600 to swim for obesity research today

dubai — Around 600 people are set to swim around Burj Al Arab today, raising funds for obesity research.

Dubai Holding is bringing back its ‘Burj Al Arab Swim’ in partnership with Al Jalila Foundation and with the support of Dubai Sports Council (DSC).

Organised by Wild Wadi Waterpark, the event — in its 14th edition — will take place at Jumeirah Beach Hotel.

The Dubai Holding Burj Al Arab Swim is open to swimmers over the age of 16 years and provides participants with the exclusive chance to swim around one of Dubai’s most celebrated landmarks, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. They will take part in 1,600-metre and 800-metre race categories.

Amit Kaushal, group CEO of Dubai Holding, said: “We are excited to bring this race back to all swimming enthusiasts, providing the opportunity to experience one of Dubai’s most distinct landmarks in a unique and special way.

“Dubai Holding has contributed over Dh5 million to Al Jalila Foundation Obesity Research Fund so far, through a number of initiatives, including the Burj Al Arab Swim and the SkyRun.”

Khalid Al Awar, director of sports events department at the DSC, said: “This swim is not just about swimming around one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, but it is supporting a noble cause.”

To date, Al Jalila Foundation has invested Dh2.8 million in as many as 10 obesity research studies that aimed to address the prevalence of obesity in the UAE and the region.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), it is estimated that more than 4.8 million people in the UAE suffer from obesity, with 25 per cent males and 42 per cent females considered obese or overweight.

Obesity among teenagers has also increased 13 per cent over the last few years and is expected to have adverse effects on the health and productivity of the future generation. This unprecedented increase in obesity underscores the need for long-term funding for scientific research to develop life-saving discoveries, experts said.

Al Jalila Foundation’s obesity research projects from 2017 and 2018 were focused on metabolically healthy obese (MHO) phenotype; lipid levels; weight, height, body mass index, skinfold thickness and eating habits at ages 0–18 years; sleep impairment; and sleep improvement intervention.