Dubai expands indoor fitness initiatives through Mallathon program

The Dubai Summer Surprises 2026 program is utilizing air-conditioned indoor spaces to host various fitness and wellness activities throughout the summer months. A central component is the Dubai Mallathon, which offers free indoor running and walking sessions at seven major malls, including Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates, until September 15. For the first time, the initiative has expanded beyond shopping centers to include Dubai International Airport (DXB), where Terminal 3 hosts free walking sessions every Friday in August.

Other scheduled events include the Dubai Sports World at the Dubai World Trade Centre, featuring over 40 courts for various sports, and the Endurance Games at the Hamdan Sports Complex starting August 30. The latter is billed as the Middle East’s first indoor multisport festival, covering disciplines such as aquathlon, triathlon, and duathlon. Additional paid wellness and padel offerings are also available through various local providers.