Dubai’s Active Summer programme has launched it’s calendar of community and competitive events planned across the emirate from June 15 to September 15.
The programme includes indoor events, mall runs, beach activities, snow sports, watersports and competitions for People of Determination.
It comes as Dubai heads into the hottest part of the year, when outdoor sport becomes harder for many residents. The Dubai Sports Council’s summer calendar is built around indoor and controlled venues, from shopping malls and sports halls to Ski Dubai.
Essa Sharif, Director of the Sports Events Department at Dubai Sports Council, said the aim is to keep residents and visitors active through the summer.
“We are working to encourage mass participation in summer sporting events, ensuring these activities are sustainable and accessible to all. This is a pioneering community step to enhance the quality of life and reaffirm Dubai’s status as one of the most active cities in the world.”
Dubai Mallathon is one of the headline events. The event turns air-conditioned shopping centres into walking and running spaces, giving amateur and experienced runners a way to stay active during the summer months.
The event was launched by 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.
It has already attracted more than 40,000 participants and achieved a Guinness World Record for the largest indoor mall race of its kind.
summer football senior citizens with Thukher Club
Dubai Sports World also returns for its 16th edition at Dubai World Trade Centre. The indoor sports venue will host a wide range of sports, tournaments and community activities through the summer.
This year’s edition includes Dubai Kids World, along with programmes for senior citizens in partnership with Thukher Club.
Dubai Sports Council will also stage its Summer Activity for People of Determination from June 22 to July 30. The programme, held under the theme “Our Summer is Beautiful”, will include activities designed to increase participation and support athlete development.
The competitive schedule includes the Dubai Schools Games basketball tournament at Dubai Basketball Centre, Apex Fitness Games at Dubai World Trade Centre, the Dubai Open Football Academies Championship at Dubai Sports City, the UAE Expat Basketball Championship at Champs Academy and the Ibn Battuta Run.
Other events listed in the summer programme include boxing, bodybuilding, artistic and rhythmic gymnastics, swimming, badminton, sailing, the Lagos Football Tournament and the Mina Futsal Cup.
Former England and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand and Kate Ferdinand will also return with the third round of the One Body community sports session, which is expected to include international athletes.
Freestyle Skiing Grand prix at Ski Dubai
Ski Dubai will host a series of winter sport events and training camps across the summer. These include the Freestyle Skiing Grand Prix, alpine skiing and snowboarding camps, weekly Freestyle Ski Night sessions and the Hyrox indoor ice fitness challenge.
The venue is also set to welcome international training groups, including the British UNIQ snow camp, Saudi Arabia’s Paralympic teams, Uzbekistan’s National Paralympic Alpine Skiing Team and the NITRO pro team.
For many residents, summer sport in Dubai means moving indoors. This year’s calendar shows how much that space has grown, with events now spread across malls, arenas, schools, fitness venues and snow facilities.
