Dubai Mallathon transformed DXB Terminal 3 into an indoor running track, bringing fitness to Dubai International Airport.
Dubai: Travellers arriving at Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 3 were greeted by an unusual sight as runners and walkers completed laps inside one of the world’s busiest airports. The event transformed part of the terminal into an indoor running track as part of the Dubai Mallathon summer fitness initiative.
Unlike the public sessions held at shopping malls across the city, the DXB event was exclusively for Dubai Airports employees and members of the oneDXB community, which includes Emirates, flydubai, dnata, Dubai Duty Free, and several government partners.
Airport Becomes a Fitness Venue
Participants completed a one-kilometre route that passed the departures entrance, baggage check-in counters, and security and immigration areas. Many completed multiple laps before receiving refreshments, participation medals, and gift bags.
Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer at Dubai Airports, said the initiative reflects the airport’s commitment to employee wellbeing.
“We’re proud to host the second edition of Dubai Mallathon at DXB. Airports are places of movement by nature, and this initiative gives our employees and the oneDXB community another opportunity to stay active while supporting Dubai’s wider wellbeing ambitions,” he said.
Dubai Mallathon Expands Beyond Shopping Malls
Demaithan Al Qamzi, General Coordinator of Dubai Mallathon, said hosting the event at Dubai International Airport marked an important milestone for the initiative.
He said the airport edition expands the reach of Dubai Mallathon to airport employees, partners, and travellers, while reinforcing Dubai’s vision of making physical activity part of everyday life.
Team AngelWolf Joins the Event
Among the participants was Team AngelWolf, the Dubai-based non-profit founded by Nick and Delphine Watson. Inspired by their son Rio, a Person of Determination, the family has completed hundreds of endurance events promoting inclusion through sport.
Tia Watson said the airport setting made the experience even more memorable.
“We’ve taken part in many Dubai sporting events, but turning the airport into a running track is something completely different. Running together as a family made it even more special.”
Participants Enjoy a Unique Experience
For many participants, exercising inside an airport was a first.
Elisa Yana, who has worked at Dubai Duty Free for nearly three decades, described the event as a unique experience.
“It was so much fun. I’ve never seen anything like this at an airport. It was a great opportunity to connect with colleagues while staying active.”
Love Guleria from Dubai Airports also joined the event with his son.
“I’ve participated in Dubai Mallathon before, but running inside DXB is something I’ll always remember.”
More Sessions Planned Throughout August
The Terminal 3 edition forms part of the wider Dubai Mallathon, which transforms indoor venues into walking and running tracks during the summer months.
Additional sessions will take place every Friday throughout August, with the final event on August 28 celebrating Emirati Women’s Day by recognising the contributions of Emirati women across the aviation sector.
Launched in 2025 by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Mallathon encourages residents and visitors to stay active during the summer by turning familiar public spaces into accessible fitness destinations.
The 2025 edition attracted more than 40,000 participants, recorded over 120 million steps, and earned a Guinness World Records title for the Most Runners in a Mall Run Event.
Source: Gulf News
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Photo: Zainab Husain
