United Arab Emirates

Background

• The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is located in the Middle East and shares borders with the Gulf of Oman, the Arabian Gulf, Oman and Saudi Arabia. It has a GDP per capita that is on par with those of leading Western European nations. Its generosity with oil revenues and moderate foreign policy stance has allowed the UAE to play a vital role in the affairs of the region
• Of a population of 33million, more than 3.5 million people are living with diabetes. Children as young as ten are being diagnosed with the disease due to obesity linked to physical inactivity, an unhealthy diet and hypertension.
• More than 25% of UAE nationals suffer from diabetes and 40% of those aged over 60 have the disease.
• Cardiovascular disease causes at least 25 percent of all recorded deaths

What We Do

Improving the participation of women in sport and play activities is a priority for both leaders and citizens of the UAE. Despite this, rates of such participation remain low. This could place the country’s girls and women in danger of developing cardiovascular disease or diabetes which may later lead to complications during pregnancy or child birth. Right To Play considers health a priority for both developed and developing nations as there are more malnourished children with cardiovascular and diabetic illnesses in developed countries than in developing nations. Through participation in regular sport and play activities, Right To Play hopes to improve the cardiovascular health of children and youth in the UAE and subsequently reduce the incidence of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

So Far

In order to address the disparities in participation among girls our projects aim to be gender inclusive. Further, in consultation with local authorities, teachers, and female students, Right To Play has designed a series of activities designed with the needs and interests of local females in mind. Right To Play began implementation of the Special Initiative Project pilot in Dubai in September 2006 to establish a foundation for a healthy, productive adult life for students in the UAE. The initiative worked toward developing new curriculum for Health and Physical Education in schools. Since 2006, Right To Play estimates the total number of direct project beneficiaries to exceed 22,000 male and female students and 71 teachers from 44 public schools in Dubai.