One of Dubai’s giant malls in the United Arab Emirates received on Saturday (9), when the temperature was already suffocating, a “Mallathon”, a closed, air-conditioned race race. More than 500 people signed up for the sporting event.
The initiative is supported by Dubai’s heir prince, Hamdan Bin Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, who at 42 projects a public image that embodies the active life model.
It seeks to promote exercise during August, the hottest month in the region, with temperatures around 50 ° C.
“Running outdoors is not healthy when temperatures range from 40 to 50 ° C,” an AFP told runners, identified as Rai.
Wearing T -shirts with the inscription “Dubai Mallathon”, participants were able to run or walk in front of closed stores by large marble corridors that are empty before customers’ arrival.
During Saturday’s race at City Center Mirdif, two robots move among sportsmen, who stop to take pictures with them.
Others queue to use electric bicycles that generate energy for blenders that prepare healthy smoothies.
In all, nine malls in the city, including the huge Dubai Mall, one of the largest in the world, open daily between 7am and 10am to receive those who seek to exercise.
On weekends, runners can participate in 10 km, 5 km or 2.5 km races, including podiums and awards.
Encouraging an active lifestyle
The “Mallathon” is one of the actions to encourage the population of Dubai, car lover and malls, to exercise. The proposal is similar to initiative 30×30, which motivates residents to exercise 30 minutes a day for a month.
The obesity rate in Gulf, a region rich in oil and gas with a desert climate, regularly figures among the highest in the world.
A study published in March by the medical magazine The Lancet revealed that 94% of emiradenses risk being overweight or obese by 2050, the highest rate in the world.
The scorching heat in the region, which lasts several months a year and becomes increasingly intense, is pointed as one of those responsible for the result.
This year, the United Arab Emirates record the hottest April in history, with temperatures above 50 ° C. On August 1, the temperature reached 51.8 ° C, very close to the historical record of 52 ° C.
Menna, a 36 -year -old Egyptian who has lived in Dubai for 15 years, says it is impossible to exercise outdoors during the summer. However, in malls, the scenario is different.
“We have air conditioning, emergency equipment, water. Everything you need. It’s also motivating when you see other people playing sports,” she said.
“Modern and Chic”
Fouzeya Faridoon, primarily responsible for social activities at Dubai Sports Council, ensures that more than 500 people signed up for this Saturday’s event for free.
“The goal is to encourage people to exercise, especially to walk or run, even in summer,” he explains to AFP.
Children, men, women with veil and at least one person with disabilities were among the participants, who received a medal and a backpack full of gifts on arrival.
Zamani, a tourist from Sri Lanka, was one of the one who ran, along with his two young children: “I like energy. Everyone is prepared and equipped.”
Also, “it’s modern and chic,” added the 46 -year -old woman.
