Dubai Mallathon has surpassed 100,000 participants in its second edition, with residents and visitors collectively clocking more than 220 million steps in the first two months of the summer community sports initiative, according to the Dubai Media Office.
The initiative, launched on June 15, has transformed shopping malls across Dubai into air-conditioned running and walking tracks, giving people a way to stay active during the summer while bringing families and the wider community together.
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What is Dubai Mallathon?
Launched by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Dubai Mallathon is designed to encourage residents and visitors to stay active throughout the summer.
Organised in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council, the second edition will run until September 15, with six malls across the emirate opening their doors to runners and walkers every morning from 6am to 10am.
The participating venues, Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Mirdif City Centre, Dubai Festival City Mall, Deira City Centre and Dubai Hills Mall, provide dedicated walking and running tracks in cool, air-conditioned surroundings.
Participants can also take part in a range of sports activities, competitions and community programmes designed for different ages and fitness levels.
The initiative also supports the UAE’s Year of the Family 2026 by encouraging families to exercise together and spend time in positive community settings.
More venues join the initiative
The Mallathon has continued to expand since its launch.
Gate Avenue at DIFC joined on August 1 and will remain part of the initiative until September 15, while Ibn Battuta Mall joined on August 17, bringing the programme to an even wider section of the community.
Dubai International Airport (DXB) also became the first non-mall venue to host the initiative, opening parts of the airport to invite-only Mallathons during August.
DXB is hosting four Friday sessions, with the final one scheduled for August 28 and set to pay tribute to Emirati Women’s Day.
From officials to families
The Mallathon has attracted a wide mix of participants, including UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, senior government officials, government employees, people of determination, senior citizens and students.
Members of Team Angel Wolf, a non-profit organisation promoting inclusion in sport, also took part in the August 7 session, according to Khaleej Times reporting.
With the Mallathon running until September 15, residents and visitors can continue to take part in the initiative, stay active and enjoy a range of sports and community activities in Dubai’s air-conditioned malls.
