Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, has launched Dubai Mallathon, a new community-focused fitness initiative that transforms shopping malls into indoor walking and running tracks during the summer.

The month-long programme, which runs daily from 7am to 10am from August 1 to 31, aims to make fitness more accessible to residents by leveraging the climate-controlled environments of Dubai’s largest malls.

Seven malls will participate, including Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Hills Mall, Deira City Centre, City Centre Mirdif, Dubai Marina Mall, and Springs Souk.

“With the Dubai Mallathon, we’re turning familiar spaces into places that inspire movement, connection, and better habits,” Sheikh Hamdan said. “This is a shared journey. We are all partners in transforming our city into the world’s best place to live, work, and visit.”

Public health push through Mallathon

The initiative forms part of broader government efforts to promote well-being and healthier lifestyles under the Dubai Social Agenda 33 and Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 33. It also aligns with the national ‘Year of Community’ campaign.

Backed by the Ministry of Defence and organised in cooperation with the Dubai Sports Council, the Dubai Mallathon targets all age groups and segments of society, including children, senior citizens, and mall employees.

Participation is free, with registration open at www.dubaimallathon.ae.

Registered participants receive a digital card and gain access to daily fitness activities, including stretching sessions, children’s zones, and health-awareness stations. Fitness-tracking tools will also be integrated to encourage consistency.

Using existing infrastructure

The programme also addresses the challenge of exercising in the extreme summer heat by repurposing underused mall space. Officials say it is a practical, low-barrier solution for maintaining physical activity year-round.

“Dubai seeks to set new global benchmarks in wellbeing by making fitness an integral part of daily life,” Sheikh Hamdan said, adding that the initiative reflects the city’s strategy to place people and families at the centre of development plans.

Retail collaboration

To support lifestyle change beyond exercise, Mallathon will feature collaborations with restaurants and retail outlets that offer health-conscious deals and products to participants, promoting better nutrition and long-term wellness habits.

The initiative also includes the ‘Walk for Better Health’ programme, a joint effort by the Community Development Authority and participating malls, aimed at promoting community participation in physical health.

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HR Hotel, a joint venture between Malta-based db Group and RAK Hospitality Holding (RAKHH), has signed a suite of agreements with Hard Rock International to develop Hard Rock Hotel & Residences Ras Al Khaimah, a branded mixed-use property slated to open in 2028.

Located on the Arabian Gulf adjacent to Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah’s Beach District, the project will include approximately 300 hotel rooms and 395 branded residences.

The project expected to be complete in 2028 will create around 500 permanent jobs.

Amenities will feature multiple dining outlets, a rooftop bar, beach club, spa, fitness centre, event venue and conference facilities.

“Hard Rock International is proud to introduce its hotel and residence accommodations to the region,” said Todd Hricko, SVP and head of Global Hotel Development at Hard Rock. “This development will open new doors for the Hard Rock global traveller.”

RAK is emerging as a high growth destination

Ras Al Khaimah has positioned itself as a high-growth destination by combining investment infrastructure with sustainable tourism. Attractions include Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak, and the world’s longest zipline.

“This partnership brings together db Group’s development track record, Hard Rock’s global brand, and our insight into Ras Al Khaimah’s market dynamics,” said Alison Grinnell, CEO of RAKHH.

The project marks db Group’s first major venture outside Malta. “With nearly four decades in hospitality, we aim to deliver a destination that embodies Hard Rock’s energy,” said Silvio Debono, chairman of db Group.

RAKHH is also involved in the upcoming Wynn Al Marjan Island integrated resort.

Hard Rock operates more than 300 venues across 80 countries.

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Apple on July 23 introduced AppleCare One, a new service plan designed to provide simple, flexible coverage for multiple Apple devices under a single subscription. For $19.99 per month, customers can protect up to three Apple products, with the option to add more devices at $5.99 per month each.

