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29 March 2024

Only 4pc of the UAE walks anywhere: study

Walking in Dubai? They must be tourists. (EPA)

Published

This is one thing we can justifiably blame the weather for.

We’re not walking enough here in the UAE, a new study says, pointing out that only four per cent of people living in the country walk on a weekly basis.

Shoe manufacturer RYN Middle East says that compares abysmally with the UK, where ten times as many people pound the pavement on a regular basis.

This is despite the fact that the walking infrastructure in the UAE is well advanced compared to most countries in the world.

“Walking makes us live longer. Walking 150 minutes per week makes a person lose seven per cent of body weight, which reduces the risk of diseases,” says Dr M Ashfaq Konchwalla, Consultant Orthopaedic & Sports Surgeon Medcare Hospital Dubai.

“Walking strengthens heart and is also good for the brain and the bones. It also helps alleviate symptoms of depression, improves fitness and enhances physical function.”

And for those who’re gloating that they’re among the four per cent who do walk properly, the study says a majority of people here do not walk properly.

If every adult extended their physical activity to 30 minutes of brisk walking, each person would burn off more than enough to compensate for the extra 100 calories they are eating not to mention increasing physical activity.

The study says walking properly increases the percentage of body fat burned, boosts energy levels and reduces health risks, while straightening the spine, strengthening back muscles and reducing stress on joints.