Sport

Dubai is fast becoming a major sporting destination, with events such as the Dubai Tennis Open and the Dubai Desert Classic attracting competitors from the heights of the sporting world.

Climbing - Although nearby destinations offer excellent climbing locations, Dubai is home to indoor climbing walls of varying degrees of difficulty. These climbing walls can be found at The Pharoe’s Club, at the Pyramids, Wafi Mall and the Mall of the Emirates.

Diving – The gulf ocean is deemed by many as a safe location for scuba divers with only novice experience. There are also several projects planned for the palm jumeirah, including the unique ‘Dive Experience’, consisting of four themed water sectors, as well as the Atlantis, a water-based attraction that will include a dolphin encounter program.

Golf - Dubai recently received the accolade of the worlds leading golf destination by the International Golf Tour Operators Association (IGTOA).
Arguably the highlight of Dubai’s golfing facilities is the Emirates Golf Club, previously voted the number one course on the European PGA tour by players who have competed in the Dubai Desert Classic.
Other golf courses of interest are; the Wadi course; Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht club and The Montgomerie golf course.

Horse-Riding – Dubai has a rich heritage in both horse riding and racing. There is a vast range of riding clubs throughout Dubai; however, there is also planning for the plantation Equestrian and Polo Club, Dubailand which would become one of the world’s biggest equestrian facilities.

Horse Racing - Race Meetings are held from the cooler months from November to April, the pinnacle of the racing program being the Dubai World Cup, held towards the end of March.

Indoor Skiing – The recently opened Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates, is the worlds third largest indoor ski slope, measuring 400 metres and using 6000 tonnes of snow. The Dubai Sunny Mountain Ski dome provides a great family attraction, featuring a revolving ski slop, an artificial mountain range, an ice bridge, a cable lift, a snow maze, an ice slide, polar bears cold water-aquaria and special sound and light effects.

Motor Racing and Go-Karting - The Dubai Autodrome, Dubailand includes an FIA sanctioned circuit offering six different configurations, as well as a ‘Race and Driving’ school and an approved karting track.

Tennis – As mentioned, the Dubai Tennis Open attracts some of the world’s top-seeded players. This event is held at The Dubai Tennis Stadium at the Aviation Club, although many complexes across Dubai feature tennis facilities.

Water Sports – Dubai is an ideal location for a full range of water sports. A wide range of facilities are available in Dubai and the Dubai International Marine Club at Mina Seyahi is only approximately 30 minutes drive from the city centre, which hosts both international and local water sports events.

Sporting Calendar

Traditional Dhow Sailing and rowing races (from October-June)

Horse-Racing season (November-March)

Eid camel races. (February and October 2006)

Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon (January 6 2006)

UAE National Sailing Championship (February-June 2006)

Dubai Tennis Open (20 February- 4 March 2006)

Presidents Cup Regatta (Dubai-Muscat Sailing Race) (TBA)

Dubai Desert Classic (2-5 February 2006)

Dubai World Cup (25 March 2006)

UIM Class One Offshore Powerboat Racing, (TBA)

UAE Marlboro desert Challenge 2006, (TBA)

Dubai International Rally 2006, Date TBA

Dubai Rugby Sevens (12-2 Dec 2006)