Dubai has established itself as a global sporting hub, hosting a variety of major events and festivals and offering numerous activities for sports enthusiasts to enjoy. As well as its year-round sports events calendar, Dubai also boasts natural attractions that are perfect for outdoor adventures and experiences.
Sports activities in Dubai
Running and hiking
Runners don’t need to miss out on any training when visiting Dubai. The city offers a variety of scenic running routes that cater to different skill levels and preferences, and hosts events such as Dubai Run on 24 November 2024, part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, and the Dubai Marathon on 12 January 2025.
One of the most popular running spots in Dubai is the green springy track which starts at Jumeirah Burj Al Arab and stretches more than 14km, past Kite Beach and over the Dubai Water Canal. There are two routes to choose from on Palm Jumeirah, a 4km leisurely course up and down the ‘trunk’ and an 11km ‘crescent’ route, along the tip of the Palm, which is a little more challenging but offers more spectacular scenery.
Dubai Marina has a 4.5km scenic track, with views of skyscrapers and luxury yachts, while the city’s parks are also great places to go for a morning, daytime or evening jog. Popular running spots include Safa Park, Dubai Creek Park, Mushrif Park, and Zabeel Park.
Surrounded by the Hajar Mountains and known for its rugged landscapes and stunning scenery, Hatta offers varied terrains for hiking and trail running enthusiasts. Trails span 32.6km across five routes, providing a mix of urban and natural settings, catering to different preferences for hiking and trail running.
Cycling and mountain biking
One of the most popular ways to explore Dubai is on two wheels. Dubai’s cycling scene has gathered momentum over the past few years, with many additional cycle paths now completed across the emirate. The year-round calendar also includes popular cycling events such as Dubai Ride on 10 November 2024, part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, and the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycling Challenge on 23 February 2025.
Located in the desert approximately 35 minutes away from Downtown Dubai, Al Qudra Cycling Track is an ideal destination for thrill-seekers and fitness enthusiasts alike. Spanning 86km, this scenic track treats riders to mesmerising views of the desert landscape. Whether a professional cyclist or a novice, the track caters to all skill levels, making it a great choice for individuals and groups seeking an invigorating cycling experience.
Nad Al Sheba Cycle Park near Meydan Racecourse is open 24 hours and has a choice of eight, six and four kilometre-long loops, all lit up at night. It also has the 68km ‘Lollipop’ track through the desert – with a strategic breakfast spot at the luxurious Bab al Shams desert resort.
The 8.4km DxBike track next to Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City is the ideal place for cycling safely with great views of the Dubai skyline.
Mountain bikers are well catered for in Hatta. There’s a dedicated 52km mountain biking trail to tackle, with four different levels to consider based on your abilities. Stop by the Hatta Mountain Bike Trail Centre for bike hires and to pick up other essentials such as helmets, as well as elbow and knee guards.
Golf
Dubai has grown into a global golf tourism destination for professional and amateur players. The city is a golfer’s paradise that’s home to world-class championship courses, golf entertainment centres, and prestigious tournaments on the men’s golf DP World Tour (European Tour) annual schedule. Emirates Golf Club is home to two meticulously designed 18-hole courses, The Majlis and The Faldo, and a nine-hole par-three academy course. One of the city’s most famous courses, the Majlis hosts the annual Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
You can also play the fairways on the Earth and Fire courses at Jumeirah Golf Estates. Designed by Greg Norman, the Earth Course hosts the annual DP World Tour Championship, the season finale event of the DP World Tour’s Race to Dubai. For a quick nine holes, head to The Track at Meydan Golf or JA The Resort in Jebel Ali.
A number of ‘golf entertainment’ venues can also be found in Dubai. Topgolf Dubai at Emirates Golf Club has a selection of games and restaurants while Five Iron Golf Dubai at the Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi has 17 simulators, golf-focused fitness studio, a restaurant and mini golf.
Watersports
Dubai’s beaches, beach resorts and beach clubs offer a wide range of watersports and marine experiences that cater to both thrill-seekers and those looking for a more relaxed aquatic adventure. Some of the most popular activities include jet skiing, flyboarding, surfing, diving, paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing.
