Emirati Women Lead Dubai Mallathon Finale at DXB Terminal 3
Dubai Airports marked a historic milestone this week as the inaugural Dubai Mallathon concluded with a vibrant finale at Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport (DXB)—the first time the popular wellness event has been held outside a traditional mall setting. The event was centred around Emirati Women’s Day, celebrating the resilience, leadership, and community spirit of Emirati women through movement, connection, and purpose.
The finale, held on August 30, saw more than 2,000 participants—including Emirati women from across the UAE—walk seamlessly through the bustling corridors of Terminal 3, transforming one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs into a living, breathing wellness space. The walk was led by members of DAWN (Dubai Airports Women’s Network), the internal employee resource group dedicated to empowering women across the organisation.
A Movement Beyond the Mall
The Mallathon, previously held exclusively within Dubai’s retail centres, broke new ground by choosing Terminal 3 as its final destination. With its expansive walkways, climate-controlled environment, and 24/7 accessibility, DXB’s Terminal 3 offered a unique, safe, and inclusive setting for participants of all ages and fitness levels. For the entire month of August, the terminal became a curated indoor walking route, encouraging employees, travellers, and residents to incorporate daily movement into their routines.
Theme: ‘Moving Forward. Emerging Together.’
This year’s theme, ‘Moving Forward. Emerging Together,’ underscored the shared journey of empowerment and unity. “This isn’t just about walking,” said Fatima Al Mansoori, DAWN’s Head of Community Engagement. “It’s about creating spaces where Emirati women lead, inspire, and connect—not just on Emirati Women’s Day, but every day.”
At the finale, participants were greeted with cultural performances, healthy refreshments provided by local wellness brands, and testimonials from Emirati women working across aviation, logistics, and customer service at Dubai Airports. Many shared how the Mallathon helped them establish new routines, overcome personal barriers, and build lasting friendships.
A Symbol of Inclusion and Progress
The choice of an airport as the Mallathon’s grand finale carries symbolic weight. As a gateway to the world, Terminal 3 embodies Dubai’s ambition, inclusivity, and forward-thinking ethos. By selecting this space, Dubai Airports reinforced its commitment to gender equity and community wellness—proving that public wellness initiatives belong not just in malls, but in every corner of daily life.
As the Mallathon concludes, Dubai Airports has pledged to continue integrating wellness into daily operations, with plans to launch quarterly walking challenges and expand DAWN-led wellness programs across all three terminals. For Emirati women, the event wasn’t just a walk—it was a statement: progress is not passive. It is led, walked, and celebrated together.
