Abu Dhabi launches school sports championship across 350 schools

The Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport, in collaboration with the Department of Community Development, has launched the fifth edition of the Abu Dhabi Sports and Physical Activity Survey for 2026. The goal is to gather data on sports participation and physical activity levels among Abu Dhabi residents of all ages, from school students to senior citizens.

The survey aims to compile a comprehensive overview of residents' exercise habits and activity levels, which will inform initiatives to promote healthier lifestyles and increase sports participation across the emirate.

The survey will measure various aspects of physical activity, including the frequency and duration of sports or physical activities lasting up to 60 minutes per day, monthly participation in sporting activities, and the average time spent exercising each week. It will also categorize the intensity of these activities as light, moderate, or vigorous.

Furthermore, the survey will assess the time residents spend on sedentary activities, such as sitting or using screens, and examine school-related activities like play, sports, walking to school, and physical education classes.

For other age groups, the survey will look at participation in sports and physical activities at work, as well as physical exertion from household tasks like cleaning and gardening. It will also cover recreational and sporting activities. The survey will provide insights into residents' spending on sports and physical activities, including costs related to equipment, facility memberships, and training fees.

Abu Dhabi's efforts to promote healthy cities and active communities are reflected in the survey, which aims to develop infrastructure and community facilities that encourage residents to exercise and integrate physical activity into their daily routines. The survey findings will support the development of urban environments that cater to the needs of families, children, and senior citizens, providing safer and more accessible spaces for walking, recreation, and exercise.

These initiatives will contribute to improved physical and mental well-being and greater opportunities for social interaction within communities.