Dubai’s newest health initiative, the Dubai Mallathon, officially launches today, with nine major malls across the city opening their doors to residents as indoor walking tracks. Designed to promote fitness without the discomfort of summer heat, the campaign is free to join and open to all, regardless of age or fitness level.
The Mallathon is held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. The programme aims to encourage active lifestyles by making movement more accessible, especially during peak summer.
Movement Made Easy — Indoors
In a city where daily temperatures can exceed 45°C, walking outdoors isn’t always practical. The Mallathon reimagines this challenge by creating indoor walking paths inside shopping malls, allowing participants to clock their steps in a comfortable, climate-controlled setting.
The routes are clearly marked within each participating mall, making it easy for anyone to start walking — whether solo, with friends, or even while running errands.
To keep things engaging, the campaign includes a digital step-tracking system accessible through the Dubai Mallathon app, which lets users monitor their progress and unlock rewards as they walk more.
Where to Join the Dubai Mallathon
The initiative spans a mix of Dubai’s most-visited retail hubs and neighbourhood malls, ensuring accessibility across different communities. Participating locations include:
- City Centre Mirdif
- Mall of the Emirates
- Ibn Battuta Mall
- City Centre Deira
- City Centre Me’aisem
- Dubai Festival City Mall
- City Centre Al Shindagha
- Circle Mall
- My City Centre Al Barsha
Each mall will have marked routes with signs, so anyone can jump in—no setup needed.
Designed for Everyone
The Mallathon isn’t a race — it’s a lifestyle invitation. Whether it’s a quick lunch walk or a fitness goal, the program fits all routines and levels. Alongside trails, health zones will offer checks, tips, and fun challenges for all.
This inclusivity is what sets the initiative apart — there’s no age limit, no equipment needed, and no sign-up cost.
Walking Together, Building Healthier Communities
The Dubai Mallathon is more than just a walking challenge — it’s a platform to build social connections through shared activity. Organisers say the campaign is expected to draw thousands of participants across age groups, from office-goers and retirees to families and schoolchildren.
Some participating malls are also planning to host wellness workshops, basic fitness demos, and engaging mini-events throughout the campaign period. The goal is to normalise movement as a part of daily life, especially in a city where lifestyle-related health risks are rising.
According to local health advocates, this kind of initiative can play a vital role in encouraging consistent low-impact activity, which is key to maintaining cardiovascular and mental health.
How to Take Part in the Mallathon
Joining the Dubai Mallathon is as simple as showing up.
There’s no need to register in advance. Walkers can visit any of the participating malls during operational hours, look for the signage, and start moving along the designated paths.
For those interested in tracking their progress or participating in challenges, the Dubai Mallathon mobile app is available for download via app stores. The app allows users to log their steps, set personal targets, and earn digital badges — with the possibility of winning exclusive mall rewards and vouchers.
All you need is a smartphone and a willingness to move.
Supporting Dubai’s Long-Term Health Goals
This initiative fits into Dubai’s larger vision to become one of the world’s most active cities. It echoes past community movements like the Dubai Fitness Challenge while offering a more flexible, daily format — ideal for year-round engagement.
It also reflects the goals of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which places strong emphasis on walkability, wellness infrastructure, and health-positive urban development.
By activating indoor spaces already part of residents’ everyday lives, the Mallathon becomes more than a seasonal campaign — it becomes a sustainable habit.
With no sign-up fees, no pressure, and the chance to turn everyday shopping trips into steps towards better health, the Dubai Mallathon offers a refreshingly practical approach to fitness in the city.
