RIYADH: The Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA) and King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), represented by CEO Gautam Sashittal, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to create a framework of cooperation that promotes active and healthy lifestyles in the district.

The MoU was signed in a ceremony at the Conference Center in KAFD, and was attended by resident SFA President Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al-Saud.

The SFA and KAFD will work together to create a healthy community for residents and visitors by designing a program of initiatives focused on health and wellness.

Simultaneously, an action plan will be carried through to benefit from KAFD’s facilities to host workshops and community sports activities. 

“Our agreement with KAFD is an important new milestone in our journey to create a health-first mindset in Saudi Arabia and ensure that physical activity is attractive and accessible for all our communities,” said Prince Khaled.

“We are looking forward to working collaboratively with KAFD to find ways of turning the district into a hub for sports and physical activity, while creating a grassroots culture of corporate and residential wellbeing,” he added.

“The district is forward-looking in its purpose and design, and we are excited about exploring new ways of engaging and enriching our communities together.”

The partnership will look to add to existing work with local and national entities — such as the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, and the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) — to achieve its goal of a healthier, more active Kingdom.

As part of its support for the Quality of Life Program, the SFA in early 2021 launched its Start Now campaign, calling residents of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to engage in physical activity.

It also recently launched a T20 cricket tournament and the Ehsan Steps Challenge in partnership with SDAIA, encouraging people to step forward for charity.

The SFA is also actively working with local authorities across the Kingdom to activate public spaces and parks to host community-oriented sporting activities.

“As an extension to the strategic goals of Vision 2030, lifestyle and liveability are two main elements that elevate quality of life,” said Sashittal.

“These two elements are extremely crucial in creating a vibrant society with a healthy and active lifestyle. KAFD embodies these elements, and that is clearly manifested by the advanced infrastructure and urban planning when it comes to liveability. Moreover, when it comes to lifestyle, KAFD is designed with people in mind, and it encourages walkability and being physically active,” he added.

“Therefore, we are pleased to partner with the SFA to explore ways in which we can foster a new culture focused on health and green living. We are looking forward to working collaboratively to turn the KAFD into a hub of new ideas and initiatives to promote a healthy lifestyle.

“The size, scope and ambition of KAFD adds strategic significance to the agreement and boosts the role of KAFD as a center for sustainability in the region, hence its advanced infrastructure, smart urban planning and human-centered approach.”