The “Jeddah Walks 2” initiative, launched by the Jeddah Municipality, has achieved remarkable community success, attracting over 37,000 participants from all segments of society. This initiative represents a significant step towards promoting public health and spreading a culture of physical activity. It is a practical implementation of the Municipality's efforts to encourage residents to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle, aligning with the ambitious goals of the Quality of Life Program and the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
Background of the initiative and its connection to Vision 2030
The “Jeddah Walks” initiative falls within a broader strategic framework adopted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, embodied in Vision 2030, which prioritizes improving the quality of life for citizens and residents. The Quality of Life Program, one of the most important programs for achieving the Vision, aims to increase the percentage of individuals who regularly engage in physical activity and sports. From this perspective, health initiatives are no longer merely seasonal events, but have become an integral part of urban development plans that seek to transform Saudi cities into vibrant and healthy environments that encourage movement and activity.
The importance of the initiative and its expected impact
The significance of “Jeddah Walks 2” lies in its direct impact on the health of Jeddah residents. It encourages walking, one of the easiest and most beneficial physical activities for preventing chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Locally, the initiative contributes to the activation of public facilities and the utilization of walkways and parks established by the municipality, transforming them into vibrant social and recreational spaces. Nationally, the success of such initiatives provides an inspiring model for other cities in the Kingdom and directly supports the achievement of national goals to increase life expectancy and improve overall health indicators.
Success details in numbers
The Director General of Corporate Social Responsibility at the Jeddah Municipality, Engineer Hattan bin Hashem Hamouda, explained that the high turnout reflects a growing awareness of the importance of sports. A total of 37,556 people participated in two main tracks via a dedicated mobile application. The “60-Minute Challenge” saw 29,792 participants, while 7,764 took part in the “Points Collection Challenge.” The initiative covered 25 strategically located walking paths throughout the city, ensuring easy access and participation for the largest possible number of residents in a safe and fully equipped environment.
In conclusion, the “Jeddah Walks 2” initiative is not just a sporting event, but a long-term investment in community health, an effective step towards building a more vibrant and active society, and an affirmation that urban development and public health can go hand in hand to achieve a better future.
