Sheikh Hamdan expands Dubai Mallathon into longest indoor sporting festival
Guinness World Record set during inaugural event
DUBAI – His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, has directed that the Dubai Mallathon will be expanded into a three-month annual event starting from 2026.
The event will take place from 15 June to 15 September across malls in the city, transforming Dubai into a hub of indoor sporting activity every summer.
Under the directives of Hamdan bin Mohammed, Dubai Mallathon to be expanded into a three-month annual event starting from 2026, running from 15 June to 15 September, across various malls in the city.@DubaiMallathon pic.twitter.com/PHHhR1ZFEP
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) September 2, 2025
Dubai Mallathon 2025
The directive follows the resounding success of the inaugural edition, which attracted tens of thousands of participants and achieved a Guinness World Record for the largest number of runners in a mall run. The milestone was set at Dubai Hills Mall, where 1,392 runners from diverse nationalities and age groups joined a single race.
Sheikh Hamdan praised the strong turnout, noting that the Mallathon exemplifies Dubai’s commitment to promoting sports as a way of life, a form of community empowerment and a cornerstone of quality living. He added that the initiative reflects the city’s ambition, guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to remain a global leader in innovative community events.
Vision for growth
Sheikh Hamdan highlighted that the expansion aims to ensure the sustainability of the Mallathon, widen its reach and increase opportunities for participation across all sections of society. He emphasised that Dubai’s initiatives should inspire long-term change, encouraging movement, achievement and positive community development.
“The unprecedented level of community engagement during the Dubai Mallathon shows how sport has evolved into a common language in our city,” he said. “We want every initiative to leave a lasting impact beyond the event itself, sparking a passion for sustainable change.”
Record participation
The first edition of the Mallathon concluded last Sunday after a month of activities, drawing more than 40,000 participants of all ages and backgrounds. Over 31 days, the event logged more than 120 million steps on indoor tracks set up across nine of Dubai’s major shopping malls.
The closing events featured a 42-kilometre marathon with 40 runners and a special female-only race held in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council to mark Emirati Women’s Day. The breadth of activities highlighted the initiative’s inclusivity and its alignment with Dubai’s efforts to promote healthy lifestyles across all communities.
Strategic alignment
Organised under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Defence and in partnership with the Dubai Sports Council, the Mallathon is closely tied to broader national strategies. It supports the ‘Year of Community’, the Dubai Social Agenda 33 and the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033. Each of these frameworks seeks to build a cohesive, active society where sports play a central role in daily life and community well-being.
The Mallathon is expected to grow significantly under the new directive, positioning Dubai’s malls as vibrant sporting arenas every summer. The expanded format aims to strengthen the city’s status as a pioneer in combining fitness, community participation and innovative use of public spaces.