Healthy Cities
A healthy city supports the well-being of its people with safe walkways, green spaces, clean air, and opportunities to stay active.
Authors: Dr. Pooja Sajish, Dr. Sohaila Cheema, Dr. Karima Chaabna
A healthy city is defined by its ongoing commitment to health, not by a fixed or particular health status. A city can be considered healthy if it actively works to improve the well-being of its residents and has a clear structure and process in place to promote health. A healthy city continuously improves its physical and social environments and enables people to support each other, fulfill life’s functions and reach their full potential. Moreover, cities are more than buildings, highways, and shopping centers—they are where we live, raise families, and connect with our communities. In practice, healthy cities are designed for people, not just cars. They are:
- Walkable and safe, with continuous sidewalks, safe crossings, and bike lanes
- Family-friendly, offering safe play areas, green corridors, and shaded parks
- Inclusive, ensuring access for children, women, older adults, and people with disabilities
- Well-serviced, with reliable access to healthcare, fresh food, clean water, and public transport.
Qatar’s Healthy City Milestones
A healthy city supports the well-being of its people with safe walkways, green spaces, clean air, and opportunities to stay active. In Qatar, these criteria align with Qatar National Vision 2030, which emphasizes sustainable development, human well-being, and thriving communities. Qatar has made impressive progress toward building healthier urban environments:
- Green Spaces & Walkways
The Doha Corniche is a favorite spot for walking, jogging, or cycling by the sea. Families enjoy weekends at Aspire Park, while Lusail Boulevard has quickly become a vibrant space for strolling and community events.
- Active Transport
Dedicated cycling tracks and pedestrian-friendly areas are encouraging people to leave their cars behind and get moving. The Doha Metro also makes travel easier, faster, and cleaner, helping to reduce road congestion and air pollution.
- World Health Organization (WHO) Recognition
All eight municipalities in Qatar have been recognized by the WHO as ‘Healthy Cities,’ making Qatar the first country worldwide to achieve this milestone. In addition, Qatar University has earned the title of ‘Healthy University,’ and Education City has been designated as a ‘Healthy Education City.’
These steps not only make cities more enjoyable but also contribute directly to better health by making daily activity easier and supporting cleaner air, safety, and social connection.
Why Healthy Cities Matter to Us
More people live in urban areas than rural ones, and by 2050 about 70% of the world’s population will live in cities. While cities offer opportunities—better jobs, education, and healthcare—they can also pose risks:
- Infectious diseases can spread faster in crowded areas with poor sanitation.
- Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and heart disease are often higher in cities where food environments are unhealthy and daily activity is limited.
- Air pollution remains a global challenge, with only a minority of cities (12%) meeting WHO air-quality guidelines.
This is why healthy urban planning—green spaces, safe housing, access to clean water, active transport, and social inclusion—is critical for public health.
Small Steps You Can Take
Creating a healthier city is not just the job of planners and policymakers, it starts with us. By making simple choices every day, we can contribute to the bigger picture:
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By weaving these actions into our routines, we make our communities healthier, greener, and more connected. After all, a healthy city is built by healthy citizens.
Maintaining Qatar’s Healthy Cities
Healthy cities are about more than infrastructure; they are places where people can flourish. Qatar’s parks, walkways, smart transport, and community-friendly spaces show this vision in action, and the journey does not end here. By choosing healthier daily habits and supporting local initiatives, we can help keep Qatar’s cities vibrant, sustainable, and welcoming for generations to come.
Sources: World Health Organization (WHO) | WHO2 | Government Communications Office (GCO) | Visit Qatar | Visit Qatar2 | Visit Qatar3 | Ministry of Public Health (MOPH)
Editor: John Alexander Hayward