Citizens and residents of all ages in Al-Ahsa enjoy allocated tracks provided by the local authorities to practice walking, running and for self-entertainment. Many citizens point out that these recreational places are becoming one of the city’s cornerstones.

Khaled Muhammad, public relations director and spokesman for Al-Ahsa municipality, said that walking tracks are important element in cities to highlight the social and physical side of community life.

“These tracks encourage citizens to practice walking; thereby enhancing the social and psychological dimension in people’s lives to achieve positive interaction between the city and its inhabitants,” Muhammad said.

According to the spokesman, Al-Ahsa municipality will create more walking tracks in cities and towns within a gradual timetable, extending to most neighborhoods that need such activities. Walking tracks have been allocated at many sites, he pointed out.

Abdul Rahman Saleh Al-Essa, physical education coach, said that walking tracks should be equipped with appropriate ground, specified distance signs, clocks, water coolers, instructions and bulletins about the importance of walking and appropriate clothes.

Moreover, many have demanded from the concerned authorities to allocate places for walking equipped with safety and security elements, asserting that walking helps them get rid of some diseases, especially diabetes and obesity.

Sarah Al-Rajeh, a citizen, highlighted the need for appropriate tracks. “I go for a walk from time to time, but the track lacks safety elements, landscaping and beautiful scenery that encourage all people to walk,” she said.

There is a need to develop these tracks, citizens complain, and the municipality could start by properly signaling the number of meters along the way.

Sarah Al-Mulhim, nutritionist at King Fahd Hospital, said that walking helps reduce high blood pressure and potential brain strokes.

“Walking is also an effective recipe to reduce cholesterol, by increasing fat burning rate and its disposal speed in body waste. Regular walking helps in rapid heartbeat, and thus leads to higher metabolic rate which helps in getting rid of excess calories,” Al-Mulhim pointed out.

“Walking helps to get rid of excess blood sugar, so doctors advise diabetes patients to walk every day, and it is recommended to drink 8-10 glasses of water daily to enhance the effectiveness of walking in removing body toxicity,” she added.

In addition, psychologists emphasized the importance of walking to alleviate tension, reduce psychological anxiety resulting from work pressures and family responsibilities, and a way to overcome sleep disorders.