Camel Racing

This may be your only opportunity to view a unique sport that is an integral part of the heritage of the UAE. Camel racing takes place during the winter season (Thursdays and Friday mornings, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., from October to March) at special tracks around the country. The atmosphere is electric, especially during public holidays when major races for considerable prize money are held. There is no admission fee.
Nad al-Sheba camel track, with it’s impressive grandstand, is located on the outskirts of Dubai city behind the Metropolitan Hotel. Tour operators or local newspapers will give exact dates and times of events.

Canoeing

Some tour operators (e.g. Desert Rangers 04 3460808/3453091 www.desertrangers.com) organize canoeing trips through the mangroves – no experience is necessary.

Car Rallying

Emirates Motor Sports Federation (04 2827111 www.emsfuae.com) organizes a wide range of car rallying events in the UAE.
The Desert Challenge, part of the World Cup, is held in the first week in December.

Cricket

Cricket has a growing following in the UAE. Top world teams compete in purpose-built cricket stadiums.  Cricket fans simply must visit the 25,000-seater cricket stadium located at Dubai Sports City, which is amongst the most advanced of its kind, with next-generation facilities for players officials, VIPs, spectators and the media. The innovative bowl design brings the spectator closer than ever to the action.

As well as hosting an array of international matches, this incredible venue is also home to one of the worlds leading cricket academies.

Football

Football fans need not be deprived of their favourite sport since soccer is also the most popular national sport in the UAE. There are stadiums galore, including Zayed Sports City, the biggest sports complex in the Middle East. Check in local newspapers for fixtures. www.uae-football.org.ae

Golf

The UAE is blessed with numerous well-appointed golf courses including challenging PGA championship golf courses with lush fairways and perfectly manicured greens. A couple of courses, being sand, offer the unique opportunity to play on ‘ browns’ (oiled sand) instead of greens. All the major golf courses have state-of-the-art clubhouses and a range of additional facilities, including quality pro-shops and dedicated coaching facilities with PGA qualified professionals. All players on the main courses are required to hold an official handicap of 28 or less for men and 36 or less for women. Only soft spikes or rubber-soled shoes are permitted and conventional golfing apparel is mandatory (t-shirts with collars and tailored shorts/trousers). No denims or jeans are permitted on the course or in the clubhouse. Golf clubs and golf carts are available for hire, and it is advisable to book time slots well in advance.

Dubai Desert Classic www.dubaidesertclassic.com). The Dubai Desert Classic, a European Tour event sponsored by DUBAL, is usually held in March.

Race to Dubai. This is the culmination of the European Tour, and is played at the Jumeirah Golf Estates.  Tickets are easily available.

Horse Riding

Recreational riding is well catered for in the UAE with lessons suitable for all abilities. Most enthusiasts have their own equipment but you can usually purchase or hire if necessary. Rates vary depending on requirements.

Dubai Equestrian Centre (04 3361394) is located near the camel race track Nad al-Sheba. The centre has extensive facilities, including floodlit arena, riding school and dressage arenas.
Jebel Ali Equestrian Club, Jebel Ali Village (04 8845566) is an approved branch of the British Pony Club offering lessons for children and adults. Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club, located at Arabian Ranches is perfect for equestrian pursuits.  Whether you are looking for a refresher to your riding skills, desert hacking, or just want to enjoy the thrill of Polo, this venue has it all. Visit their website for more:  www.poloclubdubai.com

Ice-Skating

In a country where the sun always shines you can enjoy an activity that is more typical of colder climates, but bring a sweater!

Dubai’s new sensational Olympic-size ice rink is located within the Dubai Mall.  Dubai Ice Rink is a destination of endless fun for everyone. The Olympic-size ice rink boasts world-class facilities. Whether you want to learn skating, perfect your technique, play ice hockey, socialise with friends or just have a great time, this spectacular venue is the coolest place to hang out, any time of the year.

Polo

Polo (and hacking) can be experienced at Dubai Polo Club, located at Arabian Ranches (04 3331188). Riding equipment is available for hire.

