Dubai Mallathon to Become Annual Three-Month Fitness Festival in Malls

Dubai has added a new tradition to its fitness calendar. 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 Dubai Executive Council, has announced that the Dubai Mallathon will now take place every summer.

The event will run from June 15 to September 15 each year. During this time, shopping malls across the city will turn into indoor walking and jogging tracks. The goal is to give people a safe, cool, and fun space to stay active during the hot summer months.

This announcement comes after the huge success of the first Dubai Mallathon, which set a Guinness World Record for the largest number of runners in a mall race. The record was achieved at Dubai Hills Mall, where 1,392 people of all ages and nationalities joined in one race.

Sheikh Hamdan’s Vision for Fitness and Community

Sheikh Hamdan praised the strong turnout and energy during the first event. He said the Mallathon is part of Dubai’s wider plan to promote healthier lifestyles and bring people together.

He explained that sports have become “a common language” in Dubai. They are no longer only about competition but also about connection, fun, and self-expression.

By making the Mallathon free and open to everyone, Sheikh Hamdan’s vision is clear—fitness should be for all. No matter a person’s age, nationality, or fitness level, everyone should feel welcome to join.

He added that Dubai wants every initiative to leave a lasting impact. It should not end with the event but inspire people to make exercise a daily habit.

The First Dubai Mallathon: A Record-Breaking Start

The first Mallathon was more than just an experiment—it was a true success story.

• It attracted over 40,000 participants in just one month.
• It logged more than 120 million steps across nine malls in Dubai.
• It made headlines for setting a Guinness World Record with 1,392 runners in a single mall race.

This event showed how much the community values creative and inclusive ways to stay fit. Families, children, seniors, and even tourists took part, turning the Mallathon into a celebration of health and togetherness.

Why Malls? Turning Shopping Spaces into Fitness Zones

Dubai summers are very hot, making outdoor sports difficult. That is why the Mallathon was created inside malls. These spaces are air-conditioned, safe, and already popular with residents and visitors.

By turning malls into fitness-friendly spaces, Dubai has made it easy for people to mix shopping, leisure, and exercise. Whether someone comes to shop, meet friends, or dine, they can also choose to walk or jog.

This clever use of urban spaces shows how Dubai is always innovating to make daily life healthier and more active.

A Celebration for Everyone

One of the reasons the Mallathon was so successful is its inclusive spirit. Unlike many sports events that require training or entry fees, this one is open to all and costs nothing.

Children walked with parents. Seniors joined in at their own pace. Professional runners tested their skills. Families turned it into a fun activity. Tourists joined to experience something unique about Dubai.

The Mallathon proved that fitness is not just for athletes—it is for everyone.

Special Closing Activities

The closing week of the Mallathon was packed with highlights:

• A 42-kilometre indoor marathon where 40 runners completed the distance inside a mall.
• A women’s race held in partnership with the Dubai Sports Council to mark Emirati Women’s Day.
• Community activities that encouraged more people to try walking and running in a fun and supportive environment.

These events showed that the Mallathon is more than just exercise. It is also about celebrating culture, empowering women, and building social connections.

Linked to Dubai’s Bigger Plans

The Mallathon fits into Dubai’s long-term strategies, such as the Year of Community, Dubai Social Agenda 33, and the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033.

These plans aim to build a healthier, happier, and more connected city. By promoting fitness through events like the Mallathon, Dubai is showing the world how sports can improve both physical and social well-being.

The Mallathon is also sponsored by the UAE Ministry of Defence and supported by the Dubai Sports Council, proving that the event is part of a bigger national vision.

Sheikh Hamdan’s Message for the Future

Sheikh Hamdan made it clear that this is only the beginning. He said Dubai wants the Mallathon to be a model for future initiatives—fun, inclusive, and lasting.

He explained:

• Every project should go beyond the event itself.
• It should inspire people to live more active, positive, and connected lives.
• Sports should be seen as a driver of happiness, empowerment, and social unity.

His vision is simple but powerful: fitness is not just about movement, but about building a better society.

Why People Love the Mallathon

The Mallathon has struck a chord with Dubai’s residents and visitors because:

• It solves the summer heat problem by moving sports indoors.
• It is free and open to everyone, with no age limits.
• It is inclusive, with events designed for different groups like women and children.
• It is innovative, showing how malls can double as community fitness hubs.
• It has gained global recognition, thanks to the Guinness World Record.

This unique mix makes the Mallathon more than just an event. It is a new way of living healthier in Dubai.

Dubai: A Global Sports Destination

Dubai already hosts some of the biggest international sports events, from marathons to global tournaments. The Mallathon adds a fresh, community-driven side to this list.

By transforming malls into fitness arenas, Dubai is setting an example for cities around the world. It shows how urban spaces can be reimagined to promote health, fun, and community togetherness.

Dubai is proving that sports are not limited to stadiums or outdoor tracks—they can happen anywhere, even in shopping malls.

What’s Next for the Dubai Mallathon?

With Sheikh Hamdan’s new directive, the Mallathon will now be an annual three-month event. This guarantees more participation, bigger activities, and wider reach.

Future editions may include:

• More malls joining the program.
• Digital tracking apps to record steps and progress.
• Family-friendly challenges and themed races.
• Partnerships with schools, companies, and communities.

The Mallathon will continue to grow into a landmark event, helping Dubai lead the way in sports innovation and wellness.

More Than Just a Fitness Event

The Dubai Mallathon is more than walking or running indoors. It is a movement for health, happiness, and community spirit.

It brings together people from all walks of life, encourages active living, and proves that fitness can be fun, accessible, and inspiring.

Sheikh Hamdan’s vision ensures that the Mallathon will not only grow but also become a lasting part of Dubai’s identity—a city where sports and well-being are at the heart of daily life.