The new plan builds on the features of AppleCare+ and expands protection across devices including iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. US customers can sign up for AppleCare One starting tomorrow through their iPhone, iPad, or Mac, or by visiting an Apple Store, an Apple report said.

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“At Apple, we’re focused on creating and delivering exceptional experiences,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “Built on the trusted foundation of AppleCare+, AppleCare One extends that same reliability and makes it easier than ever to protect the products you love and depend on.”

All-in-one coverage and support

AppleCare One offers all the benefits of AppleCare+, including unlimited accidental damage repairs for incidents like drops and spills, 24/7 priority access to Apple experts, certified repairs, and battery service. Notably, theft and loss coverage, previously limited to iPhone, has been expanded to include iPad and Apple Watch.

The plan’s pricing structure remains the same regardless of which devices are enrolled. According to Apple, users could save up to $11 per month compared to purchasing separate AppleCare+ plans for each device.

Add existing devices, up to four years old

In a notable shift from Apple’s previous policy, customers can now add eligible devices they already own, as long as they’re in good working condition and up to four years old. This expands protection opportunities beyond the typical 60-day purchase window for AppleCare+.

Flexible management for a growing collection

AppleCare One also streamlines plan management. When a user trades in a covered product directly to Apple, the device is automatically removed from their plan and replaced with the new one. As a month-to-month subscription, customers can keep coverage going indefinitely and can adjust which devices are covered at any time.

Apple says AppleCare One is ideal for users with multiple Apple devices who want comprehensive protection, convenience, and predictable monthly costs, all from a brand they trust.

With the approval of the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council, the Ministry of Education (MoE) has announced a new unified school calendar for all public and private schools across the UAE, effective from the 2025-2026 academic year.

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The revised calendar sets standardised dates for the beginning and end of the academic year, the conclusion of each term, and term breaks. It will be implemented nationwide across all schools, regardless of curriculum, a WAM report said.

According to the ministry, the changes are designed to enhance family cohesion and create a more balanced learning environment in alignment with the goals of the “Year of Community.”

Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education, said the calendar represents a qualitative shift in managing the academic year. “This unified calendar is part of our national approach to achieving the goals of the ‘Year of Community’ by fostering a socially connected and balanced educational ecosystem,” she said.

She added that consistent holiday dates will also help cultural, tourism, and community organisations align their activities with the academic calendar, reinforcing the connection between education and broader society.

Term dates and holiday breaks announced

The academic year will begin on August 25, 2025, with the first term ending on December 7, 2025. Students will then enjoy a four-week winter break from December 8, 2025 to January 4, 2026, resuming classes on January 5, 2026.

The second term runs from January 5 to March 15, 2026, followed by a two-week spring break from March 16 to 29, 2026. Classes will resume on March 30, except for private schools in Sharjah, where the term resumes on March 23.

The third term will begin on March 30 and conclude on July 3, 2026, with Sharjah schools ending one day earlier on July 2. The schedule is designed to provide a balanced academic year that supports student learning and overall well-being.

Mid-term breaks and flexibility for private schools

The updated calendar also introduces mid-term breaks for public and private schools following the government curriculum. These short breaks are intended to reduce academic pressure and promote student wellness.

• The first mid-term break is scheduled for October 13–19, 2025, during the longest academic term.
• The second break will take place from February 11–15, 2026, offering students a pause during the winter term.
• A third break is planned for May 25–31, 2026, aligning with the Eid Al Adha holiday.

Private schools not following the national curriculum are allowed to schedule their own October and February breaks, provided each does not exceed five consecutive days and remains within the designated months. These schools are required to align with the national calendar while accommodating their operational needs.

The ministry emphasised that all schools must adhere to the approved calendar, including administering final assessments and completing curriculum requirements in the final week of each term. Exceptions apply only to students taking pre-scheduled international exams.

Additionally, private schools following the government curriculum must comply with the centralised test calendar used in public schools.