed Al Noori, a spokesman for Dubai Municipality, said: "It is not just about winning some coins of gold, rather it should be seen as a grand effort to switching our life to better styles that match to a sustainable civilisation."

The weigh-ins started on Saturday night.

The scales have been in use every evening between 5pm and 9pm in five locations: Safa Park, Zabeel Park, Al Barsha Park and Al Khawaneej and Al Mamzar jogging tracks.

One American participant, who gave only his first name, Jason, said he planned to leave his weigh in until today.

"I haven't done that well and I figured it would give me an extra day or two for a bit of last minute weight loss," he said.

The municipality plans to hold an awards ceremony for the successful entrants.

The three biggest losers will be entered into a draw to receive a gold coin worth Dh20,000.

The weight-loss initiative was launched on July 19 with the support of Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, which is sponsoring the initiative by contributing Dh100,000 worth of gold coins.

"DMCC strongly believes that an active lifestyle means a better quality of life," said Ahmed bin Sulayem, the centre's executive chairman.

"We hope everyone will continue to adopt a healthier way of life following the competition. We will certainly continue to support initiatives like these to encourage the UAE to stay healthy."