≡-From Mall Runs To Night Beaches: How The UAE Is Redefining Its Summer Tourism – Viral of Today

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September 4, 2025The summer heat of the UAE is not for the weak-hearted. Temperatures frequently rise above 40°C (104°F), and since there isn’t much natural cover nearby, outdoor activities become uncomfortable.It can be difficult for visitors and locals in the UAE to stay active during these months. Nonetheless, the area has adopted a number of innovative approaches that let residents stay in shape and take part in physical activities without being exposed to the inclement weather.The Rise of Mall Runs: A Cool Solution to the HeatOne such innovation is the mall run, a concept introduced in 2017 by Gulf Multi Sport, an events company based in Abu Dhabi. With the popularity of shopping malls in the UAE and their extensive, climate-controlled environments, this idea has become a perfect solution for fitness enthusiasts seeking to stay active during the intense summer heat.Steve Watson, the founder and managing partner of Gulf Multi Sport, explained that the mall run concept emerged out of necessity. The organization wanted to give people an opportunity to maintain their fitness throughout the hot summer months, where running outside would simply be too dangerous.The expansive, multi-level malls in Abu Dhabi, like Yas Mall, Reem Mall, and Ferrari World, provide a safe, cool space for running events.A Safe and Spacious Environment for RunnersThese malls, unlike smaller shopping centers found elsewhere, offer large areas with wide walkways and escalators, creating the perfect setting for organized runs. These events allow participants to choose from various race distances, including 2.5 kilometers, 5 kilometers, and 10 kilometers.Runners are typically divided into staggered groups, starting in intervals with the use of chip timing, ensuring safety and avoiding overcrowding.The Reem Mall Run Series is a prime example of how these events work. It consists of four races held monthly, from June to September. Runners can participate in individual races or compete across the entire series to earn points and be crowned the Reem Mall Champion.Initially, expatriates were the main participants in these events, but over the years, UAE nationals have become a significant part of the races. This shift has been encouraging for Watson, as it highlights the growing popularity of fitness activities among local residents.A Growing Community of RunnersThe races have become more inclusive, with a diverse range of participants joining. Families, women, and people of all ages and fitness levels now regularly participate. Some events even support charitable causes such as cancer awareness and environmental sustainability.Ladies-only events, like those held at Ferrari World, have become a popular tradition. These races attract more than a thousand runners, many of whom are Emirati women seeking a private, supportive environment for fitness.Martin Corrado, a regular participant in the races who is in his late seventies, emphasized that the controlled indoor environment makes mall runs a safe and enjoyable experience for people of all ages.The even surfaces and the guidance of marshals make it easier to run and stay active throughout the year. For many participants like Martin, the mall runs provide a rare opportunity to stay fit regardless of the weather outside.Night Swimming: Cooling Off Under the StarsWhile indoor runs offer a great escape from the heat, some residents still crave the outdoors. For those looking to enjoy the fresh air without the scorching temperatures, Abu Dhabi’s Marsana Night Beach offers a unique and refreshing solution. Located on Hudayriyat Island, this newly opened leisure and sports hub has become a popular spot for swimming under the stars.A New Concept for Abu Dhabi: Swimming at NightThe concept of night beaches is not entirely new to the UAE, as Dubai has previously introduced similar initiatives. However, this is the first time Abu Dhabi has opened a beach for after-dark swimming. The venue, with its floodlit beach, is designed to offer a cooling respite from the day’s heat. Despite the warm waters of the Persian Gulf, the evening provides a much-needed relief from the blazing sun.Enjoying the Outdoors in ComfortA local resident expressed excitement about the new beach, noting that it offers a rare chance to enjoy the outdoors in a comfortable setting. Before this, outdoor activities were really hard to find in the summer, but now, people can cool off and enjoy the beach even at night.The beach is open until 10 p.m. on weekdays and until midnight on weekends, making it an excellent option for families and tourists to relax and unwind after a long day.Supporting Local Businesses and TourismAbu Dhabi’s night beach concept provides a significant opportunity for the community to enjoy nature during the hot summer months, which are typically off-limits due to the extreme heat. It also benefits local businesses, driving foot traffic to nearby restaurants and shops.An Emirati working in tourism, pointed out that the sand is too hot during the day to walk on, so opening the beach at night allows everyone to enjoy it in a much more comfortable and peaceful setting.A Community-Driven InitiativeThe growing trend of indoor and night-time activities in the UAE highlights the region’s dedication to improving residents’ quality of life during the summer months. Whether it’s indoor mall runs or night-time beach swimming, these initiatives help people stay active and engaged while avoiding the dangers of the intense heat.Moreover, these activities also contribute to the UAE’s tourism industry. By offering unique experiences like mall runs and night beaches, the emirate of Abu Dhabi is positioning itself as an attractive summer destination, not just for tourists but also for local residents.These events provide much-needed outlets for physical activity and social interaction, making them more than just fitness activities—they are becoming part of the community fabric.The Future of Summer Activities in the UAEMore indoor and outdoor solutions are anticipated to surface as the UAE innovates further, enabling citizens to adopt a more balanced and active lifestyle all year long. These creative ideas have made it possible to stay fit during the sweltering summer months in the United Arab Emirates, something that was previously thought to be impossible.

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