Overview:
Walking is one of the simplest, most affordable, and most accessible forms of physical activity. It requires no special equipment or skills and helps improve physical fitness, maintain overall health, and reduce stress. Despite its many benefits, walking has not received the recognition it deserves as both a health-promoting activity and a practical means of transportation and recreation. In modern society, as technological advancement has increased, walking has become less common.
Walking can be practiced anytime and anywhere, including parks, shopping malls, public walkways, beaches, and other locations. It is suitable for people of all ages, and even individuals who are unable to participate in other forms of exercise due to health conditions can benefit from walking. It helps improve health, restore energy, and can easily become part of a daily routine.
During walking, most muscles of the body are engaged, from the muscles of the feet to those of the arms. Walking also promotes healthy blood circulation throughout the body.
Objectives:
- Promote public health.
- Encourage a walking culture and increase participation in walking.
- Motivate people of all segments of society across the Kingdom to participate in walking, in line with the nation's aspiration toward a healthy body in an ambitious nation.
Facts:
Walking every day, even for 30 minutes, provides numerous health benefits, including:
- Burning excess calories.
- Maintaining a healthy weight and improving physical fitness.
- Helping prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.
- Helping lower harmful cholesterol levels.
- Promoting bone health and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
- Reducing anxiety and depression while improving mood.
- Maintaining joint flexibility and muscle strength.
- Improving balance and blood circulation.
- The faster, longer, and more frequently you walk, the greater the health benefits.
Official Date
Globally: April 1st, 2026.
Locally: Shawwal 13th, 1447H.
References:
World Health Organization – Physical Activity
Saudi Ministry of Health – National Walking Day