Eight-race mall run to kick off this Sunday as part of a city-wide fitness fest
Dubai: When the sun’s out blazing and the pavements feel like sauna, outdoor workouts quickly lose their charm. But fear not — Dubai has found a cool solution to your sweaty struggle.
This summer, forget jogging in the heat or battling for a treadmill at the gym. Thanks to the Dubai Sports Council’s ActiveSummer campaign, the city’s malls are trading food courts for finish lines. Yep, mall running is officially a thing — and it’s about to take over your Sunday mornings.
Starting this weekend at Mirdiff City Centre, and wrapping up on September 14 at Dubai Hills Mall, the eight-race indoor series is all about movement, music and mall magic. Whether you’re a casual stroller or a speed demon in sneakers, there’s a spot for you—air-conditioned, sweat-friendly, and Instagram-ready.
Why run in hot weather when you can race past retail displays and grab a smoothie after?
The mall runs are just one track in the super-sized playlist — a city-wide fitness initiative that’s redefining what summer workouts can look like. Think snow duathlons (in Ski Dubai), night hikes in Hatta, snow yoga sessions at -4°C, wakeboarding off Jumeirah Beach, and scooter races at Meydan. Even grandma’s invited — senior citizen snow walks and adaptive skiing for People of Determination are on the cards.
Also in the mix:
Boxing and wrestling championships
Cycling sprints and skating camps
Women-only snow hikes and fitness classes
Kid-friendly sports camps at top indoor venues
Curling masters and football face-offs.
It’s a full-blown fitness festival running until the end of August, powered by a mix of public and private partners across Dubai.
So whether you’re sprinting past a store, lifting in a snowstorm, or paddleboarding into the sunset, Dubai wants you to stay active—and stay cool.
This summer, the city’s hottest fitness experiences are happening in the coolest places. Literally.
Sign up for the Daily Briefing
Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox