Riyadh is the first city in the Middle East to receive the “Globally Active City” certification

In a move reflecting the rapid development witnessed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia across various sectors, the Royal Commission for Riyadh City announced that the capital has achieved a significant milestone by receiving the "Global Active City" certification, making it the first city in the Middle East to attain this prestigious international ranking. This global recognition is a culmination of Riyadh's tireless efforts to promote public health and community well-being.

An ambitious vision that enhances quality of life

The CEO of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, Engineer Ibrahim bin Mohammed Al-Sultan, affirmed that this achievement was not a coincidence, but rather a practical manifestation of the unlimited support from the wise leadership – may God protect them – and an embodiment of the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. This vision is fundamentally based on the Quality of Life Program, which aims to improve the lifestyle of individuals and families and build a society whose members enjoy a balanced lifestyle, by creating the necessary environment to support and develop new options that enhance the participation of citizens and residents in cultural, recreational, and sporting activities.

This achievement is tangible evidence of the success of national strategies aimed at raising the rates of sports participation in society, as the Kingdom seeks to reach a sports participation rate of 40% by 2030, which reflects Riyadh’s commitment to implementing the best global practices in this field.

Global standards and strategic partnerships

The “Globally Active City” certification is awarded by the Active Well-being Initiative, a joint venture between the International Federation of Sport for All (TAFISA) and Evaleo, and supported by the International Olympic Committee. This certification is granted only to cities that successfully implement a rigorous set of administrative and operational standards that ensure physical activity is integrated into the city's daily life.

This success is the result of institutional work and collaboration between more than 20 governmental and private entities, most notably the Ministry of Sport and the Saudi Sports for All Federation. Engineer Al-Sultan praised this fruitful cooperation, which reflects a spirit of teamwork in consolidating the Kingdom's regional and international standing.

Urban transformation and advanced infrastructure

Over the past few years, Riyadh, the capital city, has undergone a radical transformation in its infrastructure to become a more human-friendly city. These transformations included:

• A significant expansion in the construction of dedicated pedestrian and bicycle paths.
• Developing quality parks and open spaces that encourage residents to go outside and exercise.
• Integrating healthy urban planning concepts into major projects, such as the “Green Riyadh” project and the “Sports Track”.

These integrated efforts between the health, transportation, education and urban planning sectors have contributed to creating an urban environment that supports physical activity, making it easier for all segments of society, including the elderly, children and people with disabilities, to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle.

Future impact of the achievement

Riyadh's attainment of this certification is not merely an honor; it carries significant developmental, economic, and health implications. From a health perspective, promoting physical activity contributes to reducing the rates of chronic diseases associated with sedentary lifestyles, thus alleviating the burden on the healthcare sector. Socially, sporting events and public spaces foster community cohesion and enhance the psychological well-being of the population.

On the international level, this ranking places Riyadh within the elite network of global cities that prioritize the health of their residents, enhancing its appeal as a preferred destination for living, working, investing and tourism, thus confirming its leadership as a modern integrated capital in the heart of the Middle East.