Active Abu Dhabi, an initiative of Emirates Foundation and PureHealth, has announced the launch of the ‘Walk 1000’ initiative to promote health and fitness in the emirate. The project will kick off on 1 November with support from the Department of Community Development, Abu Dhabi Police and the Ministry of Defence, as well as sponsorship from Mubadala, Ali & Sons, Al Masaood Energy, Aldar Properties, Bayanat and EDGE.
The flagship event is a 1,000km walk, the equivalent of approximately 24 marathons, starting from Al Sila, through the Liwa Desert and past Jabel Hafeet, to Al Ain, before finishing in Al Wathba. The group will walk an average of 33km per day, passing 30 sites of cultural, historical and environmental significance. The journey of around ten athletes will be followed closely in a documentary that will be broadcast worldwide in March 2025 to showcase Abu Dhabi.
“Whatever your age or fitness level, the range of community-focused events are ideal opportunities to change your lifestyle and start your health and fitness journey,” said Mansour Al Dhaheri, Founder of Active Abu Dhabi.
Environmental sites, such as the Baynounah Houbara Bird Sanctuary, highlight the critical importance of preserving biodiversity and sustainable resource management, contributing to increased environmental awareness. Technological sites such as the Al Sadeem Observatory showcase advances in scientific research and innovation, in line with the emirate’s ambitious vision for the future. The public will also have the opportunity to participate in the walk, details of which will be available soon on Active Abu Dhabi’s social channels. Individuals are invited to take a 30-day walking challenge by taking 6,000 steps per day on PureHealth's Pura app.
In preparation for the ‘Walk 1000’, a full calendar of weekly community-focused activities is being organised in different locations across Abu Dhabi to enable people to participate and improve their fitness. These include special sessions for women as well as activities to encourage those determined to return to sport.
Caroline Haïat
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