Jeddah Walks Initiative 2: 37,000 beneficiaries participate to enhance quality of life
The "Jeddah Walks 2" initiative, launched by the Jeddah Municipality, has achieved remarkable success and widespread community engagement, registering the participation of more than 37,000 beneficiaries from various segments of society. This step comes as a culmination of the Municipality's ongoing efforts to promote public health and spread the culture of walking as a lifestyle, directly aligning with the objectives of the Quality of Life Program, one of the most important programs of the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
Figures and statistics reflecting societal awareness
Official statistics released by Engineer Hattan bin Hashem Hamouda, Director General of Social Responsibility at the Jeddah Municipality, revealed figures reflecting the growing health awareness among the city's residents. A total of 37,556 people participated in two main tracks through the initiative's dedicated application. The "60-Minute Challenge" attracted the largest share with 29,792 participants, while the "Points Collection Challenge" drew 7,764, demonstrating the residents' enthusiasm for adopting healthy habits.
Context of the initiative and Vision 2030
This initiative is not a fleeting event, but rather an integral part of a comprehensive national strategy. Since the launch of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has set its sights on increasing the rates of sports participation in society, with the Quality of Life Program aiming to increase the percentage of people who regularly engage in physical activities to 40% by 2030. Initiatives such as "Jeddah Walks" play a pivotal role in achieving this goal by transforming sports from an elite or seasonal practice into a regular daily habit.
Investing in infrastructure and public facilities
To ensure the initiative's success, the Jeddah Municipality leveraged its advanced infrastructure, encompassing 25 geographically distributed walkways covering various neighborhoods throughout the city, including both main and secondary routes. This carefully planned distribution facilitated residents' access to safe and well-equipped exercise areas. This aligns with the "Humanizing Cities" projects, which aim to transform Saudi cities into pedestrian-friendly urban centers and increase per capita green spaces and open areas.
Expected health and social impact
This initiative carries significant health and social dimensions. From a health perspective, walking is the first line of defense against chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease—health challenges that the Kingdom's health system strives to mitigate through prevention and the promotion of healthy lifestyles. Socially, Jeddah's walkways and public parks have become vibrant hubs that foster social connections and provide recreational spaces for families, contributing to improved mental and physical well-being and building a dynamic and active community.
