In a recent survey conducted by the Sports Boulevard has provided a comprehensive look into Riyadh residents’ exercise habits and attitudes for the first time. The Riyadh Sports Index, derived from responses from 1,000 residents, sheds light on how people in the city approach fitness.
The survey findings indicate a notable increase in physical activity, with almost half of Riyadh’s residents (49%) engaging in exercise at least twice a week. However, a significant majority (76%) still feel they’re not doing enough, citing barriers such as limited time (45%), unfavorable weather (39%), and the expense of gym memberships (36%) as major deterrents. About 18% mentioned they would exercise more if facilities were more accessible.
Accessibility to sports facilities emerged as a significant issue, with only 11% of respondents living within a kilometer of such facilities. More than half (52%) live over 3km away, leading to about 31% resorting to exercising at home due to the lack of nearby options.
The upcoming Sports Boulevard project aims to transform Riyadh’s exercise scene dramatically. Spanning over 135km, it is set to be the world’s largest urban linear park, featuring 50+ sporting facilities and safe, green pathways for pedestrians, cyclists, athletes, and horse-riders.
The survey highlights popular exercise choices in Riyadh, with walking (63%), running (47%), and football (44%) topping the list. Reasons for staying fit include physical health improvement (74%), mental health benefits (53%), community engagement (28%), and the competitive aspect (24%).
As the Sports Boulevard nears completion, promising over 4.4 million square meters of green spaces and facilities for more than 50 sports disciplines, it aligns well with the health-conscious population revealed by the Riyadh Sports Index. The project aims to cater to diverse sporting interests and promote healthier lifestyles among residents.
Jayne McGivern, CEO of the Sports Boulevard Foundation, emphasized the survey’s significance in understanding Riyadh’s exercise preferences and how the Sports Boulevard can address barriers to exercise, ushering in a new era of sports and well-being.
The Sports Boulevard stands as one of Riyadh’s ambitious mega-projects, initiated under the guidance of The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and supported by HRH Prince Mohamed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. Aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals, this initiative aims to position Riyadh among the top 10 cities globally by 2030.
