Active Summer will feature mall races to kids programmes to snow sports

Dubai is turning up the heat on summer fitness with the launch of a major new sporting initiative designed to keep residents moving all season long, regardless of the temperature outside.

The Dubai Sports Council (DSC) has announced the launch of “Active Summer”, a citywide programme running until August 31, 2026, featuring a packed calendar of indoor and outdoor sporting events across the emirate. The initiative will include everything from mall races and esports tournaments to snow sports, mountain sports, water activities and community events for People of Determination.

“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,” he added.

Among the headline events is the Dubai Mallathon, taking place from June 15 to September 15. The indoor running and walking series will be hosted in fully air-conditioned shopping malls across the city, giving both amateur and professional participants the chance to stay active throughout the summer months.

Another major highlight is Dubai Sports World, returning from June 27 to August 25 with a huge line-up of indoor sports and tournaments. This year’s edition will also introduce Dubai Kids World alongside dedicated programmes for senior citizens in partnership with Thukher Club.

The initiative also places a strong focus on inclusivity. The “Summer Activity for People of Determination” programme will run from June 22 to July 30 under the theme “Our Summer is Beautiful”, offering specially designed sporting activities aimed at increasing participation and supporting athletic development.

You’ll spot some famous faces too, international sporting stars will also be part of the action, with former England and Manchester United footballer Rio Ferdinand and his wife Kate Ferdinand hosting the third edition of the “One Body” community sports initiative, joined by elite athletes from around the world.

Elsewhere on the calendar, Dubai residents can expect a packed schedule of other tournaments and competitions, including the Dubai Schools Games basketball tournament, the Dubai Esports and Games Festival, Apex Fitness Games, Dubai Open Football Academies Championship, UAE Expat Basketball Championship and the Ibn Battuta Run.

Additional events spanning boxing, bodybuilding, gymnastics, swimming, badminton, sailing and futsal are also set to take place throughout the summer. Stay tuned for updates on that.

Winter sports fans have not been forgotten either. Ski Dubai will host a series of high-profile events and training camps, including the Freestyle Skiing Grand Prix, alpine skiing and snowboarding camps, and the popular weekly Freestyle Ski Night. The venue will also welcome international teams and camps, including British UNIQ, Saudi and Paralympic teams, the Uzbekistan National Paralympic Alpine Skiing Team and the NITRO pro team, alongside the globally recognised Hyrox indoor ice fitness challenge.

With activities spanning nearly every sport imaginable, Active Summer looks set to keep Dubai moving even when the temperatures are rising.