Our regular feature, brought to you in association with Duty Free Global from Ireland, celebrates memorable scenes, moments, launches and campaigns related to the global aviation and travel retail sphere.
UAE. Today’s images come from Dubai International Airport (DXB), where the citywide Dubai Mallathon wellbeing initiative has launched in an airport for the first time.
The inaugural session was held at Terminal 3 Departures on 7 August, temporarily transforming part of the terminal into an indoor walking track.
Dubai Airports employees, members of the wider oneDXB community and People of Determination (which refers to people with disabilities) took part in two morning walks.
Dubai Mallathon was launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.
The initiative turns indoor spaces into air-conditioned walking and running routes during the summer months, encouraging people of all ages and abilities to incorporate exercise into their daily routines.
Dubai Airports Chief Operating Officer Majed Al Joker said: “We’re proud to host The Dubai Mallathon in its second edition here at DXB. This is an initiative we can all get behind because it encourages people to be part of something that’s more than just exercise.
“This is a community-driven movement that fits around shifts, work locations, and daily routines and where small steps make a big impact. DXB is the perfect location for indoor walks because airports are places of movement by nature, and this initiative gives our employees and oneDXB community another way to come together, stay active and support Dubai’s wider wellbeing ambitions.”
The airport activation also supports Dubai Airports’ wider focus on employee wellbeing and community engagement, while aligning with the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033.
Further Dubai Mallathon sessions will be staged at key locations across Terminal 3 every Friday throughout August, bringing together hundreds of colleagues, airport partners and members of the public.
The final DXB session on 28 August will coincide with Emirati Women’s Day, celebrating the contribution of Emirati women across Dubai Airports and the wider aviation sector.
The wider 2026 Dubai Mallathon programme will run until 15 September.
Dubai Mallathon General Coordinator Demaithan Al Qamzi described DXB’s participation as a significant extension of the programme, broadening its reach to airport employees, the wider aviation community and travellers.
Last year’s edition attracted more than 40,000 participants and generated over 120 million steps across participating malls. It also secured a Guinness World Records title for the Most Runners in a Mall Run Event. ✈
