Sport in Dubai

EXCITEMENT, COMPETITION, GLAMOUR ... EXPLORE

A Range Of Thrilling Sports In Dubai Whether As A Participant Or Spectator

Clear blue waters, sandy desert

dunes and rolling greens allow visitors to practise their golf swing, explore ancient coral reefs or ride across the rugged countryside on a camel’s back. Every sporting taste and skill level is catered for with multimillion-dollar recreational facilities in abundance throughout the region. Warm temperatures and pristine beaches provide the perfect setting to get your feet wet with sailing, scuba diving and snorkelling facilities at every turn. For those who prefer to keep both feet firmly on the ground, horse racing, motor sports and international football matches offer speed, glamour and spectacle in the comfort of luxury autodromes and arenas.

Dubai Rugby Sevens

Each December, Dubai hosts the Middle Eastern leg of the highly popular Rugby Sevens World Series. This three-day event attracts huge numbers of fans to the games in support of teams from all parts of the globe, making it one of Dubai’s most colourful and multicultural sporting events of the year. Supporters are treated to the cream of international rugby talent as they battle it out in a shorter version of the traditional rugby union 15-man game. The contest is always fast and furious, with skill and speed being more important than the conventional brawn associated with rugby. The action is equally exciting off the field, with plenty of music being played around the grounds for all to enjoy, as well as the crowd customarily creating a carnival-like atmosphere in the stands. www.dubairugby7s.com

Golf

Dubai boasts a stunning portfolio of world-class golf courses, including the exclusive Emirates Golf Club, which features two championship courses (Majlis and Faldo) and a private nine-hole, par three course, along with two premium driving ranges, designed to be enjoyed by golfers of all calibres. The internationally renowned greens play host to the Dubai Desert Classic and Dubai Ladies Masters, attracting a selection of championship players and golfing connoisseurs from across the globe. The Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, situated in the heart of the city, is recognised by its superbly manicured fairways, undulating sand dunes, and date and palm trees perched along the creek’s edge. This spectacular course is floodlit during the evening to cater to all schedules, as the clear waters of the creek wind alongside at least four holes where several artificial lakes embellish the expansive greens. After a round or two with friends or colleagues, members may also enjoy the excellent facilities, including award-winning restaurants and bars, a fitness centre, a swimming pool and a 121-berth marina.

www.dubaigolf.com

Horse Racing

The racing season runs from November to April, with The racing season runs from November to April, with the Meydan Racecourse the centrepiece of the season, boasting a mile-long grandstand able to accommodate 60,000 spectators. The state-of-the-art facility also has a nine-hole golf course and five-star hotel trackside.

The Dubai racing calendar culminates in the Dubai World Cup, as it has since 1996. This Group One flat race is an invitation-only event with horses travelling from all over the globe for a chance at the US$10 million prize. The race itself is part of the Dubai World Cup day, which has a series of nine races with a prize pool of more than US$26.5 million, making it the richest horse racing meet in the world. The 2021 grand prize was won by Mystic Guide, ridden by Luis Saez.

www.dubairacingclub.com

Water Sports

Hot weather and the pristine waters of the Arabian Sea combine to provide perfect conditions for water sports, so it’s no wonder that Dubai has plenty on offer. The Gulf’s shallow waters and coral reefs are a wonderful location for snorkelling and scuba diving. The calm waters also suit sailing, windsurfing and jet boating. For those who like to spectate, Dubai hosts a range of events. The Dubai International Marine Club has to be the city’s most popular venue for big meets and regularly features a range of events, such as the Dubai Traditional Rowing Race, UAE (United Arab Emirates) Wooden Powerboat Championship, UAE Jet Ski Championship and the internationally renowned UIM World Powerboat Championship.

www.dimc.ae

Outdoor Adventure

On dry land, Dubai also has plenty of sporting activities to choose from, and the open expanse of the Arabian Desert is only a short journey from the hustle and bustle of the city, offering an adventure playground in itself. Go on your own four-wheel drive desert safari, as you shoot across dunes and over steep slopes. To really get a feel for the shifting sands, why not try sandboarding or explore by bike?

If you prefer things at a slower pace, however, you could take a camel trek through the desert, as so many Bedouin tribesmen have done before you or drift across this breathtaking landscape in a hotair balloon.

Camels are also used for the traditional UAE sport of camel racing, which continues to be popular with locals and visitors alike. Racing is held from October to April on Thursdays, Fridays or Saturdays, and there are various tracks in the UAE, with Al Marmoom Camel Race Track probably the most prominent. Races can have anywhere between 15 to 70 camels racing and are between four and 10 kilometres in length – it is advised that you bring your binoculars. www.visitdubai.com

Football

In recent years, the UAE has experienced football fever. Dubai Sports City is home to the LaLiga Football Academy, providing world-class training facilities for children, amateurs and professional teams and players. Similar worldclass venues throughout Dubai host the UAE league matches and international friendly ties. And the fact that a number of international teams now have Dubai-based owners has also invigorated this country’s interest in the world game. In November 2021, the city will host the Gulf Winter Cup, a tournament that sees the participation of academies, clubs and schools from around the world. Arab neighbour Qatar will be hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2022, and so this is set to bring even more football excitement to the region in the coming years. www.dubaiwintercup.com

Motorsports

The ultra-modern Dubai Autodrome has established itself as one of the finest motor sport venues within the UAE. This cutting edge circuit features more than five kilometres of high-speed straights and challenging technical corners across six independent configurations. The world-class facility has fast become the favoured venue of international racing events, including the FIA GT Championship, European Touring Car Championship and Al GP. Michael Schumacher, Jacques Villeneuve and Kimi Räikkönen have all raced at the Autodrome, which features a series of VIP suites with superior views across the course. www.dubaiautodrome.com