CAIRO — Egypt's first open-air gym has opened in the city of El Obour, 30 kilometers (19 miles) northeast of central Cairo. On Nov. 7, the municipality announced the facility would be accessible to all residents in return for a nominal maintenance fee.

Head of the Obour City Authority Abdel-Raouf El-Gheity told Al-Monitor over the phone that the coronavirus pandemic has prevented people from exercising. He said the city decided to open Egypt's first open-air gym to offer residents a healthy and safe atmosphere to work out in and reception has been warm.

Gheity added that the municipality reached out to businesses and civil society institutions in the city for contributions to fund the needed equipment.

He said that the facility was established on a 70-acre green space and includes a four-kilometer two-way walkway and running track with benches every 100-150 meters, garbage baskets, lighting and a security system. The facility, he added, is open to women in the morning hours and men in the evening hours. He explained that a workout area has been fitted with 34 machines and secured with cameras, fences, lighting and guards.