Desert heat soars past 50 degrees Celsius, propelling Dubai's marathon runners indoors
Dubai Mallathon Transforms Shopping Centres into Fitness Hubs Amidst Summer Heat
In the heart of Dubai, a unique community fitness initiative called the Dubai Mallathon is transforming shopping malls into climate-controlled walking and running tracks, providing a safe and comfortable environment for residents and visitors to exercise during the intense summer heat.
The brainchild of Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Dubai Mallathon is a government-backed initiative that encourages physical activity throughout August, a month when outdoor exercise can be challenging due to soaring temperatures that often top 50°C [6].
The event, which is free to participate in, takes place every morning from 7 AM to 10 AM at nine shopping centres across Dubai, including the Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Hills Mall, and others [1][2][4]. Participants can choose from three distance options: 10k, 5k, or 2.5k, and they are issued digital access cards upon online registration [1][2].
To make the experience more enjoyable, the Dubai Mallathon offers additional amenities such as robots and electric bikes that take selfies, make healthy smoothies, and more [3]. The event also promotes healthier lifestyles by partnering with mall restaurants and retail outlets to offer special deals aligned with balanced nutrition and wellness goals [2][3].
Weekend activities include sports challenges and community competitions designed to foster community engagement and long-term fitness habits [2][3]. Fouzeya Faridoon, head of social activities at Dubai Sports Council, mentioned that over 500 people signed up for the free Mallathon event on Saturday [1].
Zamani, a Sri Lankan tourist, participated in the Mallathon with her young children. She appreciates the energy and modern, chic atmosphere of the event, as well as the convenience of exercising in an air-conditioned environment with first aid, water, and other amenities [3].
Menna, a 36-year-old Egyptian living in Dubai for 15 years, also prefers exercising in the mall due to these amenities. She finds it more enjoyable and safer compared to running outside during the summer [3].
On August 1, temperatures in the UAE reached 51.8°C, just below the national record of 52°C [6]. With such extreme heat, the Dubai Mallathon provides a much-needed solution for those who want to maintain their fitness routine during the summer months.
References:
- Gulf News, "Dubai Mallathon: Dubai Sports Council's Fouzeya Faridoon on the 500-plus registrations for the free event," August 7, 2023.
- Khaleej Times, "Dubai Mallathon: Turning shopping malls into fitness hubs," August 1, 2023.
- The National, "Dubai Mallathon: How a Sri Lankan tourist and a local Egyptian found a cool workout," August 6, 2023.
- Gulf News, "Dubai Mallathon: A unique community fitness initiative to combat summer heat," July 31, 2023.
- Khaleej Times, "Dubai Mallathon: Here's what you need to know about the event," July 30, 2023.
- The National, "UAE records highest temperature of 51.8°C in Madinat Zayed," August 1, 2023.
- Despite challenging summer temperatures, the Dubai Mallathon encourages health and fitness within an air-conditioned environment, offering residents and visitors a climate-controlled space for exercising.
- The Dubai Mallathon, a government-backed initiative, aims to promote not only physical activity but also health-and-wellness, partnering with mall restaurants and retail outlets for nutritious meal options.
- Science and technology play a role in enhancing the Mallathon experience, featuring robots and electric bikes that contribute to improved fitness-and-exercise, in addition to taking selfies for participants.
- Obesity and its associated health concerns become less of a concern as the Dubai Mallathon offers a safe, comfortable avenue to engage in sports and improve overall fitness levels, proving valuable especially during intense summer heat.
