Saeed Mohammed Hareb, secretary general of Dubai Sports Council.
Back in 2016, the UAE was one of the first countries in the world to make the happiness of its citizens a government priority, through the appointment of the country’s first Minister of Happiness. Over the past five years, the country’s happiness has remained a priority, with a range of initiatives which empower citizens in the UAE and focus on their wellbeing.
On an emirate level, it’s a task the Dubai Government has taken to heart too, with the city’s government departments working collaboratively to prioritise and improve the wellbeing and happiness of all citizens.
Dubai Government recognises how intrinsic the link is between physical health and mental wellbeing, and it’s something which is a key part of the work we do at Dubai Sports Council and through the Dubai Fitness Challenge, which started this year on Friday October 29 and runs through to November 27.
Dubai Sports Council plays a key role in the city’s health and wellbeing strategy. In line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai; and directions of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai; and His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, chairman of Dubai Sports Council, one of our most ambitious mandates is to transform Dubai into one of the healthiest places on the planet.
I believe that the city’s own Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) – which encourages people to do 30 minutes of exercise a day, every day for 30 days – is a great first step towards achieving this goal. Each year, the initiative inspires people across the city to come together to make positive lifestyle changes. It’s also a great opportunity for people to learn about the incredible health and sports facilities we have here in Dubai, and are available year-round.
You only need to look at the figures to see the positive impact Dubai Fitness Challenge can have on people’s lives. In 2019, more than 1.5 million people across the city took part in the initiative, with tens of thousands participating in the traffic-stopping, landmark events Dubai Ride and Dubai Run on Sheikh Zayed Road.
DFC took health awareness to another level with renewed focus on holistic wellness, as well as raising awareness about the importance of other core elements of health such as nutrition, mental wellbeing and fitness.
The Dubai government recognises how intrinsic the link is between physical health and mental wellbeing.
In the first edition of DFC, in 2017, the number of participants was 786,000, and in four years it has almost doubled. The increased number of those taking part is a testimony to the appeal of this event and the legacy it is creating in the health and fitness sphere, not just locally but even internationally. This is also the only month-long event of its kind in the world.
Perhaps most impressive of all, the changes people make during the 30 days are designed to build healthy habits and create a lasting impact on the individuals’ lives, with more than 75 percent of participants continuing to exercise at least three times a week after the challenge is over.
One of the legacies of Dubai Fitness Challenge I am most proud of is the positive impact it has had on the health of the youth of our city. Last year alone, more than 620,000 students from 600 schools pledged to take part in the event. This year, we expect once again to see these outstanding levels of participation.
Studies on the relationship between sports and happiness have been conducted around the world, and research consistently shows that sports and physical activity directly affect an individual’s health physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Research consistently shows that sports and physical activity directly affect an individual’s health physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Research has revealed that people who participate in sport and physical activity report higher levels of self-esteem, happiness and life satisfaction. They also experience greater peer acceptance, and significantly lower levels of anxiety. Studies have also found that those who participate in sports and physical activity have a better body image and higher self-perceptions of mental and physical health.
Moreover, research has shown that through participating in sport, people can develop many positive key skills like leadership, team-building and tolerance.
It’s because of these positive benefits that Dubai Government is working collaboratively to promote sports and physical activity in the community and at every level. From school age upwards, and for people of all abilities.
I look forward to seeing the achievements and strides forward made by those who choose to participate in the Dubai Fitness Challenge this year, and beyond.
Saeed Mohammed Hareb, secretary general of Dubai Sports Council.
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More of this topic
Working together for a healthier and happier city
The importance of collaboration, and the intrinsic link between health and happiness
Back in 2016, the UAE was one of the first countries in the world to make the happiness of its citizens a government priority, through the appointment of the country’s first Minister of Happiness. Over the past five years, the country’s happiness has remained a priority, with a range of initiatives which empower citizens in the UAE and focus on their wellbeing.
On an emirate level, it’s a task the Dubai Government has taken to heart too, with the city’s government departments working collaboratively to prioritise and improve the wellbeing and happiness of all citizens.
Dubai Government recognises how intrinsic the link is between physical health and mental wellbeing, and it’s something which is a key part of the work we do at Dubai Sports Council and through the Dubai Fitness Challenge, which started this year on Friday October 29 and runs through to November 27.
Dubai Sports Council plays a key role in the city’s health and wellbeing strategy. In line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai; and directions of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai; and His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, chairman of Dubai Sports Council, one of our most ambitious mandates is to transform Dubai into one of the healthiest places on the planet.
I believe that the city’s own Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) – which encourages people to do 30 minutes of exercise a day, every day for 30 days – is a great first step towards achieving this goal. Each year, the initiative inspires people across the city to come together to make positive lifestyle changes. It’s also a great opportunity for people to learn about the incredible health and sports facilities we have here in Dubai, and are available year-round.
You only need to look at the figures to see the positive impact Dubai Fitness Challenge can have on people’s lives. In 2019, more than 1.5 million people across the city took part in the initiative, with tens of thousands participating in the traffic-stopping, landmark events Dubai Ride and Dubai Run on Sheikh Zayed Road.
DFC took health awareness to another level with renewed focus on holistic wellness, as well as raising awareness about the importance of other core elements of health such as nutrition, mental wellbeing and fitness.
In the first edition of DFC, in 2017, the number of participants was 786,000, and in four years it has almost doubled. The increased number of those taking part is a testimony to the appeal of this event and the legacy it is creating in the health and fitness sphere, not just locally but even internationally. This is also the only month-long event of its kind in the world.
Perhaps most impressive of all, the changes people make during the 30 days are designed to build healthy habits and create a lasting impact on the individuals’ lives, with more than 75 percent of participants continuing to exercise at least three times a week after the challenge is over.
One of the legacies of Dubai Fitness Challenge I am most proud of is the positive impact it has had on the health of the youth of our city. Last year alone, more than 620,000 students from 600 schools pledged to take part in the event. This year, we expect once again to see these outstanding levels of participation.
Studies on the relationship between sports and happiness have been conducted around the world, and research consistently shows that sports and physical activity directly affect an individual’s health physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Research has revealed that people who participate in sport and physical activity report higher levels of self-esteem, happiness and life satisfaction. They also experience greater peer acceptance, and significantly lower levels of anxiety. Studies have also found that those who participate in sports and physical activity have a better body image and higher self-perceptions of mental and physical health.
Moreover, research has shown that through participating in sport, people can develop many positive key skills like leadership, team-building and tolerance.
It’s because of these positive benefits that Dubai Government is working collaboratively to promote sports and physical activity in the community and at every level. From school age upwards, and for people of all abilities.
I look forward to seeing the achievements and strides forward made by those who choose to participate in the Dubai Fitness Challenge this year, and beyond.
Saeed Mohammed Hareb, secretary general of Dubai Sports Council.
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