Dubai: Participants who registered in the civic body’s weight loss campaign can now have double the incentive, as they can now win twice the amount of gold for every kilo lost.

“Instead of the previously announced one gram, we will give two grams of gold for each kilogram lost for those who lose five kilograms and above, and three grams of gold for each kilogram for those who lose 10 kilograms and above,” said Eng Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director General of Dubai Municipality.

This means that people who shed five kilograms will now stand to win 10 grams of gold, and 30 grams of gold if 10kg of weight is lost.

However, he pointed out that the minimum weight to lose in order to be eligible for gold remains the same at two kilograms, and the grand prizes for the top three winners is also the same at Dh20,000 worth of gold.

The decision to increase the gold prizes was made after the campaign received an overwhelming response from residents, as nearly 5,000 people registered in the ‘Your Weight in Gold’ initiative in the first three days.

“The new decision is expected to motivate more people to participate and encourage a healthy competition among the participants, hoping to make it the biggest community initiative in terms of effective participation,” said Lootah.

“The enormous interest to participate in the contest shows the high level of public health awareness and education of the citizens and participants in the emirate of Dubai,” he said.

Residents can continue to register on any day before the campaign’s deadline on August 16, and can do so at fives sites across Dubai, including Gate 3 of Zabeel Park, the main gate of Al Khawaneej jogging track, starting point of the jogging track at Mamzar Beach, gate 4 of Safa Park, and the main gate of Al Barsha Park.