Abu dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development (DCD), in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), has released the results of the fourth Abu Dhabi Sports and Physical Activity Survey, which showed an increase in average activity levels across the emirate.
According to Emirates News Agency, the survey tracks community patterns and trends based on World Health Organisation (WHO) standards. The 2025 cycle recorded approximately 31,000 responses, compared to 21,000 in 2024 and 19,000 in 2023, indicating a clear expansion of reach across various segments of the community through collaboration with partners across government and semi-government entities, universities, and colleges. These results also reflect the Emirate's ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life and promote a sustainable culture of sport as a way of life.
The 2025 survey results revealed that overall physical activity participation rates increased to 60.3 per cent of the population, up from 53.6 per cent in 2024. In relation to UAE nationals, these rates increased to 54.3%, compared with 45.6% in the previous year, reflecting an improvement in physical activity levels of citizens in the community.
The findings of the 2025 survey also showed an increase in the proportion of children and adolescents achieving 60 minutes of daily physical activity, from 12.5% in 2024 to 14.8%. In addition, the percentage of People of Determination (PoD) participating in weekly physical activity is in line with WHO recommendations, with this group showing an increase to 46.5 per cent, compared with 43.7 per cent in 2024.
In terms of satisfaction indicators, the satisfaction rate with sports events and activities organised by ADSC and its affiliated facilities increased to 83%, compared with 78% in 2024. Satisfaction with sports facilities, including infrastructure and services, also rose to 78%, compared with 76% in the previous annual survey. Awareness of community sports events in the Emirate grew significantly from 21% to 25%. Awareness of international sports events hosted in Abu Dhabi also increased from 22% to 24%.
Mohamed Helal Al Balooshi, Executive Director of Community Engagement and Empowerment at DCD, stated, "The results of the 4th Sports and Physical Activity Survey reflect the qualitative progress being witnessed in Abu Dhabi through a concerted effort to embed a culture of sport as a sustainable lifestyle. This is complemented by integrated efforts between other government entities, the private sector, and community institutions."
He added that the improvements seen in the 2025 survey results show that Abu Dhabi is expanding sports and community infrastructure, increasing walking and cycling tracks, and enhancing sports programmes tailored to different age groups, including People of Determination and senior citizens.
Hamda Ahmed Al Mansoori, Executive Director of the Strategic Affairs Sector at the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, affirmed that the results of the fourth cycle reflect an increase in the rate of physical activity among individuals in the Emirate. This demonstrates the success of sports initiatives in motivating members of the community to adopt healthier and more active lifestyles, in line with the vision of the Department of Community Development and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council aimed at building an active and sustainable sporting community.