It was a germ of an idea, one that evolved into phenomenal success and transformed the city into a vibrant health and fitness ground for a month. A humble request by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council and the Dubai Sports Council, was given all the respect it duly deserved. His aim was to motivate the residents to take up physical activity, challenge their endurance limits, alter the habits, and Dubai Fitness Challenge did just that.

Everyone was in it together, skipping, running, attending yoga, aerobic, dance sessions, et al. All efforts were made to stay true to the commitment of 30 minutes for 30 days. In the end, the month-long exercise not just made us tad fitter and healthier, but also taught us so much about us as a society. It proved that residents here are willing to get together and sweat it out. Together we can stay active and fit. The challenge achieved what it set out to accomplish. This is what happens when leaders lead by example. Sheikh Hamdan is a sports enthusiast himself, and does everything from swimming and cycling to snowboarding, running, and tennis. He is an equestrian extraordinaire, a passionate free diver, and a dare devil with interests and participation in all sorts of adventure sports.

The UAE needed such a push. The levels of obesity in the country are high, and so are concomitant diseases like diabetes, stress, and cardiovascular ailments. This is not just a Dubai phenomenon. Populations in major urban centres of the world suffer from such chronic urban issues. What most cities lack is the right infrastructure. However, Dubai has invested heavily in building tracks, open gyms, parks, and other infrastructure, and is keen to spread the culture of fitness. The leadership is fit and wants residents to emulate them. The speed of the leader determines the pace of the pack. And with such an impressive leadership at the helm, Dubai as a society is bound to get moving and inspired. We have made a considerable progress towards becoming a healthier society during the past month. Now, let's keep the ball rolling.


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