When it’s 50°C outside, Dubai takes fitness indoors — and this summer, it’s going full sci-fi. The government-backed Dubai Mallathon has been turning the city’s malls into race tracks from 7 AM to 10 AM every day in August, but the highlights have been anything but ordinary.
August 9: Robots Join the Race
On August 9 at City Centre Mirdif, a Unitree humanoid robot and a robodog stole the show. They jogged alongside participants, waved to spectators, and even posed for selfies mid-race. The agile, human-like machine — developed by Dubai Future Labs — moved with eerie precision, making the event feel more like a futuristic expo than a fun run.
Earlier in the Week: An Astronaut in the Pack
Just a few days before the robots’ debut, UAE astronaut and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi laced up for the race, giving the morning crowd a serious boost of inspiration.
Electric Bikes That Power Smoothie Blenders
Participants also queued for electric bikes that powered smoothie blenders, proving that in Dubai, even your post-run snack can be tech-powered.
The Future of Running Is Indoors
With nine malls, multiple race distances, and robots sprinting alongside humans, the Dubai Mallathon is turning a sweaty summer problem into a seriously high-tech fitness party. The future of running? Looks like it’s happening indoors — and it’s already here.
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