Are GCC Countries Integrating Digital Technologies into Physical Activity Policy? A Policy Analysis

Physical inactivity remains highly prevalent across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries despite rapid digital transformation and investment in health information infrastructure. This mismatch raises important questions for health systems seeking to become more responsive and equitable through digital innovation. So, this policy analysis examined whether national strategies across six GCC countries have operationalised digital technologies to support physical activity promotion. A structured review of official government ministry and authority websites (July–November 2025) identified national strategies, action plans, and policy frameworks referencing physical activity and digital technologies. Of 1,044 initial records, 13 policy documents met predefined inclusion criteria. Data extraction was guided by the WHO Health-Enhancing Physical Activity Policy Audit Tool (HEPA-PAT) and the WHO Classification of Digital Health Interventions. Across included documents (2014–2025), physical activity was widely recognised within broader NCD prevention agendas, and digital health infrastructure was strongly emphasised. However, digital technologies were primarily positioned as system-level enablers for clinical care, surveillance, and governance rather than as tools for population-level physical activity promotion. Only one policy (Saudi Sports for All Strategy) described digital delivery mechanisms to support participation in physical activity. These findings discovered a digital governance gap in which prevention priorities and digital system capacities remain separate. Connecting digital health systems with physical activity policy may strengthen equity-oriented, system-level approaches to prevention and contribute to more responsive and resilient health systems.