Qatar- GU Q graduate develops FitTastic

1/28/2016 9:52:32 PM

(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Nadim Rifai a graduate from Georgetown University in Qatar speaking during the Star of Science show.

DOHA: To address obesity in the Arab world and improve public health in the region Nadim Rifai a Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) graduate has developed FitTastic a device that innovatively blends technology gaming and health to encourage people to become more active and healthy.

Rifai’s invention secured him a spot as one of the 12 final contestants on the Middle East’s leading scientific reality TV show Stars of Science. The show sponsored by Qatar Foundation provides support and mentorship to participants through a network of experienced engineers designers and business leaders.

Comprising a portable motion tracking sensor and an interactive smartphone application FitTastic allows users to go beyond recording their workout progress with features such as live games challenges rewards and real-time online multiplayer competitions. “People like to be challenged. This is why we enjoy games we want to compete with ourselves and others and be our best at something.

“FitTastic merges this concept with fitness to get people off the couch and become more active” said Rifai. He began his career in Qatar working at a local cafe striving to support his bid to enrol at one of world-class universities. In 2008 GU-Q recognised his potential and offered him a scholarship to begin his academic career majoring in international politics.

On how studying at GU-Q has enabled him to succeed Rifai said: “Georgetown offers much more than a high-calibre academic programme. In addition to learning about global issues and world affairs it instils within you the desire to be a productive member of your community and contribute to the development of society.”

Rifai works at Silatech a social initiative dedicated to addressing the youth unemployment challenge in the region. “Having learned about how talented young men and women in the region have difficulty securing meaningful employment I decided to dedicate my career to provide them with similar opportunities I benefited from while living in Qatar.” He intends to continue developing FitTastic an invention he says has the potential to revolutionise the fitness culture in the Arab world.

The Peninsula

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