Dubai Mallathon attracts over 100,000 participants in 2 months

The second edition of Dubai Mallathon has drawn more than 100,000 participants who collectively recorded in excess of 220 million steps in the first two months of the community sports initiative, organisers said. Launched by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, the Mallathon has expanded across multiple venues in Dubai and runs through 15 September with daily activities from 6am to 10am.

“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,” said Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, after joining participants at Dubai Mall and taking part in a running session.

The initiative targets a wide cross-section of the community — government entities, private-sector companies, community organisations, families, senior citizens and People of Determination — and has added new locations in response to demand. Gate Avenue at DIFC joined the Mallathon on 1 August and will remain a participating venue until 15 September, while Ibn Battuta Mall joined on 17 August. Dubai International Airport (DXB) is participating throughout August and will host four key events on Fridays, with Dubai Airports transforming indoor areas into walking routes for the month.

Event format and participation

• Dates and hours: Runs through 15 September 2026, daily from 6am to 10am.
• Participating venues: 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.
• Access: Participation is free and does not require advance registration; visitors can collect a wristband at participating malls that provides access to exclusive benefits and offers at selected shops, cafes and restaurants.
• Facilities: Malls offer dedicated walking and running tracks in fully air‑conditioned environments so participants can exercise comfortably during the summer.

Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Airports, emphasised DXB’s role: “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.”

Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, noted that continued leadership support for community initiatives is helping promote public health and establish a culture of physical activity across society. The Mallathon builds on last year’s momentum: the first edition set a Guinness World Record for the Most Runners in a Mall Run Event, with 1,392 participants at Dubai Hills Mall.

Outlook

Organisers are positioning the Mallathon as more than a seasonal activity: it supports Dubai Social Agenda 33 and the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033 and aligns with the Year of Family 2026. The programme also includes weekend sporting competitions across participating malls with prizes for participants, reinforcing efforts to make physical activity accessible to families and to embed exercise as part of daily life. With over 220 million steps already logged and venues extended through mid‑September, the second edition aims to sustain participation levels and encourage long‑term healthy habits across the city.