From fitness to kindness: How Hamdan inspired UAE in 2017

Dubai - KT takes a look at everything Sheikh Hamdan did for UAE residents, to drive positive change

From inspiring millions to display random acts of kindness to people in their neighbourhood, to getting an entire nation hooked on a 30-day fitness challenge, the Crown Prince of Dubai has had a very busy 2017.
As 2017 wraps up, Khaleej Times takes a close look at everything that Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, has done for all residents of the UAE. All the initiatives launched by Sheikh Hamdan has been a true testament to Dubai's commitment to driving positive change.
In April 2017, as the emirate celebrated three years of Smart Dubai's success, the Crown Prince launched the Smart Dubai 2021 initiative, saying: "The Dubai Government will issue its last paper transaction in 2021." He added, "Today, we mark the beginning of a new phase - 'Smart Dubai 2021' - that revolves around challenging ourselves and surpassing our own previous achievements. We are looking to build a truly smart city, one that will use technology as the key to a balanced and happy life."
In October 2017, Sheikh Hamdan launched the incredible fitness movement that kept an entire nation on action. While inaugurating the challenge, he said: "We are keen to spread a culture of fitness since we believe that making physical activity a part of their daily routines will help people significantly improve the quality of their lives."
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com
#DayforDubai ?- Making volunteering a lifestyle
After challenging the city to devote 30 minutes every day to fitness, Sheikh Hamdan sent SMS to residents, encouraging them to share their time and energy for a day as a volunteer in Dubai. A day after the Crown Prince of Dubai set an example for volunteering by cleaning the seabed during a dive off the Marina, he launched an initiative to reinforce the spirit of volunteerism among residents. "Are you ready to give back a #DayforDubai? Join me at http://www.dayfordubai.com to make a difference and reinforce Dubai's position as a global city of giving..." he tweeted.
#30x30DubaiFitnessChallenge ?- Making fitness a habit
The initiative that ran from October 20 to November 18, the challenge was the emirate's only multi-activity, city-wide fitness movement till date.
The nation's most athletic young royal also actively partook in the Spartan Race, where he and his team threw themselves over walls, slipped through tyres, jumped over mud and water obstacles, pulled themselves over monkey bars and even crawled under barbed wires. This dedication to fitness inspired people of all age groups in Dubai to get up and moving.
#EmiratiTradition ?- Keeping traditions alive
In January 2017, Sheikh Hamdan won the first place at the Fazza Falcon and Hunting Tournament in Dubai, as his falcon "Ghaith" won first place.
Sheikh Hamdan also gave the prize of the first place to the runner-up falcon, as a token of appreciation to participants and to encourage them to work hard.
The gesture was also symbolic of the Year of Giving and reflected Sheikh Hamdan's long-standing support for traditional sports and the championship. (Photo: Instagram @faz3)
#simpleactsofkindness ?- Keeping humanity intact
Dubai's skyscrapers require round-the-clock maintenance to ensure they are sparkling clean all the time.
When Sheikh Hamdan saw one window cleaner dangling outside a building, wiping away soap from the outer glass, he immediately recorded a video, and said: "Shukran" (thank you) to the brave man out there."
This gesture from the Crown Prince immediately went viral on social media and was viewed over 90,000 times on Twitter.

• UAE
• Dubai Fitness Challenge
• Dubai