From family outings to fitness sessions, Dubai’s air-conditioned mallathons have become a popular summer workout trend for residents.
From solo runners to groups of friends exercising together, Dubai’s mallathons have become a popular summer routine among UAE residents. For some, the activity has also turned into a daily family bonding ritual.
Emirati father Abdulla has been taking part in mallathons every day with his sons, 8-year-old Ahmed and 6-year-old Falah. “We either go to Dubai Mall or Dubai Hills Mall,” he told Khaleej Times on Thursday morning at 9am while completing his walk at Dubai Mall.
One round of the marked mall track covers 1.5km. “We complete two rounds together before heading for breakfast. It is a great way to get the children out of the house during summer, and it has become a daily routine that we all enjoy,” he said.
The Dubai Mallathon initiative, which returned for its second edition this year, began on June 15. After running for a month in its inaugural year, the initiative has been extended to three months and will continue until September 15.
Held across six malls in the city, the daily walks and runs are open to everyone and do not require registration. Participants receive wristbands, while free water stations are available at regular intervals along the route. Runners can take part at Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Hills Mall, Dubai Festival City, City Centre Deira, or City Centre Mirdif.
The first Mallathon in 2025 drew more than 40,000 participants and earned a Guinness World Record for the largest mall running event, with 1,392 runners participating in a single race at Dubai Hills Mall. Building on its success, the second edition has expanded to three months and introduced pro-racing days every Saturday. Registration is required for these races and is available free of charge through the official website. Some participating outlets are also offering special discounts during Mallathon hours.
Growing participation
Coach Dennis, who has been associated with Dubai Mallathon since last year, said participation has increased significantly this year. “Last year, the campaign was only one month long and public participation was good. But this year, with the campaign extended to three months, the response has been outstanding,” he said. “There are many people who arrive exactly at 6am, and some who come every single day.”
The Dubai Mallathon initiative returned for its second edition this year, kicking off on June 15. After running for just one month in its inaugural year, the initiative has now been extended to three months and will continue until September 15.
The daily walks and runs, held across six malls in Dubai, are open to everyone and do not require prior registration. Participants are provided with wristbands, while free water bottles are available at regular intervals along the running route. Residents can choose to participate at Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Hills Mall, Dubai Festival City, City Centre Deira, or City Centre Mirdif.
The inaugural Mallathon in 2025 attracted more than 40,000 participants and set a Guinness World Record for the largest mall running event, with 1,392 runners taking part in a single race at Dubai Hills Mall. Following that success, the second edition has been expanded to three months and now features pro-racing days every Saturday. Registration is required for these races and is available free of charge through the website. Some participating outlets are also offering special discounts during Mallathon hours.
Participation on the rise
Coach Dennis, who has been partnering with Dubai Mallathon since last year, said he has noticed a significant increase in participation this year. “Last year, the campaign lasted only one month and public participation was good. But this year, with the campaign extended to three months, the response has been outstanding,” he said. “Many people arrive right at 6am, and there are also several participants who come every day.”
Laila added that she and Hessa have been taking part in the Mallathon since last year. “Hessa and I initially decided to join just for fun,” she said. “It became our summer therapy walks and eventually became part of our training routine. This year, we try to participate as often as possible. It is great that the initiative has been extended to three months.”
A summer-friendly workout
For amateur runner Muhammad Anshah, the Mallathon has provided a way to maintain his fitness routine during the long summer months. “Earlier, I used to run soon after Fajr to avoid the heat,” he said. “But I couldn’t sustain that routine for long, and even then, the temperatures were extremely high. I tried using the treadmill, but I didn’t enjoy it. When the Mallathon concept was introduced last year, I decided to give it a try — and I loved it.”
He said he has been participating three times a week this year and has thoroughly enjoyed the experience. “I have completed my interval training and long runs here, and it is the best way to stay consistent during summer,” he said. “This weekend, my goal is to complete a half marathon — 21km.
“Of all the malls I have tried this year, Dubai Hills Mall is my favourite. Last weekend, when I went there at 7am, there was a band playing and families with children were enjoying the atmosphere. Hats off to Dubai for once again creating an initiative that makes fitness fun and accessible for everyone.”
