Image: Majid Al Futtaim
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, has launched Dubai Mallathon, a new community-focused fitness initiative that transforms shopping malls into indoor walking and running tracks during the summer.
The month-long programme, which runs daily from 7am to 10am from August 1 to 31, aims to make fitness more accessible to residents by leveraging the climate-controlled environments of Dubai’s largest malls.
Seven malls will participate, including Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Hills Mall, Deira City Centre, City Centre Mirdif, Dubai Marina Mall, and Springs Souk.
“With the Dubai Mallathon, we’re turning familiar spaces into places that inspire movement, connection, and better habits,” Sheikh Hamdan said. “This is a shared journey. We are all partners in transforming our city into the world’s best place to live, work, and visit.”
Public health push through Mallathon
The initiative forms part of broader government efforts to promote well-being and healthier lifestyles under the Dubai Social Agenda 33 and Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 33. It also aligns with the national ‘Year of Community’ campaign.
Backed by the Ministry of Defence and organised in cooperation with the Dubai Sports Council, the Dubai Mallathon targets all age groups and segments of society, including children, senior citizens, and mall employees.
Participation is free, with registration open at www.dubaimallathon.ae.
Registered participants receive a digital card and gain access to daily fitness activities, including stretching sessions, children’s zones, and health-awareness stations. Fitness-tracking tools will also be integrated to encourage consistency.
Using existing infrastructure
The programme also addresses the challenge of exercising in the extreme summer heat by repurposing underused mall space. Officials say it is a practical, low-barrier solution for maintaining physical activity year-round.
“Dubai seeks to set new global benchmarks in wellbeing by making fitness an integral part of daily life,” Sheikh Hamdan said, adding that the initiative reflects the city’s strategy to place people and families at the centre of development plans.
Retail collaboration
To support lifestyle change beyond exercise, Mallathon will feature collaborations with restaurants and retail outlets that offer health-conscious deals and products to participants, promoting better nutrition and long-term wellness habits.
The initiative also includes the ‘Walk for Better Health’ programme, a joint effort by the Community Development Authority and participating malls, aimed at promoting community participation in physical health.
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