Dubai Launches Second Edition of Three-Month Indoor 'Mallathon'
Under directives from Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai's Crown Prince and UAE Minister of Defence, the city has launched the second edition of the "Dubai Mallathon," a large-scale indoor community sports initiative spanning the summer months.
The program, which commenced on June 15, runs daily through September 15, 2026, from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. It utilizes six major climate-controlled shopping centers across the emirate to provide free, air-conditioned walking and running spaces during peak summer temperatures. The participating venues are the Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Mirdif City Centre, Dubai Festival City Mall, Deira City Centre, and Dubai Hills Mall.
The initiative aligns with the municipal goals of the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033, alongside the federal objectives of the UAE’s "Year of the Family" 2026. Organizers state that the program aims to incentivize public fitness by integrating daily physical activity into accessible urban infrastructure.
"Health and quality of life are the foundation of thriving societies," Sheikh Hamdan said in a statement. He urged residents, corporate groups, and public sector workers to participate collectively.
Organized in coordination with the Dubai Sports Council, the 2026 itinerary includes dedicated tracks, guided warm-up sessions led by fitness trainers, and specialized programs for women, senior citizens, and people of determination (individuals with disabilities). Weekend races will be staged across the venues, featuring performance-based prizes and medals.
Participation is free and does not require advance registration. Attendees receive a tracking wristband at the venues, which unlocks tiered discounts and commercial incentives at participating retail stores and restaurants based on their frequency of attendance.
The expansion follows an inaugural edition that established a Guinness World Record for the largest event of its kind, during which a single race at Dubai Hills Mall drew more than 1,300 participants.
Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office
Andrew Shelepnytsky Andrew Shelepnytsky is an Editor of Dubai Voice.
Vladyslava Garkusha
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