ShareKUWAIT: Walking is not just a means of transportation or a healthy physical activity - it has become a widely practiced sport in Kuwait. With the state’s dedication to promoting a healthy lifestyle, walking areas have been developed across the country. Kuwait Times explores why walking has gained such popularity in Kuwait and how the state’s encouragement through the provision of dedicated walking areas has further enhanced this thriving sport.
Ala’a Falah, a physical exercise coach shared with Kuwait Times her appreciation for Kuwait’s installation of walking areas almost everywhere, including in shopping malls. Falah said it is obvious that Kuwait has recognized the potential of walking and its many health benefits for people. In Kuwait, the accessibility of walking areas has made it easier for people to remain keen on incorporating this healthy and easy exercise into their lives.
Parks, shopping malls, corniches and dedicated pedestrian paths can be found in almost every single area in Kuwait, facilitating people’s accessibility to walking areas, ensuring they feel safe and fostering an environment to pursue their walking routine, regardless of their location. “Aside from going to the gym, I tend to walk every day around the neighborhood that I live in.
This activity has connected me with my neighbors and people who live in the same area, which makes me quite familiar and friendly with everyone around. The whole neighborhood feels like home to me, as I feel safe and accustomed to most of the people residing in this area. I also walk in shopping malls and highly admire the fact that there are floors with an actual walking track in shopping malls in Kuwait,” Falah said.
According to Falah, walking areas often serve as a place for social interaction that strengthens bonds between neighbors and people in a society. Thus, walking has emerged as a beloved sport in Kuwait, especially since the state’s encouragement and provision of fantastic walking areas such as Shaheed Park, Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center, Yarmouk Park, Mishref Oasis, Salmiya Boulevard, Kaifan Park, The Scientific Center, shopping malls and many other places, which have played a crucial role in boosting its popularity. By emphasizing its health benefits and creating dedicated walking spaces within communities, Kuwait has successfully integrated walking as a common healthy lifestyle among its residents.
