Saudi Arabia Achieves 60% Physical Activity Rate Through Strategic Health Initiatives

Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed, President of the Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA) and CEO of KBW Ventures, highlighted the Kingdom's significant progress in promoting a healthy lifestyle. He emphasised that investing in physical activity is a strategic move that benefits both individual health and the national economy over time. His remarks were made during a session titled "The Impact of Sports on Quality of Life" at the Global Health Exhibition 2025.

The event took place at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham, under the Ministry of Health's patronage and supported by the Health Sector Transformation Program, part of Saudi Vision 2030. Prince Khaled noted a substantial rise in physical activity levels, with active individuals increasing from 13% in 2018 to about 60% by 2025. This definition includes children engaging in daily exercise for an hour and adults participating for around three hours weekly.

The SFA has launched successful community initiatives like the Riyadh Marathon, which attracts over 40,000 participants annually. These events promote inclusivity, welcoming children, mothers, and even seniors over 80 years old. The participation of Saudi women has notably increased from 3,500 in early years to more than 15,000 recently.

The Global Health Exhibition was recognised with the "AEO 2025" award as the best international exhibition in the Middle East and Africa. The event features over 2,000 international entities and includes more than 500 speakers from 130 countries. It offers over 100 dialogue sessions and provides 110 hours of continuing medical training accredited by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties.

Held from October 27 to 30, this exhibition serves as a platform for global health discussions. It brings together experts to share insights across various sessions aimed at enhancing healthcare practices worldwide. The event underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to advancing health standards through collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Prince Khaled's focus on sports as a means to improve quality of life aligns with broader national goals. By fostering an environment where physical activity is integral to daily life, Saudi Arabia aims to enhance overall well-being among its citizens while supporting economic growth through healthier lifestyles.

With inputs from SPA