In a bold and innovative step to foster healthier living, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, has launched the Dubai Mallathon, a community-driven initiative aimed at transforming major shopping malls across the city into early-morning fitness spaces.
This summer initiative, part of the broader goals of the “Year of Community” in the UAE and the “Dubai Social Agenda 33”, is designed to integrate health and wellness into daily life by offering air-conditioned, safe, and welcoming environments for walking and running.
A City That Walks Towards Its Future
In a statement accompanying the launch, Sheikh Hamdan highlighted that the initiative reflects Dubai’s commitment to raising the standard of living and making health a core element of everyday life. “Encouraging the community to engage in physical activity in a safe and comfortable space is part of our mission to empower individuals and improve their wellbeing,” he noted.
He added, “The idea is simple and the message is clear: those who walk towards their health are walking with Dubai towards its future.”
Where and When?
Running throughout the entire month of August 2025, Dubai Mallathon will take place daily between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM in seven of Dubai’s most prominent shopping malls:
-
The Dubai Mall
-
Dubai Hills Mall
-
City Centre Deira
-
City Centre Mirdif
-
Mall of the Emirates
-
Dubai Marina Mall
-
Souk Al Marfa at The Springs
Each location will feature dedicated walking and jogging tracks, health checkpoints, stretching zones, and even kids’ activity areas — all under one roof.
Inclusive and Free for All
Open to everyone — from youth to seniors, residents to visitors — the Dubai Mallathon is built to be inclusive. Participation is free with a simple online registration at www.dubaimallathon.ae, after which participants receive a digital participation badge.
The initiative also includes a special program, “Walk for Better Health”, led by Dubai’s Community Development Authority in collaboration with shopping malls. This sub-initiative is tailored to engage seniors and long-term residents in physical movement, emphasizing the city’s dedication to integrating all community segments into its wellness journey.
A Community Effort for a Healthier Dubai
The Ministry of Defense, in cooperation with the Dubai Sports Council, is the official partner of this initiative, reinforcing the city’s united front in promoting public health.
To further enhance the experience, a wide array of restaurants and retail outlets within participating malls will offer exclusive healthy-lifestyle promotions, aligning with the initiative’s vision of making nutritious choices both accessible and appealing.
From digital movement tracking tools to wellness tips along the route, the Mallathon is more than just a walk — it’s a full-fledged community experience.
A Model for Global Wellbeing Standards
Dubai’s leadership continues to set new global benchmarks in prioritizing human well-being. As Sheikh Hamdan emphasized, improving quality of life through meaningful, people-centric initiatives is not just a goal — it’s a collaborative mission that includes everyone.
With the Dubai Mallathon, the city has once again reaffirmed its role as a pioneer in turning public spaces into purposeful, health-enhancing environments.
