Dubai, July 21, 2026: Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) brought together several government entities for a community walk at Mirdif City Centre to raise awareness about healthy living as part of the Dubai Mallathon initiative.
The walk was attended by HE Aisha Abdulla Miran, Director General of KHDA; HE Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority (CDA); HE Professor Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, Director General of Dubai Health Authority (DHA); HE Mishal Abdulkarim Julfar, Executive Director of the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services; and HE Khalifa Rashed Al Hamli, Director of the Office of the Minister of Defence.
Representatives from Dubai Health, the General Secretariat of the Supreme Legislation Committee, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), and the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government participated in the walk, alongside people of determination and senior citizens.
The event reflected the spirit of partnership among government entities, underscoring the emirate's commitment to encouraging community members to adopt healthier lifestyles and make walking part of their daily lives.
The initiative is part of Dubai Mallathon, launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. The initiative aims to promote a culture of walking by providing suitable indoor environments in shopping malls during the summer, supporting Dubai's vision of building a healthier society and embedding quality of life as both a guiding principle and a way of life.
HE Aisha Abdulla Miran, Director General of KHDA, said: “Quality of life is built through partnership and collaboration. KHDA was pleased to participate in the Dubai Mallathon initiative and bring government entities together around a shared community goal. We believe that working together towards a common purpose is key to building a culture of health and wellbeing, while reflecting Dubai's model of integrated government that places people at the heart of development.
“We are proud to have people of determination and senior citizens participating in this initiative, because building a healthier society begins with including all members of the community and empowering them to adopt active, healthy lifestyles that enhance their wellbeing and make physical activity a sustainable daily practice.”
She also expressed her appreciation to all participating government entities for their cooperation and support in contributing to the success of the initiative.
HE Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority in Dubai, said: "The Community Development Authority is committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen social cohesion and provide opportunities for all members of society to participate in activities that promote health, encourage positive social interaction, and enhance quality of life. Dubai Mallathon is an excellent example of government partnership that unites efforts to achieve lasting community impact."
HE Khalifa Rashed Al Hamli, Director of the Office of the Minister of Defence, said: "The initiative represents a leading model of integration among government entities in supporting national initiatives that promote healthy lifestyles and encourage people to make physical activity part of their daily routines, contributing to a healthier and more vibrant society and reflecting the UAE's vision of investing in people as the foundation of sustainable development."
HE Professor Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority, said: "Health is built through daily habits and environments that encourage movement. At the Dubai Health Authority, we are proud to participate in this initiative and encourage everyone to take part and make movement a daily habit because of its direct impact on health and quality of life."
HE Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, said: “Dubai Mallathon brings together significant health, social and economic benefits. Our participation in its activities reflects our strong commitment to supporting initiatives and campaigns that encourage community members to embrace a healthy lifestyle through physical activity and fitness. It also promotes the optimal use of public facilities during the summer season while encouraging walking as a daily habit across the community, contributing positively to public health.”
HE Dr Amer Ahmad Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health, said that Dubai Health’s participation alongside government entities in the Dubai Mallathon reflects the importance of collaborative efforts in supporting initiatives that encourage the adoption of healthier lifestyles, enhance community well-being, and contribute to the objectives of Dubai’s Quality of Life Strategy 2033, which aims to position Dubai among the world’s leading cities for quality of life.
HE Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, said: “This initiative aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033, which aims to build a healthier and more vibrant society and increase the number of people practising sports in the emirate to 2.6 million, through the optimal investment in advanced infrastructure and the provision of flexible and innovative sports environments suitable for all segments throughout the year.”
“This exceptional government collaboration, and the inspiring participation of senior citizens and people of determination in a unified endeavour, confirms that sports are a comprehensive societal message that unites us all and a fundamental element of development.”
HE Mishal Abdulkarim Julfar, Executive Director of the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, said: "Our participation in Dubai Mallathon reflects the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services' commitment to supporting national initiatives that enhance quality of life and strengthen a culture of prevention by creating supportive community environments that encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to engage in physical activity.
“At the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, we believe that our responsibility extends beyond responding rapidly to emergencies and saving lives. It also includes contributing to initiatives that promote public health and raise preventive health awareness.”