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Residents of Dubai are eagerly looking forward to the ‘Dubai Walk’ initiative, which aims to transform the city into a “pedestrian-friendly haven”.
Expressing her excitement, long-time Dubai inhabitant Oliv Matol informed Khaleej Times: “Dubai Walk will enhance my walking routine by offering a variety of trails and avenues.”
The 64-year-old Filipino expatriate remarked: “Safety is crucial for my walks, so having a pleasant atmosphere will significantly boost my mental well-being.”
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Last month, a network of 6,500km of modern pathways covering 160 districts was unveiled. The aim is to enhance community connectivity by developing routes for joggers, cyclists, and e-scooter users. Emphasizing active lifestyles and eco-friendly transport, ‘Dubai Walk’ will transform urban mobility and promote community interaction, providing safer and more enjoyable paths that encourage outdoor pursuits.
The initiative is set to involve the creation of 110 pedestrian bridges and tunnels, 112 km of waterfront pathways, 124 km of green walking trails, and 150 km of rural and mountainous footpaths.
Advantages of walking
Laiba Ashfaq, a physiotherapist at Aman Lil Afia Clinic, remarked, “walking is a simple form of exercise that can fit into a hectic schedule. No equipment is necessary, and every minor step matters. Initiate today to enhance your physical and mental wellness.”
Laiba Ashfaq
“A gentle stroll to start with is sufficient. Walking aids with joint issues as it exerts less stress on the joints, fortifies bones, promotes an active lifestyle, and mitigates the adverse effects of extended sitting.”
Ashfaq emphasized that expanding walking areas could foster a healthier lifestyle for the community. “By ensuring accessible walking spaces, public health improves, which is beneficial for individuals with disabilities and elderly people navigating the community. Diminishing car reliance will also decrease traffic and air pollution, leading to a more eco-friendly way of life.”
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“Strolling on designated paths significantly contrasts with roadways. It diminishes the likelihood of accidents due to fewer impediments, such as stationary vehicles. Walking adjacent to verdant areas like parks and water bodies provides fresher air compared to traversing alongside heavily trafficked streets,” she remarked.
She additionally mentioned that a brisk 30-minute daily stroll decreases the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases and fortifies the heart. “Walking boosts lung capacity and overall respiratory health; it enhances sleep quality, alleviates mental strain and anxiety, and assists in managing weight,” Ashfaq emphasized.
Lowered risk of accidents
For Chinese expatriate Qiu Feng, who is also a passionate cyclist, establishing more pathways that link to the Metro or bus hubs “would significantly aid individuals utilizing public transit”.
Dubai Walk entails the construction of 110 pedestrian overpasses and underpasses to improve connectivity as part of Dubai’s bold strategy to elevate pedestrian and soft mobility from the existing 13 percent to 25 percent by 2040.
Meanwhile, Abdalla Abdulrazak, a 24-year-old Dubai resident, believes that the Dubai Walk initiative will result in fuel savings. “I can stroll from my residence without relying on my vehicle, particularly during Ramadan around Iftar, when crowds gather,” he stated.
Enhancement of mental health
In addition to its physical advantages, Ashfaq is also convinced that Dubai Walk will have a favorable effect on the mental health of the community. “The stunning visuals of pedestrian pathways designed near parks and gardens will encourage tranquility. These locales will provide a more soothing atmosphere away from street noise and pollution,” she pointed out, adding: “Walking in parks adjacent to lakes or gardens enveloped by greenery fosters relaxation, aiding in the alleviation of anxiety and stress.”
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Laiba motivates additional individuals to engage in physical activity by emphasizing that walking is straightforward to integrate into hectic routines and does not necessitate any specific gear. It can be performed in groups, is gentle on the joints, boosts energy levels, and encourages a more active lifestyle.
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Sara AlKuwari
Sara AlKuwari is an Emirati journalist who may appear reserved and quiet but is resolute and possesses a strong ambition to showcase Emirati culture in a significant manner. Additionally, she enjoys tea and is a passionate reader.
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