Dubai Mallathon was a huge success last year, and it’s back for 2026 for a longer period
The Dubai Mallathon, Dubai’s famous sports initiative that saw the cities’ largest malls transformed into fitness hubs with indoor running tracks it’s soon.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE, directed that the Dubai Mallathon for 2026 be made into a three-month initiative. Last year, it ran only over the month of August; however, in 2026, it will take place from June 15 to September 15 across various malls in the city.
What distances are the runs?
The initiative gives participants the chance to exercise while avoiding the Dubai summer heat. Last year in 2025, there were 10k runs, 5k runs, 2.5k runs and any-pace walks.
What malls will take part?
None have been confirmed for 2026, however the tracks were introduced in some of Dubai’s top malls in 2025, including Dubai Mall, Dubai Hills Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Marina Mall, Springs Souk, City Centre Deira, and City Centre Mirdif.
Last year, the closing event also featured a 42-kilometre marathon. The event even set a Guinness World Record for most runners in a mall run event in Dubai Hills Mall, where 1,392 participants took part across various ages and nationalities.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum praised the outstanding success of the Dubai Mallathon and said, “The unprecedented level of community engagement witnessed during a full month of the Dubai Mallathon reflects how sports in Dubai has evolved into a common language, a way of life, and a powerful form of self-expression. Building a healthy and active society is a goal we can achieve through innovative and inclusive initiatives inspired by Dubai’s vision.”
If running isn’t really your thing, there are indoor gyms in Dubai open 24/7 for weights, so you can get a sweat on at any time of the day that suits you. Yoga and Pilates studios are popular around the city, too.
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