Dubai // Every step residents take this Ramadan will be converted into cash for the less fortunate if the walkers take part in a major municipality campaign.
Hussain Nasser Lootah, director general of Dubai Municipality, said the Yalla Walk event could attract 5,000 participants.
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"The campaign aims to help the needy and promote walking, as well as to support charity under the slogan 'Each Step is a Reward'," Mr Lootah said.
"The doors are open to institutions and individuals to help raise the charity fund by supporting the municipality in this initiative."
Registration will open from Monday and through the holy month.
Participants will be given a pedometer after walking or jogging at one of the five designated walking tracks in the city: Al Mamzar, Zabeel, Al Barsha, Al Khawaneej and Al Safa parks.
There are 33 walking tracks around Dubai, Mr Lootah said.
At the end of each walk, participants will contact the municipality to update the distance they have walked. A meter in each park will record and show the total distance achieved by walkers there.
Donations will be provided through Al Maktoum Foundation and Al Fattan Properties.
The month-long programme will also offer activities, entertainment, promotional giveaways, free food and soft drinks, health check-ups and gifts.
"We want the public to make this a part of their daily routine because not only will they help others but it is also good for health, and that is why every step is a reward," Mr Lootah said.
"According to research, each of us is supposed to walk an average of 10,000 steps per day, which is approximately 7km."
The campaign comes after the successful Yalla Walk this year, in which at least 6,000 people took part.
Mohammed Obaid Ghannam, the secretary general of Al Maktoum Foundation, said his group would discuss with the municipality how best to distribute the funds.
"We will decide whether to distribute funds locally or internationally, and to what purpose it can benefit those who need our help," said Mr Ghannam, who will take part in the walk.
He plans to travel to Jordan on Sunday to ensure Dh2 million worth of basic food supplies is distributed to Palestinian families in refugee camps in Jerash.
"I will go to make sure the packages are ready and get the distribution started," said Mr Ghannam.
To participate in the Yalla Walk, register online at yallawalk.com or call the municipality on 800900 from Monday.
