Dubai Mallathon passes 100,000 participants, 220 million steps in two months

Dubai: More than 100,000 people have taken part in the second edition of Dubai Mallathon, recording over 220 million steps in the first two months of the community sports initiative.

The initiative, launched by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has expanded to new venues as participation has grown. Families, senior citizens, People of Determination, residents and visitors are taking part, alongside government entities, private companies and community organisations.

Gate Avenue at DIFC joined on August 1 and will remain a participating venue until the initiative concludes on September 15. Ibn Battuta Mall came on board on August 17, widening the initiative's reach further.

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is also taking part, hosting four events on Fridays throughout August as part of the programme.

Daily activities run from 6am to 10am until September 15 at eight locations: 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. Each venue offers dedicated walking and running tracks in air-conditioned spaces, giving participants a way to stay active through the summer heat.

Dr Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, joined participants for a running session at Dubai Mall. He said the turnout from government entities, private companies, young people and families pointed to growing public awareness of physical activity's role in quality of life.

"Initiatives such as this play a key role in strengthening community partnerships, promoting healthy habits and providing young people with a supportive environment," Al Neyadi said, encouraging residents to build regular activity into their daily routines.

The second edition also includes weekend sporting competitions at participating malls, with prizes for winners. Taking part is free and requires no advance registration, participants simply visit any of the eight malls and collect a wristband, which also unlocks offers at select shops, cafés and restaurants.

Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, said the format, turning shopping malls into exercise spaces, has driven the turnout.

"The strong turnout, with more than 100,000 participants and over 220 million steps recorded, is a testament to Dubai's success in making sport a way of life that is accessible to all," Hareb said.

The initiative supports the objectives of Dubai Social Agenda 33, the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033, and the Year of Family 2026.

Dubai Mallathon's first edition set a Guinness World Record for the Most Runners in a Mall Run Event, with 1,392 participants at Dubai Hills Mall — a benchmark the second edition is now building on.