Several sailing clubs facilitate accredited, internationally-recognised courses, such as Dubai Offshore Sailing Club in Jumeirah 3 and P&O Marinas Sailing Academy in Mina Rashid Marina. At SeaYou Watersports Dubai, visitors can book dinghy and catamaran lessons and rentals at Palm Jumeirah.
Established in 2005, Surf House Dubai in Umm Suqeim 2 is the UAE’s original surf and stand-up paddle school. As well as its sailing offerings, SeaYou Watersports Dubai also hosts guided kayak tours at Dubai Creek and Palm Jumeirah and windsurfing lessons and rentals at Palm Jumeirah.
Tennis and padel
Nestled in the heart of Dubai’s Al Habtoor City, close to Downtown Dubai, the Al Habtoor Tennis Academy is a cutting-edge facility that offers year-round tennis excellence. Boasting four hard courts, including a state-of-the-art air-conditioned tennis pavilion, the academy provides the perfect environment for players to hone their skills.
The Mouratoglou Tennis Center is a partnership between Dubai-based hospitality group Jumeirah and French tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou, formerly the coach of Serena Williams. Tennis and padel lessons and development programmes are hosted at Jumeirah Beach Hotel and at Madinat Jumeirah.
Tennis 360 has a wide array of tennis lessons, camps and tournaments for all skill levels and ages at venues across Dubai. It also offers beach tennis, padel and pickleball. TopSpin Sports Centre offers more than 60 programmes tailored to all ages and skill levels in tennis, padel, fitness, football, and ‘padbol’, a unique fusion of football and tennis. Its state-of-the-art facility in Al Jaddaf has more than 25 courts, both indoor and outdoor.
At the MATCHA Club in Meydan Court visitors can play on six outdoor padel courts. The boutique padel club also has MATCHA Movement, a studio wellness programme with yoga and meditation sessions. Smash Padel and Fitness Club is located on Palm Jumeirah’s Golden Mile and offers three padel tennis courts and a fully equipped gym, just steps away from the Golden Mile running track. Club Padel Dubai has eight padel courts – four indoor and four outdoor – at its modern facility in Al Quoz. It also offers padel lessons for players of all levels.
Winter and ice sports
Ski Dubai is an indoor ski resort located within Mall of the Emirates. It offers a unique winter experience in the heart of the desert, featuring a variety of snow-based activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, and tobogganing. The venue also hosts morning hikes on the slopes and snow yoga.
Dubai has a number of ice rinks which are of international standard. The most popular, Dubai Ice Rink at Dubai Mall, is an Olympic-size facility where visitors can learn to ice skate. Classes are available for all ages and abilities.
Sports hotels and resorts in Dubai
JA The Resort: Sporting enthusiasts will love JA The Resort in Jebel Ali, a five-star all-inclusive beachfront destination which comprises three hotels, 25 restaurants, a world-class nine-hole championship golf course, an equestrian centre, watersports hub and shooting range. Active families, couples and groups of friends can enjoy activities such as swimming, tennis and diving, and the resort is also home to the JA Sports Centre, a 168-acre sporting facility which can host professional teams and grassroots activities.
Hatta Resorts and Hatta Wadi Hub: In the Hajar Mountains, Hatta Resorts and its Wadi Hub is the ideal place to stay for guests wanting an outdoor adventure. Open seasonally, the eco-tourism centre is home to a range of luxury and quintessential accommodations for every traveller, from the cosy Damani Lodges, luxury caravans and lavish glamping domes to classic camping in personal vehicles. Known for its exciting activities, the venue offers kayaking, hiking, ziplining, mountain biking, and the popular Hatta Drop-in water slide.
The Meydan Hotel: The Meydan Hotel’s terraces look out onto the famous Meydan Racecourse, host venue of the Dubai World Cup horse race. For an exclusive behind-the-scenes look into the world of horse racing, guests can book a stables tour which includes access to the jockeys’ room, saddling paddock and parade ring. Other facilities at the hotel include a rooftop pool, the Troon-managed nine-hole golf course at The Track Meydan Golf, and The Academy operated by Tennis 360.
Al Habtoor Polo Resort: Located in Dubailand, Al Habtoor Polo Resort is a five-star luxury boutique hotel with polo fields, stables and an academy. The venue boasts state-of-the-art facilities and offers everything from horse and pony riding lessons for beginners to coaching for jumping and dressage. Other activities include swimming, padel, and archery.
