Dubai’s invite-only mallathon at DXB has attracted hundreds of walkers since its launch, with the final session set to take place on Emirati Women’s Day.
The response to the emirate’s invite-only mallathons at Dubai International Airport (DXB) has been overwhelmingly positive, according to a senior official. Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Airports, said the initiative has created opportunities for people to connect and build a stronger sense of community.
“Seeing more than 500 colleagues, partners from across the oneDXB community and invited guests come together for the inaugural walk shows just how much people value opportunities to step away from their daily routines,” he said.
The Dubai Mallathon at DXB has completed three Friday sessions so far, with participants taking part in walks across key locations in Terminal 3. The final session is scheduled for Friday, August 28, and will celebrate Emirati Women’s Day.
“I am especially looking forward to our Emirati Women’s Day walk on August 28, which will celebrate the remarkable contributions of Emirati women across our airport community while bringing people together around a shared purpose,” he said.
First non-mall venue
The Dubai Mallathon was launched by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to encourage residents and visitors to stay active during the summer. Six malls across the emirate have been transformed into indoor jogging tracks, welcoming hundreds of residents each morning throughout the summer. The initiative will continue until September 15.
Dubai Airports is the first non-mall venue to host the Mallathon, extending the initiative beyond traditional shopping destinations and bringing the fitness experience to the airport community.
The walks are invite-only, with participants including Dubai Airports employees, members of the wider oneDXB community and People of Determination. Majed said the initiative reflects Dubai Airports’ commitment to employee wellbeing while also reimagining what an airport can offer beyond its traditional role.
“Airports are built around movement, so bringing Dubai Mallathon to DXB felt like a natural extension of what we do every day,” he said.
More than exercise
For Majed, the initiative goes beyond promoting physical activity. The walks provide an opportunity for people from different teams and organisations to interact and build connections outside their usual work environment.
“At an airport, people from different organisations, cultures and professions work side by side every day, but opportunities to come together outside of their day-to-day roles are just as important,” he said.
“Initiatives like this create those moments, encouraging conversations, new connections and stronger relationships across our oneDXB community.”
The initiative also supports the goals of Dubai’s Quality of Life Strategy 2033, which aims to foster healthier and more connected communities.
Hundreds of participants have already joined the DXB walks, with refreshment stations available along the route. Majed said such initiatives can help create a healthier and more connected airport community by prioritising employee wellbeing and encouraging social interaction.
