The Dubai Mallathon, a first-of-its-kind fitness initiative transforming the city’s shopping centers into indoor running tracks, has concluded its successful month-long run. Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, the event officially wrapped up on Sunday, September 1st.
The citywide initiative, which ran daily throughout August, attracted over 40,000 participants across nine of Dubai’s major malls, establishing itself as one of the emirate’s largest community sporting events. The concept was designed to encourage residents and visitors to maintain an active lifestyle during the hot summer months by offering a comfortable, air-conditioned environment for walking and running.
The Mallathon featured a variety of distances, including 2.5km, 5km, and 10km runs, as well as an “any-pace” walk, making it accessible to individuals of all fitness levels. Participating malls included The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Marina Mall, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira, Dubai Hills Mall, The Springs Souk, Dubai Festival City, and Dubai Festival Plaza.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the initiative, highlighting his vision to “set new global benchmarks in wellbeing by making fitness an integral part of daily life.” The Mallathon is a key part of this broader commitment to enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors.
Beyond the physical activity, the event fostered a strong sense of community, with families and friends taking part together. Its success has not only provided a unique solution to summer fitness but also earned the Dubai Mallathon an official Guinness World Record title for the Most Runners in a Mall Run Event.
