Dubai’s free community running initiative returns this summer, with 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 directing the launch of the second edition of Dubai Mallathon.
The event opens on June 15 and runs daily until September 15, 2026 across Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Mirdif City Centre, Dubai Festival City Mall, Deira City Centre and Dubai Hills Mall.
Sessions run from 6:00am to 10:00am each day, offering dedicated walking and running tracks inside air-conditioned venues. Qualified fitness trainers will be on-site at each location to lead warm-ups and guide participants based on age and fitness level. The programme includes activities for women at Dubai Mall and Mirdif City Centre, as well as dedicated sessions for senior citizens and People of Determination.
Participation is free and requires no registration. Visitors collect a wristband on arrival, which unlocks discounts and offers from participating retailers, restaurants and cafes. Rewards scale with attendance frequency. Weekend races will be held across all six venues, with prizes, medals and gifts for participants.
“Health and quality of life are the foundation of thriving societies and essential to empowering people, enhancing their wellbeing, and enabling them to contribute, innovate and succeed. Dubai is a city for everyone, and its facilities are designed to serve all members of society. We want every citizen, resident and visitor to feel supported and to have access to everything they need to lead a healthy, balanced and fulfilling life,” Sheikh Hamdan said in a statement.
“What distinguishes Dubai is its strong sense of community. Dubai is one family united by the values of coexistence, tolerance and compassion. Sport embodies these values as a universal language that brings people together and channels their energy towards positive goals and shared values. That is why we continue to launch community sports initiatives that strengthen these bonds and translate them into everyday experiences,” he added.
He called on government and semi-government entities, private sector organisations and youth councils to encourage collective participation and support employees in building more active routines.
The second edition is organised in partnership with the Dubai Sports Council. The inaugural edition drew thousands of participants and set a Guinness World Record for the largest mall running event of its kind, with more than 1,300 people taking part in a single race at Dubai Hills Mall.
The initiative sits within the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033 and the UAE’s Year of the Family 2026.
