The Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi has launched its first emirate-wide survey on community sports trends, needs and behavior to gather essential information to inform decisions and shape sports sector policies.
The project will involve thousands of citizens and residents aged 15 and over, who will be asked to respond to a 5-minute long questionnaire about their levels of physical activity, patterns of sports participation, the types of facilities and outlets available for sports and active recreation, and potential barriers to individuals' participation in such activities.
Respondents to the survey will also be encouraged to share their perceptions of sports and their views on how more active and healthy lifestyles can be encouraged in Abu Dhabi.
Through enhanced understanding of the habits and needs of citizens and residents living in communities across the emirate, the survey will support government decisions to exceed global average fitness levels and meet the key targets in the World Health Organization’s ‘Ten Lifestyle Goals for Healthy Living’ as the global community recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Details of how to participate in the survey will be distributed to relevant entities and groups by the DCD and via social media channels and SMS messages to the general public.His Excellency Mohamed Helal Al Balooshi, Executive Director of the Strategic Affairs Office at DCD, said: ""There are so many ways for people of all ages to engage with sport and physical activity in Abu Dhabi, from attending major global events like Formula 1 or the Mubadala World Tennis Championships to using our public fitness facilities and joining groups at a grassroots level".
Working closely with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and other government entities, non-profit organisations, and the private sector, 'DCD's Community Engagement and Sports Sector will leverage the findings of the research to plan and monitor the need for and effectiveness of future interventions.
The Department reaffirmed that all submitted data shall remain confidential and only be used for research purposes and assist in arriving at the best indicators that will help improve the whole society’s quality of life. The Department also urges everyone to participate in the survey available at the following link: https://q-addcd.ink/36SO2ciAl