DUBAI //An overwhelming public response to its weight-loss campaign looks likely to cost Dubai Municipality more than 10kg of gold worth Dh1.5 million.
More than 5,000 people have registered for the initiative since its launch a week ago. If they all lose the minimum 2kg required to receive a reward, the municipality would have to pay out at least 10kg in gold.
However, it could end up paying out significantly more as registration is still open and the municipality has responded to the campaign's popularity by offering even greater payouts for those who lose most weight.
The municipality initially said it would pay out one gram of gold for each kilo of weight lost. Now, for those who lose 5kg and more the municipality will pay 2g of gold per kilo lost, and for those who lose 10kg and more it will pay 3g per kilo lost. All participants will still have to lose at least 2kg to win.
"The decision is expected to motivate more people to participate and increase the competition among the participants. We are hoping to make it the biggest community initiative in terms of effective participation," said Hussain Nasser Lootah, the municipality's director general.
"The civic body extends its sincere appreciation to all the participants in the initiative as they made it a grand success and very memorable event. The enormous interest in the contest shows the high level of public health awareness and education of the citizens and participants in the emirate of Dubai."
Participants have until August 16 to shift the weight before a final weigh-in to see how much they have lost. The municipality will then SMS all participants with the results and distribute the gold at an award ceremony.
Registration is open from 8pm to midnight every night throughout the duration of the campaign. There are five registrations points: gate 3 of Zabeel Park, the main gate of the Khawaneej jogging track, the starting point of the jogging track at Mamzar Beach, gate 2 of Safa Park, and the main gate of Al Barsha Park.