Park Hyatt Dubai: Nestled on the banks of Dubai Creek, Park Hyatt Dubai offers elegant rooms, award-winning restaurants and a luxury spa. It’s also a great spot for golfers, who can head to the adjoining Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club for a round on the 18-hole, par-71 championship course.
Address Montgomerie: Another favourite for golfers is the Address Montgomerie, a luxury resort and spa set in Emirates Hills. Many of the rooms and suites overlook the 18-hole championship golf course, which extends across 265 acres of lush green fairways, landscaped gardens and lakes. The resort also offers a nine-hole par-three floodlit academy course, the Troon Golf Academy, floodlit practice facilities, luxury spa, outdoor pool and restaurants.
SIRO One Za’abeel: Described as Dubai’s ‘first fitness and recovery hotel’, SIRO One Za’abeel integrates wellbeing into its overall offering with sleep-optimised rooms and innovative facilities like the Fitness Lab, a state-of-the-art fitness floor with specialised workout studios, and spectacular views of Dubai’s landmarks.
Sports experiences in Dubai
Outdoor activities in Hatta: Escape the city and head to Hatta for outdoor adventures. The eastern region offers a perfect opportunity to breathe in the fresh air and the stunning views of the Hajar Mountains. Better still, go hiking or mountain biking to explore the mountain passes and wadis, enjoy wadi-bashing in the dry canyon riverbeds or take a refreshing dip in the cooling rock pools. You can even hire a kayak or a pedal-boat to go across the Hatta Dam to Hatta Kayak. A locker service will keep your belongings safe and dry as you enjoy the stunning views in a remarkably peaceful atmosphere.
Desert: Whether you’re looking to raise your adrenaline levels with a desert safari or enjoy a luxury overnight stay, Dubai’s desert is home to endless options. For true adrenaline-seekers, sandboarding is a breathtaking experience. Head to Dubai’s ‘Big Red’ dune – the emirate’s ultimate desert ‘black run’ – located just a 30-minute drive towards Hatta and rises to 300ft.
Equestrian: For riders wanting to mount a horse themselves, simply go to any of the city’s equestrian facilities, such as JA The Resort’s JA Equestrian Centre or the Emirates Equestrian Centre. Dubai’s desert offers a true equestrian experience, where riders can canter between the dunes. Al Jiyad Stables, in the desert region of Saih Al Salam, is home to more than 120 Arabian and part-Arab horses and offers desert hacks and training for riders of all levels.
Motor sports: Dubai Autodrome has a number of experiences including driving supercars on the circuit, such as the Formula DXB Max single-seater. Visitors can also enjoy indoor and outdoor karting. In the desert, visitors can hire a quad bike or dune buggy and navigate the sandy landscape yourself. These vehicles are easy to handle, but all riders must wear a helmet.
Football: Situated within Dubai Parks and Resorts, Real Madrid World is the first theme park operating under the branding of the world-famous football club. This unique destination offers four curated zones and more than 40 experiences tailored for football fans and tourists, including the Hala Madrid Coaster, skills games, and themed restaurants.
Sporting events to watch in Dubai
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup – 3-20 October 2024: The United Arab Emirates will host the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, after the cricket event was moved from Bangladesh. Taking place from 3-20 October, ten nations will play 23 matches at two venues in the UAE, the Dubai International Cricket Stadium and the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Camel racing – October 2024 to April 2025: At Al Marmoom Camel Race Track in the Dubai desert, located next to Al Marmoom Heritage Village and the Al Lisaili area, you can find a modern-day version of the traditional sport of camel racing. A pastime that originated in the region, it still has a whole community of avid local followers. Trainers and owners follow in 4X4s, controlling the robot jockeys atop each camel by remote. Camel racing season starts from October and goes on until April, typically scheduled over weekend mornings.
Dubai Premier Padel P1 – 3-10 November 2024: Dubai will host its first ever Premier Padel P1 tournament from 3-10 November at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium. An electrifying week of world-class padel will see 320 of the sport’s best players compete across men’s and women’s categories.
Dubai Racing Carnival – 8 November 2024 to 14 March 2025: Held at the state-of-the-art Meydan Racecourse, the Dubai Racing Carnival consists of 16 meetings, with the season getting underway on Friday 8 November. Feature race days include ‘Festive Friday’ on 20 December 2024, ‘Fashion Friday’ on 24 January 2025, and Emirates Super Saturday on 1 March 2025. The Dubai World Cup has been confirmed for 5 April 2025.
