Dubai Offers Residents Gold in Return for Weight Loss

If you ever needed an incentive to lose a few pounds, this might do the trick.

Authorities in Dubai have launched a scheme whereby residents can earn a gram of gold if they lose two kilos or more.

The move is in a bid to counteract sharp rises in obesity in the Gulf States. Sign-up began on Friday and the scheme runs for the next 30 days, coinciding with Ramadan. 

Called Your Weight in Gold, naturally – it would have been a missed opportunity otherwise, the scheme was announced by Hussain Nasser Lootah, director general of Dubai Municipality.

If ever you needed a push to lose weight...

Speaking to BBC, Lootah said; "Ramadan is the most appropriate season to launch such initiatives as it reminds us about many health benefits of reducing weight and encourages us to take strong steps to change our bad lifestyles," he said. 

For each kilogram lost, participants will receive a gram of gold, which is currently worth about €35, while the three participants who lose the most weight will be entered into a draw to win a gold coin worth €4,200.