The Dubai Sports Council has unveiled its “Active Summer” initiative, a city-wide programme running until 31 August 2026, aimed at strengthening Dubai’s position as a global destination for year-round physical activity.

The initiative brings together a wide range of indoor and outdoor sporting events, developed in partnership with national institutions and event organisers. The programme spans water, marine, snow and mountain sports, alongside indoor competitions, mall-based races and inclusive activities for People of Determination across the emirate.

Officials say the campaign is designed to encourage participation across all age groups, nationalities and fitness levels, reflecting Dubai’s broader ambition to promote active lifestyles.

“The ‘Active Summer’ initiative aims to foster a culture of sports and physical activity among all segments of society,” said Essa Sharif, Director of the Sports Events Department at the Dubai Sports Council.

He added that the programme is intended to make sporting activity “sustainable and accessible”, while reinforcing Dubai’s status as one of the world’s most active cities.

A major feature of the summer calendar is the return of indoor running events, led by the Dubai Mallathon, which runs from 15 June to 15 September. The initiative, launched by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has already drawn strong participation, with organisers reporting more than 40,000 entrants and a Guinness World Record for the largest indoor mall race of its kind.

Another key attraction is Dubai Sports World, running from 27 June to 25 August, which will host a variety of indoor tournaments and fitness activities. This year’s edition includes new community-focused programmes such as Dubai Kids World and dedicated sessions for senior citizens in partnership with Thukher Club.

Inclusive sport also forms a central part of the initiative, with a dedicated programme for People of Determination scheduled from 22 June to 30 July under the theme “Our Summer is Beautiful”. Organisers say the activities are designed to enhance participation and athletic development in a supportive environment.

The competitive calendar features a mix of grassroots and international events, including the Dubai Schools Games basketball tournament, esports competitions, fitness challenges at Dubai World Trade Centre, and a range of football, boxing, swimming, gymnastics and sailing events held across the city.

Former England and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand and his wife Kate Ferdinand will also headline the “One Body” community sports initiative, alongside a number of international athletes.

Winter sports venue Ski Dubai will continue its summer programming with freestyle skiing competitions, alpine training camps and international team preparations, including Paralympic squads. It will also host regular freestyle ski nights and indoor fitness events on snow.

Officials say the wide-ranging calendar reflects Dubai’s long-term strategy to position sport as a central pillar of community life and tourism, even during the region’s extreme summer months.