UAE based publisher, The National, has brought back #CycleToWorkUAE campaign. The initiative, originally launched in January 2015, aims to increase the activity levels for UAE office goers and in turn reduce the frequencies of obesity, diabetes and heart diseases in the country. In the second edition, accompanied with an event planned for today, January 12, 2016, the campaign has called upon businesses, organizations and individuals to raise awareness about the benefits of cycling.
Rehab Abdulla, ADTV presenter; Ivor Prestwood General Manager, InterContinental Abu Dhabi; Dr Dorothy Byers, Director of Libraries, Khalifa University; Guido De Wilde, Senior Vice-President, Regional Director Middle East, Starwood Hotels and Resorts World Wide; David Labouchere, Owner, OptimaFitness are some of the people who promoted the campaign by participating in the ‘Cycle to Work’ event.
Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon, Chairman of the Department of Transport; Dr Mugheer Al Khaili, Chairman of HAAD and Ali Al Dhaheri, Managing Director of Adnec, also showed their support by cycling along the seaside in Abu Dhabi.
The key objectives of the campaign were to promote healthier and sustainable lifestyles, make UAE a cycle friendly country, raise awareness about the benefits of cycling and support people from all walks of life including embassy staff, healthcare professionals, sales managers, housewives and college students. The initiative also looked to facilitate the growth of a community that is aware of health, environmental, and social benefits from cycling.
The National also organized a Tweet Chat with its Editor-in-Chief, Mohammed Al Otaiba, where he answered several questions on the benefits and safety of cycling in UAE. He also shared information about the cycling lanes available for the event.
The event trended on Twitter with many showing their support through posts and pictures and riding to work on their bicycles.
