More than 100,000 people have joined the second edition of Dubai Mallathon since its launch, recording more than 220 million steps in two months.
The community sports initiative, launched by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has expanded to more locations across the emirate.
Government entities, private companies and community organisations are taking part alongside families, senior citizens, People of Determination, residents and visitors.
New venues join
Gate Avenue at DIFC joined Dubai Mallathon on August 1 and will remain part of the initiative until September 15. Ibn Battuta Mall joined on August 17.
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is also hosting four events on Fridays during August, with indoor walking routes available to participants.
Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, recently joined participants at Dubai Mall and took part in a running session.
He said: “The broad participation of government entities, the private sector, young people and families demonstrates the growing awareness across society of the importance of physical activity and its significant role in advancing quality of life. Initiatives such as this play a key role in strengthening community partnerships, promoting healthy habits and providing young people with a supportive environment to channel their energy, develop their character, and foster a sense of participation and responsibility.”
Sports across malls
Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, said the initiative gives people a way to stay active indoors during the summer.
He said: “The second edition of Dubai Mallathon builds on this vision by transforming shopping malls into accessible, air-conditioned spaces for daily physical activity, giving people of all ages the opportunity to exercise safely and comfortably throughout the summer.”
Hareb added: “The strong turnout, with more than 100,000 participants and over 220 million steps recorded, is a testament to Dubai’s success in making sport a way of life that is accessible to all. It also demonstrates the emirate’s ability to introduce innovative initiatives that combine recreation, health, and physical activity to enhance quality of life for citizens, residents and visitors alike.”
He further said: “At the Dubai Sports Council, we are committed to supporting distinctive initiatives of this kind that reinforce Dubai’s position as a global model for community sport and motivate people of all ages and backgrounds to take part in sporting activities. Physical activity is fundamental to good health, and making it a consistent part of daily life can have a lasting positive impact on quality of life. This is what we seek to achieve every day through our broad community partnerships.”
Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Airports, said: “Dubai International (DXB) provides an ideal environment for indoor walking, as movement is an integral part of the airport experience. During August, we have transformed indoor airport facilities into walking routes in line with the leadership’s vision of making sport and health a natural part of everyday life.
“Hosting this initiative reflects Dubai Airports’ commitment to creating more opportunities for our employees and members of the oneDXB community to engage in physical activity within one of the city’s busiest transport hubs, while contributing to Dubai’s vision of building healthier and more connected communities in line with the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033,” Al Joker said.
Free until September
Dubai Mallathon will run until September 15, 2026, from 6am to 10am daily at Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, Dubai Festival City Mall, City Centre Deira, Dubai Hills Mall, Gate Avenue at DIFC and Ibn Battuta Mall.
The participating malls provide dedicated walking and running tracks in air-conditioned spaces. Weekend sports competitions are also being held, with prizes available to participants.
Participation is free and does not require advance registration. Participants can visit any participating mall and collect a wristband, which also provides access to selected offers at shops, cafes and restaurants.
The initiative supports the Dubai Social Agenda 33, Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033 and the goals of the Year of Family 2026.
The first edition of Dubai Mallathon set a Guinness World Record for the Most Runners in a Mall Run Event, with 1,392 participants taking part at Dubai Hills Mall.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
