Dubai Breaks Guinness World Record with Largest Indoor Mall Run: 40,000 Join Mallathon Movement
Dubai has set a new global milestone with the conclusion of the month-long Dubai Mallathon, which officially achieved a new Guinness World Record for the largest mall run event. Held throughout August 2025, this ambitious fitness campaign drew over 40,000 participants across nine major shopping malls, transforming the city’s retail spaces into indoor running tracks and positioning Dubai as a leader in community wellness and innovative public initiatives.
Record-Breaking Finale at Dubai Hills Mall
The campaign culminated in a record-setting finale at Dubai Hills Mall on September 1, 2025, where 1,392 runners gathered, setting a world record for the most runners participating in a mall run. The event was held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE. Across its 31 days, the Mallathon saw participants collectively log more than 120 million steps, underscoring the campaign as one of the largest community fitness efforts in the city’s history.
With all nine participating malls—including The Dubai Mall, Festival Plaza, and others—offering daily track time from 7:00 am to 10:00 am, the initiative provided a safe, air-conditioned environment to encourage people of all ages and abilities to walk, jog, and run as part of a greater move toward wellness.
Dubai Mallathon Goes Annual
After the overwhelming success and community response to this year’s Mallathon, officials have confirmed plans to expand the campaign into an annual event starting June 2026. The extended format will run for three months, from June 15 to September 15, with multiple malls participating citywide. The move signals a larger push to weave fitness into the social and cultural fabric of daily life and aligns with the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033.
This long-term strategy promotes well-being and sustainable living across all demographics, reinforcing Dubai’s commitment to turning recreational environments—like malls—into spaces that contribute to public health and productivity.
Community Support and Youth Engagement
The initiative garnered widespread government and civic endorsement, especially for its inclusive and youth-centric approach. Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, praised the large turnout of young participants and their instrumental role in the campaign:
“The overwhelming participation of young people, who represented the largest share of participants, reaffirms their pivotal role in the success of community initiatives and their importance in shaping the present and future of our nation. We place great confidence in our youth to uphold community values and champion an active lifestyle in line with the UAE’s long-term vision.”
He went on to say: “Sport is one of the most powerful platforms through which young people find both inspiration and self-expression. It provides a positive outlet for their energy and a way to strengthen their physical and mental well-being, while reinforcing their active role in society.”
Strong backing came from youth councils across the UAE—including representation from Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, and the Edge Group Youth Council—ensuring that the Mallathon spoke to a national audience invested in healthier living.
A Milestone in Public Health and Urban Innovation
The success of the Dubai Mallathon is not simply measured in numbers, but in its ability to embed the values of fitness, community solidarity, and innovation into everyday life. By converting commercial venues into platforms for public health, the initiative has redefined what shared urban spaces can offer and has set a new standard for cities looking to promote wellness through creativity, investment, and inclusivity.
With the groundwork now laid—and new records in the books—the Dubai Mallathon promises to be a lasting symbol of the emirate’s vision for a fitter, more connected society.
Team V.DIR-EM-UAE
