UAE Government Employees Score Free Gym Access in Major Health Push
The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has launched a groundbreaking initiative offering all government employees 30 days of free gym access at GymNation, the UAE’s largest gym facility. This move is a direct response to the Dubai Fitness Challenge 30X30, aiming to significantly boost physical activity and foster healthier lifestyles across the public sector.
Key Takeaways
- Free Gym Access: All UAE government employees receive 30 days of complimentary membership to GymNation.
- Support for Dubai Fitness Challenge: The initiative aligns with the annual Dubai Fitness Challenge 30X30, promoting fitness and wellness.
- Comprehensive Wellness Program: MoHAP is implementing various activities beyond gym access, including interactive sessions, challenge rooms, and unique workplace initiatives.
- Focus on Productive Work Environment: The goal is to create a supportive work environment that encourages active, healthier, and more productive employees.
- Community-Wide Impact: MoHAP will extend its support to community events and awareness campaigns targeting children, families, and the general public.
Fostering a Culture of Wellness
MoHAP’s initiative extends beyond simple gym access, incorporating a variety of engaging activities designed to embed fitness into the daily lives of government employees. These include:
- Interactive Activities and Competitions: Such as ‘challenge rooms’ and ‘Treasure Hunt’ to promote employee fitness.
- Traditional Emirati Games: Integrating cultural elements into physical activity.
- ‘Makom Gym’ Sessions: Structured workout classes.
- ‘Siren’ Initiative: Activating sirens during working hours to prompt physical activity breaks.
- ‘Healthy Meeting’ Activity: Encouraging standing meetings to increase movement.
These efforts are designed to cultivate a work environment that actively supports employee well-being, leading to a more active, healthier, and ultimately more productive workforce.
Broader Community Engagement
MoHAP is also committed to promoting health and wellness beyond government offices. The ministry plans to support the Dubai Fitness Challenge with additional community events in key locations:
- Al Majaz Waterfront in Sharjah
- Sports Park in Ajman
- Fujairah
These events will feature a range of awareness activities, workshops, expert advice from sports coaches, and interactive competitions for both employees and the public. MoHAP will also leverage its social media platforms to disseminate awareness-raising messages on healthy living, nutrition, and active lifestyles.
A National Commitment to Health
Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector, emphasized the ministry’s dedication to supporting initiatives that inspire physical activity. He stated that these activities, targeting both employees and the wider society, aim to motivate the adoption of healthy lifestyles, balanced nutrition, and consistent physical activity. This aligns with the national agenda’s objectives to reduce the prevalence of diseases and obesity.
Nouf Khamis Al Ali, Acting Director of the Health Promotion Department, highlighted the meticulous planning behind these events, including the ‘Makom Gym’ initiative and discounts from various gyms. She extended gratitude to sponsors and supporters, including GymNation, Gold’s Gym, Sharaf DG, Del Monte, and Masafi, for their crucial contributions.
Loren Holland, founder and CEO of GymNation, expressed enthusiasm for welcoming government employees to their facilities and reiterated GymNation’s commitment to collaborating with MoHAP and the Dubai Fitness Challenge to establish the UAE as the healthiest, fittest, and most active nation globally.