Stride into Health: Saudi Launches 'Walk 30' Public Fitness Drive
Saudi Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel spearheaded a community walk at Riyadh's Sports Boulevard on Saturday, marking the launch of the Walk 30 public health campaign. The initiative aims to boost physical activity nationwide, targeting a minimum of 150 weekly minutes per participant.
Al-Jalajel emphasized that Walk 30 tackles sedentary lifestyles, a critical health issue affecting over 80% of Saudis. The program promotes walking 30 minutes daily to foster lasting behavioral changes, reduce chronic disease risks, and enhance overall well-being. Surpassing National Fitness Milestones
Recent data reveals promising progress: 58.5% of Saudi adults now meet the 150-minute weekly activity goal, exceeding 2024 targets. Meanwhile, 18.7% of youth achieve the recommended 60 daily minutes of exercise. These efforts align with Vision 2030's life expectancy target of 80 years, with current averages rising to 78.8 years.
'Walk 30, now in its fifth season, serves as a cornerstone of our health transformation under Vision 2030,' Al-Jalajel stated. He highlighted that consistent walking slashes heart disease risk by 30% and stroke likelihood by 40%.
With summer temperatures rising, Al-Jalajel urged residents to prioritize evening walks, hydration, and shaded areas. He also showcased the Healthy Mall program, operational since 2019, which converts shopping centers into air-conditioned walking tracks with water stations and nutritious dining options.
Authorities transformed malls into vibrant fitness spaces, offering safe environments for families to walk year-round. The initiative now spans multiple cities, reflecting growing public enthusiasm for accessible health solutions. Global Ambitions for Walk 30 Success
Al-Jalajel revealed plans to expand Walk 30 internationally, citing collaboration with WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during its fourth season. 'Our seasonal programs—from winter to summer—can inspire global partnerships,' he said, underscoring Saudi Arabia's leadership in scalable health innovations.
Building on this momentum, Walk 30 continues to unite communities, proving that small daily steps can drive transformative national change.
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