In honour of Emirati Women’s Day on 27th August, Dubai is set to host a large-scale community walk and run event at Dubai Mall, as part of the broader ‘Dubai Mallathon’ initiative. Backed by royal directives and community spirit, the event celebrates 50 years of Emirati women’s achievements while encouraging healthy, active living across all segments of society.
Celebrating 50 years of emirati women’s contributions
To mark Emirati Women’s Day, the Dubai Sports Council is organising a special walk and run at Dubai Mall on 27th August. The event forms part of the ongoing ‘Dubai Mallathon’ initiative, a community fitness campaign launched under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.This year’s celebrations carry special significance, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the General Women’s Union. The theme, ‘Hand in Hand, We Celebrate 50 Years’, reflects the legacy and progress of Emirati women over the past five decades.The occasion is held under the directives of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, also known as “The Mother of the Nation.” She is the Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF).The celebration acts as a national tribute to the role of Emirati women as equal partners in the UAE’s development journey and promotes community participation and national solidarity.
‘Dubai Mallathon’: A city wide call for wellness
The walk-run event at Dubai Mall is part of the larger Dubai Mallathon initiative, which aims to incorporate physical activity into daily routines through accessible indoor fitness experiences.This initiative is not limited to Emiratis or women alone — it is open to women of all nationalities and fitness levels. Held in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council and sponsored by the Ministry of Defence, the Mallathon is designed as a community-wide effort to promote an active lifestyle.Activities under the Dubai Mallathon are hosted daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM at nine major malls across Dubai, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity. The participating malls include:
- Dubai Mall
- Dubai Hills Mall
- Mall of the Emirates
- City Centre Deira
- City Centre Mirdif
- Dubai Marina Mall
- The Springs Souk
- Dubai Festival City Mall
- Festival Plaza
These malls feature safe, fully equipped indoor routes for both walking and running, making participation easy even during the hot summer months.
Features encouraging participation across all demographics
The Dubai Mallathon is purposefully designed to be inclusive. It targets all segments of society, including:
- Youth
- Senior citizens
- Residents
- Children
- Shopping mall employees
To enhance the experience and promote continued engagement, the initiative includes several supportive features such as:
- Fitness-tracking systems to help participants monitor progress
- Health awareness stations providing information and assistance
- Guided stretching sessions led by trained professionals
- Dedicated children’s areas to ensure family participation
This approach ensures that fitness is made fun, educational, and easy to integrate into daily life.
A national vision for health and empowerment
Through this Emirati Women’s Day celebration and the broader Dubai Mallathon initiative, the UAE underscores its vision of empowering women while promoting health and wellness at the grassroots level.By transforming malls — one of the country’s most frequented public spaces — into fitness arenas, Dubai is setting a practical example of how everyday environments can support long-term wellbeing. It also reflects a growing emphasis on building a sustainable and health-conscious society.As the nation honours 50 years of Emirati women’s achievements, this initiative invites the entire community to walk and run together — symbolising progress, unity, and a commitment to the future.
