The Dubai Mallathon, a fitness initiative that captured the hearts of thousands across the city, will now become an annual fixture after its inaugural edition drew record participation and rave reviews from Dubai’s fitness community.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, has directed that the Mallathon will take place every year from 15 June to 15 September, spanning three months across shopping malls in the mirate.
The decision follows the overwhelming success of the debut edition, which saw more than 40,000 participants lace up their trainers and hit indoor tracks across nine major malls. The highlight came at Dubai Hills Mall, where 1,392 runners combined to set a Guinness World Record for the largest mall run ever staged.
From casual joggers to committed marathoners, Dubai residents flocked to the Mallathon, turning malls into buzzing hubs of community fitness. In total, the initiative recorded more than 120 million steps during its month-long run, with participants praising the accessibility of the event and the chance to exercise indoors during the summer heat.
The closing weekend captured the spirit of inclusivity, with a full 42-kilometre marathon completed by 40 runners, alongside a special women’s race held to mark Emirati Women’s Day.
Sheikh Hamdan hailed the event as proof of Dubai’s growing status as a global leader in innovative community sport. “The unprecedented level of engagement witnessed during the Dubai Mallathon reflects how sports in Dubai have evolved into a way of life and a form of self-expression,” he said.
With backing from the Ministry of Defence and Dubai Sports Council, the Mallathon aligns with the emirate’s broader quality-of-life strategy, encouraging daily movement and active living.
For Dubai’s fitness community, the news means one thing: the Mallathon is here to stay. And if the first edition is anything to go by, its return each summer will only build on the momentum, cementing the event as a much-loved part of the city’s sporting calendar.
