Abu Dhabi ( CNN ) -- The city of Dubai is offering gold as an incentive for a weight loss initiative it will launch this week . The `` Your Weight in Gold '' program , which begins Friday registering and weighing participants in different parts of Dubai , will last about a month . The final weigh-in will take place August 16 , after the end of the holy month of Ramadan . To qualify , contestants must lose a minimum of two kilograms ( 4.4 pounds ) during the month , and they will receive one gram of gold for each kilogram of weight lost . Based on market prices Thursday in the United Arab Emirates , two grams of gold would be worth about $ 82 . The three people who lose the most weight will be entered into a drawing for a gold coin worth more than $ 5,400 . Would you lose weight if money were at stake ? According to the statement by the Dubai Municipality , those taking part in the contest can register on any day during the month but must be overweight . Contestants are not allowed to use unhealthy methods to lose weight . `` Ramadan is the most appropriate season to launch such initiatives , as it reminds us about many health benefits of reducing weight and encourages us to take strong steps to change our bad lifestyles , '' said Hussain Nasser Lootah , the director general of the Dubai Municipality . Ramadan requires fasting from sunrise to sunset , but many people overeat when they break their fast . Dubai is famous for its big shopping malls , fast food chains and soaring summer heat that makes it difficult for people to exercise outdoors . Two years ago , the municipality launched the `` Yallah Walk '' initiative , which created walking tracks in different parts of the city to encourage a healthier lifestyle . Obesity is a big problem in the Arab Gulf countries . In the United Arab Emirates in particular , 33.7 % of adults are obese , according to 2008 data used in a recent United Nations report . Kuwait has the highest percentage in the region , at 42.8 % , with Saudi Arabia following at 35.2 % . Nearby Qatar has 33.1 % . Childhood obesity is also concerning in the United Arab Emirates . A 2005 study showed that the prevalence of obesity among youth is two to three times higher than the international standard . Against this backdrop , contests such as the one in Dubai may be a golden opportunity for change . Money talks when it comes to losing weight . CNN 's Elizabeth Landau contributed to this report .
Contestants in program must lose at least 2 kilograms during the month . They will receive one gram of gold for each kilogram of weight lost . Officials warn of overeating when people break their fast during Ramadan .