Shopping malls across Qatar are witnessing a vibrant sporting atmosphere as they host the “Mall Walking Challenge”, a 5,000-step challenge held as part of the “Sport for All Summer 2026” programme organized by the Qatar Sports For All Federation under the umbrella of the Ministry of Sports and Youth. The initiative aims to provide diverse and suitable sporting options for members of the community during the summer, encourage regular physical activity, and promote a culture of walking as an easy and accessible sport for everyone.

The “Mall Walking Challenge” will continue until the end of the summer across approximately 12 shopping malls throughout Qatar, with growing participation from members of the community, who have found the initiative to be an ideal opportunity to enjoy walking in air-conditioned surroundings away from the summer heat. Last Friday morning, Doha Festival City hosted another round of the programme, attracting 430 participants, including men, women, youth, children and senior citizens. Qatar Mall also welcomed approximately 150 participants through its air-conditioned walkways. A number of other shopping malls are also hosting the walking challenge, including Al Hazm Mall, Hyatt Plaza, Tawar Mall, Abu Sidra Mall, Lagoona Mall, Place Vendôme Mall, Ezdan Mall Al Wakrah, Al Khor Mall, Al Mirqab Mall and Villaggio Mall, where participation and step tracking are activated through the “Sports for All” application.

Mr. Abdullah Al Dosari, Executive Director of the Qatar Sports For All Federation, said that the 5,000-Step Mall Walking Challenge is witnessing remarkable engagement and growing participation from all age groups, thanks to the distinctive sporting experience it offers. He noted that the initiative provides an excellent opportunity for members of the community to practice walking by creating a suitable environment for the activity during the summer. He affirmed that the increasing number of participants and the growing number of malls hosting the challenge reflect the clear and tangible rise in awareness of the importance of walking among members of the community and its role in promoting fitness and public health.

The Executive Director of the Qatar Sports For All Federation explained that one of the initiative’s objectives is to encourage all members of the family to practice sports through the Mall Walking Challenge, affirming that reaching 5,000 steps per day represents a suitable and motivating goal for participants.