Dubai: The Dubai Sports Council (DSC) has announced the launch of the ‘Active Summer’ initiative, that is scheduled to run until August 31, 2026.
 
Embodying the Council’s strategic vision to consolidate Dubai’s position as a premier, year-round active sports destination, the initiative features a dynamic array of outdoor and indoor events. Organised in collaboration with national institutions and event organisers, the comprehensive agenda spans water, marine, snow and mountain sports, alongside indoor arena competitions, mall races and dedicated activities for People of Determination across the emirate in the next three months.
 
“The ‘Active Summer’ initiative aims to foster a culture of sports and physical activity among all segments of society, regardless of age or nationality, encompassing both residents and visitors,” said Essa Sharif, Director of the Sports Events Department at DSC.
 
“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,” Essa added.
 
Indoor races and record-breaking participation
 
The initiative boasts a rich agenda tailored to various ages and fitness levels, spearheaded by indoor mall runs. Leading these activities is the “Dubai Mallathon”, scheduled from June 15 to September 15.
 
The event provides amateurs and professionals the opportunity to participate in a series of running and walking races within fully equipped, air-conditioned shopping centres.                                     
Launched by His Highness 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, the ‘Dubai Mallathon’ has witnessed unprecedented community engagement in a short period of time.

 
With over 40,000 participants, the initiative recently achieved a Guinness World Record for the largest indoor mall race of its kind, adding a new milestone to Dubai’s track record of global successes.
 
Dubai Sports World and inclusive communities
 
Offering an exceptional integrated experience, the 16th edition of ‘Dubai Sports World’ will run from June 27 to August 25, hosting a wide variety of indoor sports and tournaments.
 
This year’s edition introduces new activities, notably ‘Dubai Kids World’ and specialised programmes for senior citizens in partnership with the “Thukher Club”, aimed at enhancing their quality of life and encouraging physical activity within premium sports facilities.
 
Consolidating Dubai’s inclusive approach to empowering all societal segments, the ‘Summer Activity for People of Determination’ will take place from June 22 to July 30 under the theme “Our Summer is Beautiful”. The programme includes specialised activities designed to boost their participation and develop their athletic potential.
 
Competitive tournaments and global stars
 
Adding international star power to the summer calendar, former England and Manchester United football star Rio Ferdinand, alongside his wife Kate Ferdinand, will organise the third round of the “One Body” community sports initiative, featuring participation from elite global athletes.
 
The competitive agenda also continues with the Dubai Schools Games basketball tournament at the Dubai Basketball Centre, the Dubai Esports and Games Festival (Expo 2026 Games), Apex Fitness Games at the 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.
 
Additional events cover boxing, bodybuilding, artistic and rhythmic gymnastics, swimming, badminton, sailing races, the Lagos Football Tournament and the Mina Futsal Cup.
 
Elite snow events
 
On the winter sports front, “Ski Dubai” features a high-caliber agenda, including the Freestyle Skiing Grand Prix and advanced alpine skiing and snowboarding training camps.
 
The venue will host prominent local and international camps, such as the British UNIQ snow camp, the Saudi Arabia Paralympic teams, the Uzbekistan National Paralympic Alpine Skiing Team and the NITRO pro team.
 
Furthermore, Ski Dubai will hold its weekly “Freestyle Ski Night” and the globally recognised Hyrox indoor ice fitness challenge, which has drawn extensive participation.