Abu Dhabi's Sports Participation Hits 60.3% by 2025

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

The Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi, together with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), has published the results of the fourth Abu Dhabi Sports and Physical Activity Survey. This latest research indicates a remarkable uptick in physical activity levels throughout the emirate, underscoring the effectiveness of initiatives aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles among residents.

Conducted in accordance with guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO), the 2025 survey collected around 31,000 responses, a significant rise from 21,000 in 2024 and 19,000 in 2023. Such an increase highlights the growing engagement and collaboration with governmental and semi-governmental entities, educational institutions, and community partners in Abu Dhabi.

The survey highlighted that physical activity participation in Abu Dhabi surged to 60.3 percent in 2025, up from 53.6 percent in the previous year. This rise demonstrates a dedicated commitment by the emirate to foster sports and physical activities as a fundamental aspect of daily life.

Furthermore, research results indicate a positive trend among UAE Nationals, with their physical activity participation climbing to 54.3 percent in 2025, an increase from 45.6 percent the prior year. This shift reflects an enhanced appreciation for the significance of an active, healthy lifestyle.

In children and adolescents, those meeting the WHO's recommended 60 minutes of daily exercise rose from 12.5 percent in 2024 to 14.8 percent in 2025. Although further improvements are needed, the findings point toward a positive shift in health-conscious habits amongst younger demographics.

People of Determination (PoD) also showed an encouraging rise, with 46.5 percent engaging in weekly physical activities per WHO guidelines, compared to 43.7 percent in 2024. This progress represents ongoing efforts to ensure inclusive sports opportunities for every societal member.

The survey additionally indicated growing levels of satisfaction with sports services in Abu Dhabi. Satisfaction rose to 83 percent regarding events and activities organized by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, up from 78 percent in 2024.

Satisfaction with sports facilities and related infrastructure also improved, reaching 78 percent in 2025 compared to 76 percent the previous year. These figures reveal ongoing enhancements to community venues and sports facilities throughout the emirate.

Community awareness regarding local sports events also displayed significant progress, increasing from 21 percent in 2024 to 25 percent in 2025. Awareness of major international sporting events hosted in Abu Dhabi also grew from 22 percent to 24 percent during the same timeframe.

His Excellency Mohamed Helal Al Balooshi, Executive Director of Community Engagement and Empowerment at DCD, noted that the survey outcomes illustrate Abu Dhabi's strides in establishing sports as a fundamental lifestyle choice. He acknowledged the vital cooperation between governmental and private sectors alongside community institutions as key components of this success.

Al Balooshi added that Abu Dhabi is committed to further augmenting sports infrastructure, including pathways for walking and cycling, while also introducing programs designed for diverse age demographics, senior citizens, and People of Determination.

This success furthers the department's commitment to formulating comprehensive policies, strategies, and innovative programs that enhance quality of life, promote healthy living, forge social ties, and support sustainable growth.

DCD employs a data-driven method to evaluate community needs and assess the impact of various initiatives. This approach is crucial in developing effective, sustainable policies aligned with Abu Dhabi's vision to invest in its people for future development.

Hamda Al Mansoori, Executive Director of the Strategic Affairs Sector at ADSC, stated that the survey results mark a significant advancement in motivating residents toward an active lifestyle. She emphasized that the findings align with DCD and ADSC's joint vision for a vibrant, healthy, and sustainable sports community.

Al Mansoori further highlighted the survey's value in providing precise indicators about the physical activity landscape across the emirate. This information allows authorities to refine sports programs, enhance community initiatives, and advocate healthy living among all demographic sectors.

The latest survey yields comprehensive data on the repercussions of sports events and community competitions in Abu Dhabi, facilitating better analysis and innovative solutions to bolster participation in physical activities while enhancing public health and quality of life.

In conclusion, the findings of the 2025 Abu Dhabi Sports and Physical Activity Survey reaffirm the emirate's dedication to fostering a healthier, more active society. Through upgraded infrastructure, inclusive initiatives, and community involvement, Abu Dhabi is making meaningful progress toward cultivating a sustainable culture of fitness and well-being for all its residents.

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