Dubai’s malls turn into summer racetracks: Lace up and cool down

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:

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.