Dubai Residents Lose Weight to Gain Gold

Dubai’s municipal government has repeated a program from last summer called “Your Weight in Gold,” but with a new name and goal—it targets childhood obesity.

The two month program titled ‘Your Child in Gold’ encourages families to practice healthier eating and physical fitness.

Any participating parent who loses excess weight during the program will win one gram of physical gold ‎per one kilo (1 kg = 2.2 lbs.) they lost. If a child in the family loses at least two kilos (2kg = 4.40925 lbs.) the weight of gold for all will double.

All participants must lose at least 2kg to be eligible for rewards.

‎The Director General of Dubai Municipality Hussain Nasser Lootah told reporters Tuesday the government has given priority to families this year because child obesity is a major problem faced by the Middle East and European nations due to electronic devices addiction. He believes encouraging the younger generation to maintain a healthy lifestyle will protect them from the negative effects of technology.

Last summer, the government awarded 16 kg (16kg = 35.274 lbs.) of gold valued at more than Dh2 million.

‎The Dubai Multi Commodities Center (DMCC) increased its funding from Dh100, 000 last year to Dh150,000 ‎for this year’s drive.