DP World Tour Championship – 14-17 November 2024: As the grand finale of the European Tour’s Race to Dubai, the DP World Tour Championship, hosted on the Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates, brings together the leading 50 players in the DP World Tour Rankings. Set against the backdrop of Dubai’s stunning landscapes and iconic skyline, the championship offers an exciting spectacle for both avid golf fans and casual observers. With its reputation for delivering thrilling finishes and enjoyable social moments, the championship strengthens Dubai’s position as a hub for sporting events.
Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix – 23-24 November 2024: Make your way to Mina Rashid for the 2024 edition of SailGP’s Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix. Presented by P&O Marinas, the event will see the best sailors in the world go head to head during a thrilling race. With plenty of viewing options for visitors, including luxury hospitality offerings, you can make a reservation at one of the waterfront grandstands or bring your own boat to get a prime viewing spot.
Emirates Dubai 7s – 29 November to 1 December 2024: Enjoy thrilling rugby action and top-class entertainment at The Sevens Stadium, a superb purpose-built venue. The Emirates Dubai 7s sees elite rugby sevens teams from around the world compete head-to-head in both men’s and women’s tournaments.
Hero Dubai Desert Classic – 16-19 January 2025: Hosted on the championship Majlis course at Emirates Golf Club, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic stands as one of Dubai’s most esteemed sporting events. A Rolex Series event on the men’s golf DP World Tour, previous winners include the likes of four-time champion Rory McIlroy, Ernie Els and Tiger Woods. Spectators can soak up the golfing action from the spectator areas or in style from the comfort of the hospitality lounges.
Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships – 16 February to 1 March 2025: The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships are renowned for attracting top-ranking tennis stars from around the world and are a highlight of the city’s sports calendar. With unique opportunities for meet and greets with players and offering prime views of the tennis action from the dedicated Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, the tournament is a crucial fixture on the ATP and WTA tours.
Dubai World Cup – 5 April 2025: Experience the pinnacle of glamour and competition as Dubai’s exhilarating horse racing season culminates with the Dubai World Cup on Saturday 5 April 2025. A highly anticipated event on both the sporting and social calendars, the Dubai World Cup is renowned for its grandeur, attracting the world’s finest racehorses and best jockeys to compete. This prestigious event comprises nine gripping horse races, fireworks, family activities and more.
Sports events in Dubai to participate in
Dubai Fitness Challenge – 26 October to 24 November 2024: One of the city’s marquee events is the Dubai Fitness Challenge. It challenges participants to complete 30 minutes of exercise each day for 30 days (30×30) and the programme will include fitness events, classes, sporting activities, as well as exciting deals and promotions.
Dubai Ride – 10 November 2024: Dubai Ride, part of Dubai Fitness Challenge, will see cyclists pedal their way through the heart of the city. Attracting more than 20,000 people for previous events, this all-ages community fixture promises an action-packed day of fun and fitness. Participants can choose between the family-friendly 4km route around Downtown Dubai, offering views of Burj Khalifa, or take on the 14km challenge along Sheikh Zayed Road.
Dubai Run – 24 November 2024: Dubai Run is the grand finale of the month-long Dubai Fitness Challenge. More than 200,000 participants will make their way past some of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks, choosing between 5km and 10km routes along Sheikh Zayed Road.
Emirates Dubai 7s – 29 November to 1 December 2024: As well as watching the elite nations in action during the Emirates Dubai 7s, there’s opportunities to participate in the event at The Sevens Stadium. You can enter a team in the international invitational, the largest mass-participation rugby sevens tournament in the world, and also take part in other sports such as cricket, netball and padel.
Dubai Marathon – 12 January 2025: Attracting thousands of runners and spectators every year, the Dubai Marathon is a major event on the city’s sporting calendar. As well as the 42.195km marathon distance, many participants choose to compete in the 10km road race and 4km fun run.
Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycling Challenge – 23 February 2025: Amateur cyclists can participate in the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge, which starts and finishes at Expo City Dubai. Building up with four rides at the Al Qudra Cycle Track, the main event covers 92km on the day.
For more information about sport in Dubai see visitdubai.com
Images courtesy of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism