Thousands take part in Yalla Walk to raise funds for charity

Participants get unique code to upload their distance to the website

Last updated:
2 MIN READ
Francois Nel /Gulf News
Francois Nel /Gulf News
Francois Nel /Gulf News

Dubai: Some 5,000 people from different nationalities and age groups have participated in Dubai Municipality's Yalla Walk initiative, in less than three weeks since it started.

The initiative has received an overwhelming response, according to the municipality. This Ramadan, the municiaplity invited people to participate in ‘Every step is a reward Yalla Walk', and the distance walked will be converted into donations to charity.

"The response has been quite encouraging. We had decided to register 5,000 people and have already attained that number. It reflects not only growing health consciousness among Dubai residents but also the spirit to contribute to a charitable cause. Soaring temperatures have not dampened this spirit," an official told Gulf News.

The Yalla Walk initiative was first launched in March this year and it introduced the walking tracks developed by the municipality at different public parks across the emirate. This Ramadan, the municipality launched ‘Every Step is a Reward Yalla Walk' supported by the Al Maktoum Foundation and Al Fattan Properties.

The registration started in July and the event began from August 1 and has been taking place across five walking tracks of Al Safa, Al Mamzar, Al Barsha, Al Khawaneej track and Zabeel parks.

Giveaways

Apart from giving pedometers to those who registered for the walk, there are promotional giveaways, complementary food and health services and also entertainment activities for the walkers. Regarding the profile of participants, the official said there is quite a high number of those in the age group of 40 years to 60 years.

The walkers, who have been assigned a unique code, can record the distance they covered walking directly on the Yalla Walk website, through SMS or phone call.

"It is much in sync with the spirit of Ramadan and gives one an immense sense of satisfaction knowing that the distance covered walking will be converted to donations and will go for a charitable cause," said Joy, a resident.

"The total distance will be updated only at the end of the month which is when we will be able to decide the amount," the official said.

"We will certainly like to launch the Yalla Walk event next time too as the response has been overwhelming," he said.

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