The Sharjah Urban Planning Council (SUPC), organised today (Sunday) a health initiative for its employees in partnership with University Hospital Sharjah, on the occasion of World Health Day, celebrated annually worldwide on 7 April.

The initiative aimed to raise employees’ awareness on how to look after their wellbeing and adopt healthy lifestyles and how this in turn can help them sustain a positive performance. The programme also offered free medical tests to all SUPC employees and leaflets as a guide to a continued healthy life.

The move aligns with SUPC’s mission and vision to promote positive practices among its workforce and push them towards happy, healthy and safe lifestyle practices and choices, while continuing to develop and enrich its pressure-free work environment, which has been a prime factor in its high standards and quality of work and services.

Eng. Khalid Al Ali, Secretary General of SUPC, explained that celebrating World Health Day is a key event which reminds businesses and individuals all over the world about the importance of launching and taking part in initiatives, workshops and programmes that raise awareness on wellness, fitness and healthy lifestyles.

Eng. Khalid Al Ali said: “We took the opportunity to create an initiative, in partnership with our partners at University Hospital Sharjah, to provide our staff direct access to knowledge and insights on best practices that help them maintain their physical and mental health condition.”

He continued: “We continuously strive to adopt the highest of standards and benchmarks within our establishment that are in-line with global levels, reflecting the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council Ruler of Sharjah, who has continuously advocated for investing in the wellbeing of people.”

Our ‘urban planning projects’ are undertaken with the primary goal to provide community members with a better life. At SUPC, we ensure this goal also applies on the institutional level, by promoting positive planning and development of our employees and ensuring their wellbeing,” he added.

For his part, Dr. Ali Obaid Al Ali – Chief Executive Officer and Member of Board of Trustees, University Hospital Sharjah, said, “We are pleased to partner with Sharjah Urban Planning Council on the occasion of World Health Day. ‘Health for one and all’ is our mission, which is in line with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council Ruler of Sharjah.”

He continued: “As a responsible healthcare organisation, our aim is to provide access to quality healthcare and commit to concrete steps to advance the health for citizens in the emirate and the UAE. While good practices as healthy food, exercising through different kinds of sports, cognitive and stress releasing activities are key drivers to good health, we also recommend an annual check-up to keep illnesses at bay”.

Founded in 2006, the Sharjah Urban Planning Council was reformed in 2014, by virtue of the Emiri Decree No. 5 issued by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council Ruler of Sharjah, within the framework of the efforts being made to keep pace with the overall development in the Emirate of Sharjah.

The council aims to develop a comprehensive strategy for urban development and infrastructure projects and oversee the preparation, execution, follow-up and update of the strategic plans for government entities concerned in urban development, infrastructure and environment issues.

The board’s membership is comprised of directors of government departments and authorities, including the Department of Planning and Survey, the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA) and the Roads and Transport Authority. The Board is composed of a technical advisory committee comprising experts from the Directorate of Housing, Sharjah Economic Development Department, Sharjah Department of Statistics and Community Development, Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority and a representative of the private sector.