Ghantoot Polo & Racing Club, Sheikh Zayed Rd, about an hour’s drive from Abu Dhabi (02 5629050 grpc1@emirates.net.ae) has four floodlit polo fields, a racing grandstand, polo school, tennis courts, swimming pool and fitness centre. The polo season featuring regular chukka tournaments and major international events runs from Mid-October to April. Spectators are welcome.

Powerboat Races

World championship powerboat races are staged each year in the UAE. The final round of the inshore Formula One is staged off Abu Dhabi in November complementing offshore Class One races held off Dubai and Fujairah. The UAE’s own powerboat teams (Victory Teams) have had remarkable success on the world circuit over the years.

Dubai International Marine Sports Club at Mina Seyahi (DIMC 04 3994111 www.dimc-uae.com/english) also organizes powerboat races throughout the year.

Rock Climbing

If you are a beginner or wish to improve your skills try the indoor climbing wall at Pharaohs Club, Pyramids, Oud al-Mehta, Dubai (04 3240000 www.waficity.com). If you are a competent climber and the excellent rock climbing routes in the UAE mountains beckon to you, staff at the Pharaohs Club may have information about informal groups who tackle the mountains on a regular basis.

Rugby

World-class rugby sevens compete in the Dubai Rugby Sevens in November/December each year for the prestigious Emirates International Trophy. Friendly matches are also played on a regular basis with international teams. Check events magazines and newspapers for details or call Dubai Exiles Rugby Club (04 3331198), near Dubai Country Club.

Sailing

For a truly wonderful experience you can watch traditional sailing dhows,  graceful craft from an earlier age when great wooden trading dhows plied the Indian Ocean, or traditional longboats powered by up to 100 oarsmen, race off the Abu Dhabi Corniche and other venues throughout the Emirates. These events usually coincide with one of the local festivals, especially National Day (2 December). Check the local newspapers for details.

Dubai Offshore Sailing Club (04 3941669 www.dosc.ae) is a non-profit club, run by a committee of volunteers, where sailors of all abilities are welcome. It provides moorings, launching facilities, sail training as well as full catering and an active yachting and social calendar.

Dubai International Marine Club (04 3994111 www.dimc-uae.com/english) is no longer a members’ club, but organizes local, national and international boat races and watersports events. Spectators are welcome.

UAQ Tourist Club (The Flamingo Beach Resort 06 7670000 flaming1@emirates.net.ae) is situated in the old part of town on the lagoon. This relaxed club offers great sailing in all types of boats, including catamarans, glass-bottom boats for viewing the coral reefs, and a dhow for sea trips. Water-skiing, windsurfing and jet skiing are also catered for.

Shooting/Archery

Hatta Fort Hotel (04 8523211 www.hattaforthotel.com) has supervised clay pigeon ranges and archery facilities.

Jebel Ali Shooting Club (04 8836555 www.jebelalihotel.com) offers pistol, skeet and trap shooting, as well as simulated laser shooting. Ra’s al-Khaimah Shooting Club (07 2363622) will teach you to shoot with a variety of guns. It also has facilities for archery. Facilities at Umm al-Qaiwain Shooting Club (06 7681900) include air conditioned and soundproofed indoor ranges, outdoor ranges and a ‘big gun’ range.

Dubai Archery Group (04 2215839)1 www.uaearch@egroups.com) is an informal association whose meetings take place in front of Dubai College.

Snow Skiing

Ski Dubai (www.skidubai.com) in Dubai’s Emirates Mall commenced operations in December 2005. This is the third largest indoor ski slope, measuring 400 metres and using 6000 tons of snow. Equipment can be hired.  There are a range of restaurants providing a birds eye view, should you want to watch rather than join in.

Tennis

Tennis courts are widely available at hotels and private clubs throughout the UAE. Many are floodlit to facilitate playing in the cool of the evening.

The Dubai Tennis Open, the Dubai Duty Free sponsored ATP and WTA event which attracts top-seeded players, is usually held at the Aviation Club (04 2824122) in February each year.