The Sheikha Salama bint Hamadan al-Nahyan Foundation and the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation has decided to join hands for establishing new healthy school projects in Abu Dhabi for the overall development of children and to mitigate the rising problem of obesity in the school going children.

The deal has opened doors for leading nutritionists and sports physiologists to work for mitigating lifestyle related diseases. Both charities said in a statement, "The move is aimed at improving fitness, reducing obesity and helping to boost the self-esteem and emotional well-being of school children."

Figures released by the World Health Organization claimed that UAE have second highest rate of obesity and around 33.7 per cent of country's population is reeling under diabetes. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE may face serious health problems due to diabetes and obesity, a product of unhealthy lifestyle adopted by the population.

The charities plan to cover 75 children in the age group of four to ten in the first phase of the project. They are also looking for opportunities available in the Middle-East in future inspiring young people to take part in games and adopt healthy life style.