SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
With its pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods, waterfront promenades, shaded pathways and community spaces, Abu Dhabi is increasingly making walking part of everyday life, encouraging residents to stay active on foot.
Across the capital – from Corniche, Saadiyat Cultural District, Yas Bay, Al Reem Island, Al Maryah Island to Masdar City – dedicated spaces support walking, running and recreation.
The commitment is continuing through Abu Dhabi's Liveability Strategy, which is expanding walking and cycling infrastructure, parks and community facilities to create healthier and better-connected neighbourhoods.
Speaking to Aletihad members of Abu Dhabi's running community highlighted how the city's well-developed infrastructure supports an active lifestyle and encourages more people to take to walking tracks.
From Daily Walks to Marathon Runs
Khalid Sarfaraz, a runner with the Abu Dhabi Running Team, said the city's walking tracks played a central role in his own transformation from a walker to a marathon runner.
"Abu Dhabi is quite walkable, and I truly appreciate the walking tracks here," Sarfaraz said.
He highlighted outdoor gyms, greenery, tree shade and specially coated trails among the features that make walking and running more comfortable.
"My personal running journey began on these tracks. I started with walking in 2021 and gradually progressed to running and cycling," he said.
Five years later, Sarfaraz has completed five full marathons, including four in Abu Dhabi and the Chicago Marathon.
"A big appreciation goes to UAE leadership for their vision, and to Abu Dhabi Municipality for maintaining such high-quality walking trails," he added.
Abu Dhabi Liveability Strategy
Team captain Talib Al Salami and head coach Youssef Rochdi from the Abu Dhabi Running Team (ADRT) linked the capital's growing walkability to the Liveability Strategy, which helped increase average district completion scores from 67% before its introduction in 2023 to 81% in 2025.
Beyond expanding infrastructure, they highlighted efforts to make outdoor activity more comfortable throughout the year.
The first climate-cooled walkway in Al Nahyan maintains 24°C year-round, they noted.
Natural cooling is also being incorporated into public spaces. Parks like Al Masar are designed to channel cooling winds, they added
Community initiatives are equally important in encouraging residents to integrate movement into their routines.
The Degayeg initiative – meaning "minutes" in Arabic – promotes short, everyday movement moments,
It was launched by the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi, with support from the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi.
Another activity, "Walk to Gahwa", combines movement with social connection. Participants walk and stretch together before sitting down for coffee and conversation, turning a short walk into a shared community moment.
They also highlighted TrainYAS, which allows thousands of people to walk and run around Yas Marina Circuit, creating a social and inclusive fitness environment.
Abu Dhabi Fostering Wellness
For Farouk Otah Bashi, a captain in the Abu Dhabi Running Team and founder of Yalla Go Run, a social platform supporting sports in the UAE, the city's walkability is closely connected to his personal sporting journey.
"For me, Abu Dhabi's walkability was not just something I observed; it was something I experienced firsthand," he said.
After returning to running in 2019, Bashi moved to Abu Dhabi and found an environment that encouraged people at different fitness levels to become active.
"I realised the city offered more than just walking or running spots; it provided a comprehensive environment that encouraged an active lifestyle and supported all members of the community, from beginners to professionals," he said.
After joining ADRT, he participated in races across the UAE and internationally before becoming a team captain.
His experience also inspired him to establish Yalla Go Run to encourage more community members to walk and run.
Bashi pointed to dedicated routes at the Corniche, Al Hudayriat Island, Yas Island, Umm Al Emarat Park and around the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, as well as indoor, air-conditioned facilities that support year-round activity.
"What truly sets Abu Dhabi apart is that it has not just organised races; it has developed an infrastructure that makes walking and running a part of everyday life," he said.
For Bashi, however, the strongest measure of a walkable city goes beyond physical infrastructure.
"For me, Abu Dhabi's walkability is measured by the lifestyle it fosters, not just the number of trails. It's a city that makes it easy to get started and gives you every reason to keep going," he said.