Dubai residents are actively engaging in significant weight loss and healthy living challenges, demonstrating remarkable transformations. Through disciplined efforts, community support, and innovative programs, individuals are shedding substantial weight, improving their health, and inspiring others to adopt healthier lifestyles.
Key Takeaways
- Dubai residents are achieving significant weight loss through lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise.
- Community support, workplace encouragement, and organized challenges play a crucial role in these journeys.
- The RAK Biggest Weight Loss Challenge is a prominent initiative, offering incentives and fostering a health-conscious environment.
- Many success stories highlight the importance of home cooking, reduced reliance on fast food, and consistent physical activity.
Inspiring Transformations
Zubair Chaudhry, a British expat in Dubai, lost an impressive 40kg in just five months. His transformation from 135kg to 95kg was fueled by eliminating junk food and delivery apps, embracing home cooking, and receiving strong support from his colleagues. He even secured second runner-up in the RAK Biggest Weight Loss Challenge 2025.
Similarly, Indian expat Jayesh Makwana embarked on a phenomenal journey, dropping from 153kg to 87kg. Motivated by his daughter, he adopted a rigorous exercise routine, including running marathons and cycling, and significantly altered his diet. His story underscores the power of personal motivation and finding a supportive fitness community.
Pakistani expat Hafeezullah Khattak lost 43kg in under 10 months by adopting a strict Keto diet and increasing his physical activity. His journey highlights the impact of dietary changes and consistent effort.
The RAK Biggest Weight Loss Challenge
The RAK Biggest Weight Loss Challenge (RBWLC), now in its fifth year, is a major driver of these health transformations. Organized by RAK Hospital in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) – Ras Al Khaimah, the 12-week initiative encourages residents to combat obesity.
Key features of the challenge include:
- Cash Prizes: Top male and female participants in the Physical Category receive cash prizes per kilogram of weight lost.
- New Family Category: Introduced in 2025, this category encourages families to participate together, fostering a collective approach to health.
- Diverse Participation: The challenge offers various categories, including Physical, Virtual, Corporate Team, and School Weight Loss Team challenges, making it inclusive for all segments of society.
In the 2025 challenge, Amrith Raj, an Indian expat, emerged as the male champion, losing 45.7kg, while Spin Ghatai Muhammad Yaqoob, a Pakistani national, won the female category by shedding 25kg. The challenge saw a record 24,289 participants across the UAE, reflecting a growing commitment to health and wellness.
Lifestyle Changes and Advice
Common themes among successful weight loss journeys include:
- Dietary Discipline: Eliminating sugar, carbs, and processed foods, and focusing on home-cooked meals.
- Increased Physical Activity: Incorporating regular exercise, from walking and gym visits to running and cycling.
- Community and Support: The importance of friends, family, and colleagues in providing encouragement and accountability.
Many successful participants, like Zubair Chaudhry, advise others to embrace home cooking and reduce reliance on food delivery apps. These stories collectively emphasize that sustainable weight loss is a holistic journey involving significant lifestyle adjustments and a strong support system.
Sources:
- ‘No junk food through delivery apps’: From 135kg to 95kg – How Dubai resident lost 40kg in 5 months, Gulf News.
- Win cash prizes with UAE’s Biggest Weight Loss Challenge, Gulf News.
- Indian expat in Dubai sprints his way to weight loss and good health, Gulf News.
- Dubai-based Indian, Pakistani expats win UAE’s weight loss challenge, Gulf News.
- Meet the Pakistani man who lost 43kg in less than 10 months in the UAE, Gulf News.