Thousands of residents turned out for the first round of the Abu Dhabi Festival of Health, with many calling for similar initiatives to be held more regularly across the emirate.
The first five-day stage of the festival, which concluded at Hudayriyat Island on Tuesday, drew large crowds keen to take part in fitness activities, health screenings, workshops and wellness sessions.
Organised by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, it is hoped that the festival will encourage residents to adopt healthier lifestyle habits and make well-being a part of everyday life.
Citizens and residents alike were invited to take part in free fitness sessions, nutrition workshops and well-being consultations at the series of community events held at three locations across the emirate. Events at Hudayriyat Island concluded on Tuesday, but further sessions are planned from December 19-21 at Madinat Zayed Park, Al Dhafra, and December 26-28 at Al Jahili Park, Al Ain.
Dr Shereena Khamis Al Mazrouei, Director of Health Behaviour Promotion, told The National that the festival’s impact goes beyond attendance figures.
“We look at impact through how people engage with the experiences – how comfortable they feel exploring healthy habits and how the festival sparks conversations,” she said. “With live talks and workshops across the stages, the festival acts as a catalyst, encouraging people to reflect on their daily habits and feel confident taking the next steps towards healthier living.”
The core objective of the festival, officials said, has already achieved.
“The goal we had in mind from the very beginning was to make healthy living part of the conversation,” she said. “If visitors leave feeling more confident, more motivated and more connected to their well-being, even in a smal
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