Sports Events in Dubai

The Jebel Ali Hotel offers free water sports for it's guest staying on a tor package.
You can sail, windsurf or waterkayak for free.
All the "motorized" sports like waterskiing or bananaboat riding will be charged.

Dubai is becoming a real sporting centre. We have the world's richest horse race, international golf, tennis, rugby, cricket - the International Cricket Council HQ is now in Dubai - football (soccer), water sports, paragliding, tenpin bowling, snow skiiing!!, go-karting...the list is almost endless.

Buy a copy of the monthly magazine What's On to find out about the local clubs, activities and special sporting events.

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Beginning of December.
The Dubai Rugby 7's has quickly become one of 'the' not-to-be-missed rugby 7's. It's big, bousterous, well organised and lots (and lots) of fun.
The Old Guard will tell you 'It was better in the old days', meaning, 'When me and my mates had it all to ourselves...'. Lots of superb rugby, very reasonably priced tickets, well organised catering.
Book your ticket(s) WELL IN ADVANCE or do as I had to do last year after flying in from Morocco just for the event - scrounge around for one.

Equipment: Sun cream, sun hat, loud cheering/singing voice. Except last year when the rain just belted down for days.

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A round of the F1 Grand Prix will take place in the fall of 2009 in Abu Dhabi. They've start building the circuit and the infrastructure on the Yas Island.
If you are a big fan of the F1 - mark in your calendar to make an early booking, as the place will be crowded.
A good thing though, the country is small and in case you are not getting the desired accomodation in Abu Dhabi, you can travel there by car from Dubai (1,5-2,5H trip) or Sharjah (add 1 hour).
There was a fantastic F1 Festival this winter, dedicated to the announcement of the AD round. The pits were at the Emirates Palace hotel (see the photos).

Equipment: Camera!!!

Loads of billiards and snooker clubs in Dubai...It's nice to spend some time there with friendsv play and relax...
Try getting in earlier on weekends as it gets crowded...

Equipment: No need to get any gear unless your a pro and you have ur own cue stick!!!!

Dubai's only indoor climbing wall is located at the Pharao's club in The Pyramid at Wafi. The wall comprises a varied set of walls for climbing routes and bouldering, with crash mats during low level climbs, and ropes on all routes. During the winter, climbing trips to Ras Al Kahimah are organized. Bimonthly competitions are held, and trained instructors are available (book in advance).

Equipment: Charges for the wall are 40 Dhs. per hour. All equipment necessary available at the club.

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OK - so Dubai isn't necessarily famous for Bowling of all things... and Bowling isn't necessarily a sport associated with the Middle East... BUT: this is something fun to do, especially during the summer when the heat is so scorching that you won't last more than 5 minutes without air-conditioning.

Al Nasr Leisureland has an 8 lane bowling alley. Thunder Bowl has the distinction of being the first bowling alley of its kind in the Middle East, with 20 fully computerized Brunswick lanes. We went bowling at the Magic Planet in City Center - refreshments are available, and if you get bored with bowling, an internet cafe is right next to the bowling lanes.

Note - Please wear clean socks .. the chap at the lane next to our had stinking and torn socks when he was changing into his bowling shoes.

Another note: I am forced into making the following statement: "Ash is better at bowling than me, since he won the game." (Puh! Beginner's luck!!!)

Equipment: You can rent the shoes at the counter.

ICE SKATING??? You go all the way to the Middle East and go Ice Skating??? ICE SKATING???

Well, actually it was quite a lot of fun, and the ice-rink inside the Hyatt Regency offers a great escape from the unbearable heat. The ice rink is located in the center of the Galleria Shopping Mall on the ground floor of the Hyatt, so even if you don't skate yourself, it's a great place to drop off the kids and get some serious shopping done.

Sidenote: Ash tries to cheat in ice-skating races!!!!

Other sidenote: it takes aprx. 3 - 5 months for the pain of a bruised hip-bone to go away!

Equipment: Skates can be rented right there for aprx. 25 dhs. ( ~ $ 5.--); other than that - no special equipment required. Just wear comfortable clothing you can move in.

Open: Saturday to Thursday, 10:00 am to 1:30 pm, 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Closed: 8:00 pm on Fridays and public holidays