Fujairah city gets first running track in picturesque location

The 1,800-metre rubber track is four metres wide and circles Sheikh Zayed Mosque.

Works continues on Fujairah’s first running track, located near the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. Antonie Robertson / The National

FUJAIRAH // The first jogging track to be built in Fujairah city will circle Sheikh Zayed Mosque and it is expected to be ready before the National Day.

The 1,800-metre rubber track is four metres wide and was built under the directives of Hamad Al Sharqi, the Ruler of Fujairah.

The manager of Fujairah public works department said that many residents will benefit from the new track.

“It’s a new destination for sports lovers and residents, in general. They can practice jogging and walking any time of the day as lampposts cover all the surrounding area and soon we will have a free high-speed Wi-Fi service,” said Salem Al Mukasah.

“The maroon-coloured track is the first in the area and we expect the number of joggers to rise after this project.

“The area was chosen due to its unique location in the heart of the city and to make good use of the huge space around the grand mosque. We expect it to be ready on or before National Day [December 2].”

Residents were excited to try out the track for running and walking.

“It’s a clever idea to take advantage of the space around the mosque and turn it into a jogging spot. It will encourage us to do more sports and be fit during winter time,” said Jehan Marzoq, a 35-year-old Egyptian mother of two.

“After giving birth to my second child I gained 15 kilos and this is the right time to start exercising as the new track is only five minutes away from my house.”

Another resident said that she always practices sports in the area surrounding the mosque and is looking forward to using the new track.

“I practice jogging and sports at the mosque’s yard, it’s the best place as it’s huge and not crowded,” said Dima Abdulmutallab, a 20-year-old Jordanian college student.

“The new track will make jogging much easier and useful as its specially designed for that purpose.”

Ms Abdulmutallab visits the area almost every day after college to stay fit.

“I used to go jogging with my friend in the parking lot near the mosque but it gets quite dark in the evening due to the lack of lights but here at the mosque the lights are always on during the evening,” she said.

An Emirati resident said that the city needs places that encourage people to play sports and stay in good shape.

“The area is in need of such projects that encourage us to concentrate more on our physical health,” said Ibrahim Al Kaabi, 39.

“I appreciate the government’s efforts but they should do more projects like this as I don’t think that it would cost much but everyone can benefit from it.

“This will encourage young people who spend their time sitting either in the car or at the house without exercising, and will also be a good place for old people too.”