The Dubai Mallathon second edition has passed 100,000 participants and logged more than 220 million steps since its launch on 15 June, according to Dubai Media Office. The initiative runs until 15 September, leaving residents several weeks to take part at no cost and without prior registration.
How the Dubai Mallathon second edition works
Six malls open their doors to runners and walkers every morning from 6am to 10am: Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Mirdif City Centre, Dubai Festival City Mall, Deira City Centre and Dubai Hills Mall. Participants can join daily sessions, take part in competitions, or access community programmes designed for different ages and fitness levels.
Entry is free. According to the Dubai Mallathon official website, no registration is required for daily runs, though a race calendar is available to download.
The programme was launched by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and is organised in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council. It also supports the UAE’s Year of the Family 2026 by encouraging families to exercise together.
Expansion and records
Gate Avenue at DIFC joined on 1 August and will remain part of the initiative until 15 September. The venue offers track distances of 1.2 km, 2.4 km and 4.8 km. Ibn Battuta Mall followed on 17 August.
Dubai International Airport became the first non-mall venue to host the initiative, running four invite-only Friday sessions during August. The final airport session took place on 28 August, timed to coincide with Emirati Women’s Day.
The first edition, which concluded across nine shopping centres, attracted more than 40,000 participants, according to the Dubai Protocol portal. That edition also set a Guinness World Record for the most runners in a mall run event. Participation in the second edition has more than doubled that figure.
Among those who have taken part this year are UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, senior government officials, people of determination, senior citizens and students. Members of Team Angel Wolf, a non-profit promoting inclusion in sport, joined the 7 August session.
The second edition covers a longer calendar than its predecessor. According to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Sheikh Hamdan has directed the Mallathon to become a three-month annual event from 2026, running from 15 June to 15 September each year across various malls in the city. This edition is the first to run that full length.
The Mallathon closes on 15 September. Residents who have not yet joined can attend any of the remaining morning sessions at the participating venues without registering in advance.
