Deadline for gold weight loss competition looms

DUBAI // More than 24,000 people have registered to take part in the Your Weight in Gold campaign ahead of Thursday's registration deadline.

The campaign has become a “global hit” in terms of the number of participants and nationalities, according to the Dubai Municipality.

Of the 110 nationalities who registered, Indians make up the highest number of participants at 14,200, followed by Filipinos at 3,600, and Pakistanis at 1,350.

“We believe that people are the real assets of our city, so we take care of their health and welfare to build a beautiful future for our beloved city,” said Ismail Al Banna, the municipality’s director of corporate marketing.

Your Child in Gold is this year's version of the Your Weight in Gold initiative and targets families with children. Families will receive more rewards than individual participants. Each family is allowed to take part with two children under the age of 14.

The minimum weight loss is two kilograms.

Individuals will receive a gram of gold per kilo lost, while family members will get two grams per kg lost.

The final weigh-ins will be from September 10 to 15. Participants will be notified when and where they need to report for the weigh-ins.