Unleash Your Fitness Potential with 'Daqaaiq': Abu Dhabi's Community Development and Health Collaboration

Abu Dhabi launched a new community fitness program called "Degayeg" (Minutes) that encourages residents to add just a few minutes of physical activity to their daily routines. The initiative comes as physical activity rates in the emirate have jumped from 36% to 53% of adults meeting World Health Organization standards, showing growing momentum for healthier lifestyles.

The Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development partnered with the Department of Health to create this program. It's designed for everyone - whether you're at home, work, school, or anywhere in your community. The idea is simple: dedicate a few minutes each day to movement.

Here's what makes this program different. It's not asking people to completely change their lives or join expensive gyms. Instead, it focuses on small, manageable changes that can fit into anyone's schedule. The activities include short walks, stretching exercises, neighborhood activities, family sports events, and youth-focused programs.

The program specifically targets all age groups and abilities. Children, young people, seniors, and people with disabilities can all participate. The organizers made sure the events are accessible and inclusive for different fitness levels.

Mohammed Hilal Al Balushi, Executive Director of Social Participation and Empowerment at the Department of Community Development, explained that the initiative reflects their commitment to improving quality of life in Abu Dhabi. The goal is building a more active, healthy, and connected community by encouraging people to invest just a few minutes of their day in movement.

Dr. Ahmed Al Khazraji, Executive Director of Healthy Living at the Department of Health, said they continue supporting such initiatives to make Abu Dhabi one of the world's healthiest and most active cities.

The program aligns with WHO recommendations for adults to get about 150 minutes of moderate physical activity weekly. This helps improve health and reduce risks associated with physical inactivity.

Recent survey results show the strategy is working. The third round of the Sports and Physical Activity Survey in Abu Dhabi revealed significant improvements. The percentage of individuals meeting WHO physical activity standards rose to 53%, compared to 36% in the first survey. Among children and teenagers, 12.5% now exercise for 60 minutes daily.

These numbers matter for several reasons. First, they show that community-based fitness programs can actually change behavior when they're accessible and realistic. Second, the improvement suggests that Abu Dhabi's broader health initiatives are gaining traction among residents.

For the rest of the year, Degayeg will offer various community activities across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra regions. The activities will happen throughout the week, including weekends, giving people flexibility to participate when it works for them.

People can register and participate through the website www.Degayeg.ae to see the full schedule of events. They can also follow weekend activities through the department's social media platforms @DCDAbuDhabi. This allows residents to choose programs that match their age, fitness level, and available time.

The timing of this initiative is significant. As cities worldwide grapple with rising healthcare costs and sedentary lifestyles, Abu Dhabi is taking a proactive approach. Rather than waiting for health problems to emerge, they're investing in prevention through community engagement.

The program also reflects a broader trend in public health policy - moving away from individual responsibility toward community-supported wellness. By making physical activity social and accessible, the initiative addresses common barriers like lack of time, motivation, or suitable facilities.