Thousands participate in Yalla Walk initiative

The opening ceremony of Dubai Municipality’s “Yalla Walk – Every Step is a Reward” initiative was
a massive successful event with more than 600 people registering on the first day across all five
designated parks.

To date more than 4000 people have registered and received their welcome pack, which includes the
Pedometer, T-shirt and instructions. Every registered walker has to update the walked distance, which
would be converted to charity fund from Dubai Municipality and Al Maktoum Charity Foundation for
needy people.

The initiative sponsored by Fitness Giant Reebok and supported by Al Maktoum Foundation and Al
Fattan Properties kicked off at the beginning of Ramadan in the public parks of Dubai. The move
is aimed at educating the public about healthy habits during Ramadan, raising charity funds and
encouraging people to walk in any of walking tracks across Dubai.

Zena Habi, Reebok fitness expert said that one can’t emphasize enough on the benefits of exercise
and the need to take care of one’s body. Through our association with the Yalla Walk Ramadan
initiative by Dubai Municipality, we wish to raise awareness of walking and promote healthy living.

“I advise everyone to go for a 30 minute brisk walk after Iftar. It will increase body metabolism and
help digestion, eventually keeping one away from serious medical complications such as diabetes,
high blood cholesterol, etc” she added.

Zena will be on hand at Reebok tent to provide health and fitness advice to walkers at Safa Park
every Monday and Zabeel Park on Wednesday evenings between 8.00 p.m. and 9.00 p.m.

The Yalla Walk initiative was established to promote walking, as an easy and economic way to stay fit
and healthy that people can easily apply into their day-to-day life. Municipality has provided residents
with 33 safe and accessible walking tracks in urban and rural contexts.

“The campaign aims to help the needy people and promote walking as well as to support charity under
the slogan “Each step is a Reward’, and the doors are open for institutions and individuals to help raise
the charity fund by supporting the Municipality in this initiative,” Lootah said.

Participants can raise the funds allocated by Municipality and its partners by merely walking. The more
participants collectively walk at any of the walking tracks; the more funds are raised for the charity.
Distances will be recorded on individual pedometers, supplied to participants upon initial registration.

A fundraising meter installed at each park will record the distance collectively walked and will serve to
help the public keep track of the funds they have raised. The participants can also update their walked
distance through SMS or online.