Lifestyle-related diseases on the rise in GCC

An active lifestyle can help manage the plethora of diseases that are posing a huge challenge to populations in the GCC region, according to Neil Manwaring of Nexus Global Events, the team behind the UAE’s first B2B sports-focused exhibition and conference in Abu Dhabi, Sports Arabia 2010.

Citing an example from a recent report from the World Health Organisation, Manwaring said that almost 20 per cent of the UAE population is living with diabetes, a disease that can be managed, and even prevented, if a healthy lifestyle is adopted.

Manwaring confirmed that Sports Arabia is set to drive home the importance of a balanced diet and regular exercise, as part of the Nexus commitment to change the face of exhibitions.

“Sports Arabia is set to provide a platform for the region’s burgeoning sporting industry to cultivate the industry’s development,” he said.

“We are in the business of hosting events that help take the industry’s conversation to new levels. Indeed, we refuse to be in the business of selling exhibition space. We believe that B2B exhibition sector has ‘outgrown itself’ and Sports Arabia 2010 is a showcase of the ‘new model’ from Nexus, one that generates meaningful content and relevant dialogue.”

In support of these ambitions, Sports Arabia’s debut show in the UAE’s capital city (in February 2010) is on target to bring together more than 75 specialist companies, alongside visitors in excess of 5,000 from related sectors including fitness, sports and lifestyle.

“Our feedback tells us that the industry is eager to come together to address the gaps in lifestyle awareness and disease prevention, and the positive role that exercise can play”, said Manwaring.

He said that children and exercise will come under the spotlight, among other hot topics.

“Almost 50 per cent of children attending private secondary schools in Dubai are thought to have mediocre sports curriculum, with more than 20 per cent of children not taking part in any active sport at all.

“This is scary, particularly when all research points to the need for youngsters to have at least an hour of exercise each day to curb cardiac risk in later life,” he stated.

He said that the industry networking opportunities at the show will be extensive, with fitness manufacturers, sports architects, nutritionists, education, research, technology, vendor and health club partners.

“Sports Arabia is positioned as a platform for business exchange for long-term business collaboration in sporting infrastructure projects across the MENA region,” he concluded.