TLDR:
• Walk 1000 showcases Abu Dhabi’s landscapes
• Public engagement through a 30-day challenge
• Emphasis on community health benefits
ABU DHABI (The Thursday Times) — Active Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with PureHealth and Emirates Foundation, has launched “Walk 1000,” a community-driven event set to traverse the emirate’s vast and scenic terrain. This ambitious initiative calls for an exhilarating 1,000-kilometre journey across deserts, mountain paths, and historic sites. Beginning on November 1st, elite athletes will embark on a month-long trek, spotlighting Abu Dhabi’s commitment to heritage, sustainability, and wellness.
Athletes embark on an epic journey
The route, carefully curated to highlight the emirate’s history and environmental priorities, will feature awe-inspiring landmarks such as the Liwa Desert’s vast expanse and the towering majesty of Jebel Hafeet. The athletes will also pass through ecologically and culturally significant places like Baynounah Houbara Bird Sanctuary, a crucial conservation site for avian species, and Al Sadeem Observatory, which marks the intersection of heritage and scientific advancement. Each location reflects a chapter in Abu Dhabi’s evolving story, serving as an emblem of both past and future.
Traversing heritage
Emphasising inclusion, the public is invited to participate through a parallel walking challenge, accessible via the Pura app. By logging 6,000 steps daily over the course of 30 days, community members can engage with the event’s spirit while enhancing their own fitness levels. Walk 1000 underscores the transformative impact of even modest increases in physical activity. With just 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly, the health benefits are significant.
Engagement through daily steps
Special activations will pepper the city throughout November. Women-only sessions and inclusive programmes for people of determination ensure that the initiative is welcoming to all. From families to fitness enthusiasts, there’s a place for everyone in this movement toward a healthier, more connected community. Active Abu Dhabi’s founder, Mansour Al Dhaheri, emphasises the universality of the walk, encouraging residents of all ages and abilities to embrace the fitness challenge. He believes the event is a transformative opportunity to not only get active but also to reflect on the emirate’s deep-rooted values.
Inclusive events for all fitness levels
With backing from key players such as the Department of Community Development, Abu Dhabi Police, and Ministry of Defence, alongside corporate giants like Mubadala, Ali & Sons, and EDGE, the event stands as a beacon of collaboration. Their combined support amplifies the message of Walk 1000: health, heritage, and harmony. The campaign’s integration into the wider goals of Abu Dhabi aligns with the emirate’s mission to foster community well-being while respecting its environmental and cultural legacy.
Collaborative effort driving Abu Dhabi’s wellness vision
Shaista Asif, Group CEO of PureHealth, highlighted the initiative’s role in building a robust culture of wellness. The synergy between fitness and heritage is central to Walk 1000’s appeal, drawing parallels between personal health and the emirate’s sustainable future. By engaging people from all walks of life, the organisers hope to set a precedent for future community health events. This monumental journey will be documented, with plans for a global release of a documentary in March 2025, aiming to share the emirate’s spirit with the world.
The Walk 1000 initiative also serves as a reminder of the emirate’s broader dedication to environmental sustainability and cultural preservation. The chosen sites along the route are more than just picturesque landmarks; they are pivotal to understanding Abu Dhabi’s identity and ecological vision. Locations such as the Baynounah Houbara Bird Sanctuary highlight the ongoing efforts in wildlife conservation, aiming to protect and sustain the diverse flora and fauna that thrive in the region’s unique ecosystems. Meanwhile, the presence of places like Al Sadeem Observatory underscores Abu Dhabi’s forward-thinking approach, showcasing its commitment to innovation and scientific research.
Beyond the physical walk, the event’s structure encourages a holistic approach to health and well-being, focusing on the social, mental, and environmental benefits of community activities. The weekly activations, ranging from accessible wellness workshops to targeted sessions for underrepresented groups, ensure that the initiative leaves a lasting impact on the residents of Abu Dhabi. Active Abu Dhabi’s emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility further demonstrates the emirate’s dedication to fostering an environment where everyone can participate, irrespective of age, gender, or physical ability.
Mansour Al Dhaheri’s vision for the project is clear: to inspire lasting lifestyle changes that extend beyond the duration of the walk. He expresses his hope that Walk 1000 will not only strengthen community bonds but also act as a catalyst for more sustainable and health-conscious practices across Abu Dhabi. The integration of local partners and international sponsors signals a comprehensive approach to community development, tying in public health, heritage conservation, and environmental stewardship under one cohesive banner.
The global documentary, set to be released in March 2025, promises to elevate Abu Dhabi’s profile as a destination that harmoniously blends tradition with progress. Through this initiative, Abu Dhabi positions itself not only as a city of breathtaking beauty but also as a beacon of health, culture, and environmental consciousness. Walk 1000 is not merely an event but a testament to the emirate’s enduring commitment to shaping a future that values its people, its land, and its history.
