*8.2. Physical Activity in the Middle East*

Cardiovascular disease accounts for more than 45% of total mortality in the Arabian Peninsula [10,11]. The rate of physical inactivity in this region remains very high (61% and 73% for males and females, respectively). In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the central country of the region, the prevalence of physical inactivity has reached a rate of 69%. Furthermore, the prevalence of obesity and diabetes in the Saudi population has reached 49% and 25%, respectively, according to the Prospective Rural Urban Epidemiology study [12].

The two main barriers to physical exercise in the Middle East region are the hot environment and sociocultural factors [13,14]. The latter include the routine use of drivers and housemaids, the lack of adequate knowledge of the topic, the lack of motivation, and the insufficient number of exercise facilities [15]. Some obstacles relate to women specifically, as traditionally women are not expected to perform physical activity in public. Thus, it is important to develop adequate strategies to improve the physical activity rate in the Middle East region through:

