By Staff Reporter
Hamdan bin Mohammed Launches ‘Dubai Mallathon’ to Promote Fitness in Shopping Malls
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, has officially launched the Dubai Mallathon, a month-long initiative to transform the city’s shopping malls into vibrant hubs of physical activity and health awareness.
The initiative, which runs from 1 to 31 August, encourages residents and visitors alike to engage in daily walking, running, and fitness routines inside air-conditioned malls—providing a practical solution to the region’s extreme summer heat.
Dedicated tracks have been installed in seven key malls across Dubai, including Dubai Mall, Dubai Hills Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Deira City Centre, City Centre Mirdif, Springs Souk, and Dubai Marina Mall. The initiative offers free access to morning activities between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., along with various health and wellness experiences.
The Dubai Mallathon is aligned with major government strategies such as the Year of Community, the Dubai Social Agenda 33, and the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 33, which aim to raise living standards and promote holistic well-being across the emirate.
Strategic Vision for Community Wellbeing
In a statement marking the launch, His Highness emphasised Dubai’s ambition to become a global model for healthy living.
“With the Dubai Mallathon, we’re turning familiar spaces into places that inspire movement, connection, and better habits,” he said. “We want everyone in Dubai to feel they can stay active and energised in welcoming spaces built with their needs in mind.”
He further added that every step taken in this initiative is a step toward a healthier Dubai, and urged all members of society to participate in the collective effort to make the city the world’s best place to live, work, and visit.
Inclusive Participation and Health-Focused Activities
The initiative targets a wide audience—children, youth, seniors, residents, and mall employees—with accessible programmes that encourage daily exercise. It includes health awareness booths, guided stretching, fitness-tracking systems, and safe play areas for children.
The Community Development Authority, in partnership with shopping centres, is also launching a “Walk for Better Health” campaign as part of the initiative, reinforcing the message of sustained wellness across all age groups.
Participants can register for free at www.dubaimallathon.ae, where they will receive a digital participation card. Registered individuals can take advantage of exclusive healthy-lifestyle offers from participating food and retail outlets, incentivising smarter choices in both movement and nutrition.
Malls as Fitness Zones
By reimagining underutilised indoor space for fitness, Dubai Mallathon addresses environmental limitations while promoting a community culture of active living. The initiative reflects Dubai’s broader urban vision, where infrastructure, innovation, and public well-being are seamlessly integrated into everyday life.
Sponsored by the Ministry of Defence and supported by the Dubai Sports Council, the Dubai Mallathon represents a step forward in making wellness both accessible and integral to the city’s future.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
