Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death worldwide (WHO, 2010). The statistics in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are especially alarming with one in four deaths attributable to cardiovascular disease (Al-Sarraj et al, 2010). Research indicates that although the propensity for CVD increases with age, risk factors appear much earlier in life (McGill et al, 2002). This reflects the need for reduction of these risk factors at an early age in order to lessen the chances of CVD in later life. The aim of this study was to obtain the first data set on the cardiorespiratory health, body composition, and blood profiles of a young UAE university population, and subsequently determine the effects of a physical activity intervention on cardiorespiratory fitness. Forty-four male and female students, with a mean age of 21 ± 1 years old, participated in an 8-week exercise intervention program, where they engaged in moderate-high intensity exercise at least 3 times a week for 60 minutes. Participants were then divided into a control and experimental exercise intervention group based on BMI values. Individuals in the experimental group (BMI ≥ 25) had higher waist to hip ratios (WHR), total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides, and lower values of HDL-cholesterol compared to the control group (BMI <25). The cardiorespiratory fitness of both groups was generally poor, as determined using a beep test, with average predicted VO2 max values of 27 ± 6 ml/kg/min. Post intervention, there were statistical differences in WHR in both groups (decrease, P= 0.03), and an increase in the VO2 max of both groups to 31 ± 6 ml/kg/min showing a change from poor to average cardiorespiratory fitness. In addition, HDL-cholesterol in both groups increased (P= 0.001). Although a larger sample set is needed within this population, our data demonstrates that an 8-week exercise program can positively change cardiorespiratory health and fitness of a relatively young UAE population This data highlights the need for such targeted interventions in order to reduce the risks of CVD in this highly susceptible population.