DXB Terminal 3 transformed into indoor running track for Dubai Mallathon event

Dubai: Passengers wheeling suitcases towards check-in counters and families preparing to fly out were met with an unusual sight at Dubai International Airport (DXB) Terminal 3, groups of runners and walkers completing laps inside one of the world’s busiest airports.

For the first time, DXB transformed part of its terminal into an indoor fitness track, allowing employees and members of the airport community to swap boarding passes for running shoes as part of the Dubai Mallathon summer fitness initiative.

Unlike the mall-based editions open to the public, this event was an invite-only affair, bringing together Dubai Airports employees and members of the oneDXB community, the collaborative network linking Dubai Airports with partners including Emirates, flydubai, dnata, Dubai Duty Free, and various government entities.

Participants tackled a one-kilometre loop threading past the departures entrance, the baggage check-in counters, and the security and immigration zones, the same paths ordinarily reserved for travellers dashing to catch a flight. Many completed multiple laps, clocking up two to three kilometres in total, before collecting refreshments, goodie bags and a participation medal at the finish.

A family Affair, powered by purpose

Among those taking part was Team AngelWolf, a Dubai-based, CDA-licensed non-profit founded by Nick and Delphine Watson. The foundation, inspired by the couple's son Rio, a Person of Determination living with a rare chromosome condition, champions inclusivity and adaptive sport, with the family having completed hundreds of endurance events together in the name of community spirit.

The Watsons are no strangers to Dubai's fitness calendar, having taken part in the Dubai Run, previous editions of the Mallathon, and now this airport debut.

"We are always taking part in sport events with Dubai Airport, and they always organise something exciting," said Tia Watson, the couple's daughter. "Now turning this airport into a running and walking track. I don't think it's ever been done before. The opportunity to do this together as a family means a lot too. We did the loop multiple times, and everyone here is very supportive and encouraging.”

A unique workout at DXB

For many, the novelty of exercising where they would normally be rushing for a gate was the highlight of the morning. Elisa Yana, who has worked in Dubai Duty Free's executive office for the past 29 years, said it was her first Mallathon of any kind and what a setting to start with.

"It was so much fun and exciting, never seen this happen at the airport, which makes it even more unique," she told Gulf News. "The vibe and environment is also amazing, and a great way for us to connect and have fun as a team."

Love Guleria, from Dubai Airports' strategy development department, brought his son along for the experience. "I've seen the Dubai Mallathon at malls, but to see it at DXB is really fun to jog, walk and run around this part of the airport was brilliant," he said. "I've taken part in the mall runs too, which is also fun, but it's pretty cool to be able to say you did it inside the airport.."

Keeping participants motivated throughout the morning was Daniel Mungai, also known as Coach Dan, a Dubai-based fitness trainer who has lived in the UAE for six years.

Coach Dan, who has participated in previous Dubai Mallathon events, led warm-up exercises, encouraged participants and helped create an energetic atmosphere before the laps began.

“I love doing this, it is the best part of my job,” he said. “Some people are shy and need a little encouragement and a positive attitude before they start. I speak to people of all ages and cultures - young, old and people of determination and encouraging everyone to take part and enjoy the activity is really rewarding.”

Bringing fitness indoors during Dubai summer

The DXB edition was part of Dubai Mallathon, a citywide summer fitness initiative that transforms major indoor shopping centres into air-conditioned walking and running tracks during the hottest months of the year.

Launched last summer and returning this year, the initiative is taking place across seven major malls in Dubai and is free and open to residents and visitors of all ages and nationalities.

So far, more than 40,000 participants have taken part in Dubai Mallathon activities.

The initiative was launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, with the aim of making exercise more accessible during summer while encouraging healthier lifestyles and stronger community connections.

The Dubai Mallathon aims to make fitness part of everyday life by turning familiar public spaces into places for movement, connection and wellbeing.