Abu Dhabi Launches Fifth Sports and Physical Activity Survey to Deepen Community Engagement
Building on significant progress in physical activity participation, the Department of Community Development, in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Statistics Centre, invites residents to share their experiences and aspirations through a comprehensive new survey cycle.
The Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development has unveiled the fifth cycle of its Sports and Physical Activity Survey, a comprehensive initiative designed to illuminate the sporting habits, motivations and aspirations of residents across the emirate. Conducted in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi, this survey represents a significant evolution in understanding how physical activity integrates into the fabric of community life.
Remarkable Progress in Physical Activity Participation
The survey builds upon an impressive trajectory of achievement. The proportion of community members meeting World Health Organisation recommendations for physical activity rose to 60.6 per cent in 2025, representing a substantial increase from 53.6 per cent in 2024. Among UAE nationals, this progress proved particularly pronounced, climbing from 45.6 per cent to 54.3 per cent. The survey also revealed that 14.8 per cent of children and adolescents now achieve the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity, whilst 46.5 per cent of People of Determination participate in sport on a weekly basis.
A Comprehensive Exploration of Community Experience
The fifth cycle extends far beyond simple participation metrics. It seeks to develop a nuanced understanding of how residents engage with physical activity, examining the frequency and consistency of exercise, the sports people practise most regularly and those they aspire to pursue. The survey investigates motivations for participation alongside potential barriers, including time constraints, cost considerations, facility availability and accessibility, and environmental factors such as weather conditions. Additionally, it measures sedentary behaviour and explores how residents utilise walking and cycling for transport, creating a holistic picture of movement patterns within daily life.
Special Focus on Young Children and Family Health
Particular attention is devoted to children aged five to eight, with the survey monitoring their physical activity levels and sporting participation both within educational settings and beyond. It examines the availability of sporting opportunities and facilities in residential areas, whilst also capturing parental perspectives on how physical activity influences their children’s physical wellbeing, mental health and overall development. Parents are invited to assess their satisfaction with available opportunities and facilities, providing invaluable insights into family needs.
Understanding Facilities and Community Aspirations
The survey encompasses the broader community experience of sporting infrastructure, including venues, clubs, fitness centres, parks, and walking, running and cycling tracks. Residents are asked to evaluate their satisfaction with these facilities and services, and to articulate their vision for enhanced sporting events, whether through increased community and international competitions, expanded opportunities for children, reduced participation costs, or improved accessibility and inclusion measures.
The initiative also explores community perceptions of sport’s role in promoting physical and mental wellbeing and fostering social cohesion. Together, these elements reflect a sophisticated understanding of sport as an essential component of quality of life and community connection, rather than merely a form of exercise.
Invitation to Participate
His Excellency Mohammed Hilal Al Balooshi, Executive Director of the Social Engagement and Empowerment Sector at the Department of Community Development, emphasised that whilst previous cycles have yielded remarkable achievements, they represent a foundation for deeper understanding rather than a conclusion. “Through the fifth cycle, we want to gain a more precise understanding of people’s experiences with sport, what motivates them to participate, the challenges they face, and what can be improved to make physical activity easier and more accessible for all segments of the community,” he stated.
Hamda Ahmed Al Mansoori, Executive Director of the Strategic Affairs Sector at the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, highlighted the survey’s role in informing future strategy: “Findings from previous survey cycles have provided valuable data and indicators that have supported our planning and the development of sports programmes and initiatives, helping to expand opportunities for participation and encourage more active lifestyles.”
All community members across Abu Dhabi are invited to participate by visiting the Department of Community Development’s digital platforms and completing the survey before 30 October 2026. Through their participation, residents will contribute to building a comprehensive understanding of sporting patterns and community needs, supporting the development of an environment that encourages active lifestyles whilst meeting contemporary aspirations.
Source: Abu Dhabi Media Office