Dubai Mallathon To Become Annual Three-Month Event Starting In 2026 Under Sheikh Hamdan's Directive

The Dubai Mallathon will now be an annual event, spanning three months from 15 June to 15 September, as directed by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This decision aims to broaden the event's reach and boost public involvement. The inaugural edition was a success, attracting many participants and setting a Guinness World Record for the largest mall run at Dubai Hills Mall.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan praised the event's success, highlighting its alignment with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He emphasised that Dubai aims to remain a top destination for innovative community sports events, promoting sports as essential for quality of life and social empowerment. The Mallathon saw over 40,000 participants logging more than 120 million steps in nine malls.

Sheikh Hamdan stated: "Today, we have issued directives for the Dubai Mallathon to be held annually over a three-month period across various malls in Dubai, to ensure the sustainability of this successful model, expand its reach, and create broader opportunities for participation across all segments of society." This expansion is intended to make sports more accessible and engaging for everyone.

The closing events included a 42-kilometre marathon with 40 runners and a special race for females on Emirati Women’s Day. These activities were part of the month-long initiative that concluded last Sunday. The event was sponsored by the Ministry of Defence and organised in partnership with the Dubai Sports Council.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan remarked on the unprecedented community engagement during the event, noting that sports have become a common language in Dubai. He said: "The unprecedented level of community engagement witnessed during a full month of the Dubai Mallathon reflects how sports in Dubai has evolved into a common language, a way of life, and a powerful form of self-expression."

The Mallathon aligns with several strategic objectives such as the ‘Year of Community’, Dubai Social Agenda 33, and the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033. These initiatives aim to foster a healthy and cohesive society by making sport an integral part of daily life.

Sustainable Change Through Sports

Sheikh Hamdan added: "We want every initiative in Dubai to leave a lasting impact that goes beyond the event itself and into people’s daily lives, serving as a starting point for sustainable change and a source of inspiration for the community." The goal is to inspire movement, achievement, and giving through these initiatives.

The directive ensures that future editions will continue to inspire positive change within communities. By fostering inclusivity and innovation in sports events like the Mallathon, Dubai aims to encourage healthier lifestyles among its residents.

With inputs from WAM