Dubai Mallathon: Beating the Heat with Indoor Races

On a scorching Saturday morning in Dubai, while the temperature outside climbed to unbearable heights, hundreds of participants laced up their sneakers for the “Mallathon,” a unique indoor race held within the cool confines of a sprawling shopping center.

Launched to encourage fitness during August—often the UAE’s hottest month—the initiative turns Dubai’s shopping malls into fitness hubs.

It’s a creative solution in a region where summer temperatures regularly push beyond 50°C, making outdoor exercise both unpleasant and unsafe.

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A Cool Fitness Alternative

“If you run outside, it’s not healthy at all because temperatures are around 40°C to 50°C,” said Rai, one of the participants, his platinum-blond hair tied back with a headband.

Sporting “Dubai Mallathon” T-shirts and activewear, participants ran and walked through the vacant, marble-floored halls of the City Center Mirdif mall. Closed shops lined the course, waiting for the post-race crowds to arrive later in the day.

Nine of Dubai’s shopping malls, including the iconic Dubai Mall, are opening their doors from 7 AM to 10 AM throughout August for walkers and runners.


Weekend events include organized 10km, 5km, or 2.5km races, complete with podium celebrations and prizes, adding a competitive edge to the initiative.

During the Saturday event, two robots buzzed among participants, offering selfie moments, while others hopped on electric bikes that powered blenders to make healthy smoothies.

Read Also: Stay Active Indoors: Walking Clubs at UAE Malls

Fitness for All

The Mallathon initiative is backed by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is widely known for promoting an active lifestyle.

It’s part of Dubai’s broader efforts to encourage exercise among residents who often favor cars and shopping mall visits over physical activity.

These efforts include the well-known 30x30 Challenge, which urges residents to exercise for 30 minutes daily for a month, as well as initiatives like the Mallathon aimed at combating the country’s high obesity rates.

A 2023 study published in The Lancet projected that by 2050, 94% of UAE males could be overweight or obese—the highest percentage globally.

The country’s extreme summer heat contributes significantly to this issue, as outdoor activity becomes nearly impossible for several months each year.

Menna, a 36-year-old Egyptian resident of Dubai for the past 15 years, summed up the appeal of the Mallathon.

“There’s no way I’m exercising outside in this heat,” she said. “But here, we have air-conditioning, first aid, water—everything you need. Plus, it’s motivating to see others doing it too.”

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Inclusive and Welcoming

More than 500 people registered for the Saturday race, according to Fouzeya Faridoon, head of social activities at Dubai Sports Council.

Free to join, the event included participants of all ages, as well as one individual with a disability. Each finisher was rewarded with a medal and complimentary goodie bag.

Tourists also joined in on the fun. Zamani, a 46-year-old visitor from Sri Lanka, ran alongside her young children. “I love the energy,” she said. “Everybody’s all geared up.”

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A Community-Driven Solution

The Mallathon transforms shopping malls into vibrant fitness spaces, bringing together people of all backgrounds to beat the heat while prioritizing their health.

Whether walking, running, or simply soaking up the positive vibes, participants are proving that fitness in Dubai can thrive—even in the height of summer.

Source: globalnation

The opinions shared in the GymNation blog articles are solely those of the respective authors and may not represent the perspectives of GymNation or any member of the GymNation team.