Urbanisation and physical activity in the GCC: a case study of Oman

Urbanisation and modernisation have dramatically changed the urban landscape in Oman and neighbouring countries. Noncommunicable diseases have become a major health burden. Transforming the urban environment to one supportive of physical activity would have wide-ranging benefits. Using the draft WHO technical package on promoting physical activity as a starting point, interviews were conducted with key stakeholders followed by a literature review on the most salient themes that emerged. This paper describes how the urban landscape needs to change if physical activity is to become a natural part of daily activity in Oman, hence increasing the possibility of meeting the national goal: a 10 percent reduction of physical inactivity by 2025.