More than 100,000 people have taken part in the second edition of Dubai Mallathon since it launched, together logging over 220 million steps in just two months. The free, walk-in fitness initiative, launched by Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, continues through 15 September 2026 and requires no registration.
For Dubai residents looking for a way to stay active despite the summer heat, the appeal is straightforward: air-conditioned malls turned into walking and running routes, open daily from 6am to 10am, at no cost.
New venues joining the route
The initiative's momentum has been helped along by new locations coming on board. Gate Avenue at DIFC joined on 1 August and will remain part of Dubai Mallathon until 15 September. Ibn Battuta Mall followed on 17 August. Dubai International Airport has also gotten involved, hosting four key events on Fridays throughout August.
In total, activities are now spread across eight major destinations: Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, Dubai Festival City Mall, City Centre Deira, Dubai Hills Mall, Gate Avenue at DIFC and Ibn Battuta Mall.
Why malls and airports
Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, said the second edition "builds on this vision by transforming shopping malls into accessible, air-conditioned spaces for daily physical activity, giving people of all ages the opportunity to exercise safely and comfortably throughout the summer."
Dubai Airports has taken a similar approach with its terminals. Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Airports, said DXB "provides an ideal environment for indoor walking, as movement is an integral part of the airport experience," adding that during August the airport had "transformed indoor airport facilities into walking routes in line with the leadership's vision of making sport and health a natural part of everyday life."
A wider quality of life push
Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, framed the scale of participation as a sign of shifting public attitudes toward exercise. "The broad participation of government entities, the private sector, young people and families demonstrates the growing awareness across society of the importance of physical activity and its significant role in advancing quality of life," he said. He added that such initiatives "play a key role in strengthening community partnerships, promoting healthy habits and providing young people with a supportive environment to channel their energy, develop their character, and foster a sense of participation and responsibility."
What participants get
Joining Dubai Mallathon costs nothing and involves no sign-up process. Those who take part can collect a wristband that unlocks exclusive benefits and offers at participating shops, cafés and restaurants across the venues.
With activity running every morning until mid-September next year, and new locations still being added, organisers appear to be aiming to keep the numbers climbing well beyond the current 100,000 participants and 220 million steps.