Hundreds of people beat the summer heat last night as Dubai Sports World 2015 kicked off with the re-opening of the UAE’s largest indoor summer sports venue.
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The landmark fifth edition of the event will run until August 29 in the vast Dubai World Trade Centre, an air-conditioned space featuring eight professional-standard pitches for football and rugby, one volleyball court, four basketball courts, two tennis courts, one cric-ket pitch, twelve table tennis tables, six badminton courts, a gym, a running track, a wire park and a skate-boarding and BMX park.
DSW 2015 – organised in association with Dubai Sports Council – will also roll-out its largest and most diverse roster of summer camps and team, corporate and community tournaments.
Dignataries led by DSC secretary general His Excellency Saeed Hareb and local sports figures were on hand to witness the gala unfold, badminton star Muna al
Sahlawi urging fitness fans to escape the soaring outdoor temperature and get involved.
She said: “Last year, we saw so many people coming of all ages and nationalities. And this year, it will attract even more.
“My dream is to see more UAE nationals, both men and women, to make use of this amazing facility.”
New activities this year are Power Penalty Challenge, Against GraviTi Parkour and Streetworkout arena, the elevated Wire World Park of obstacles and bridges and dedicated group exercise (GX) classes by Fitness First.
Competitions include DUPLAYS Ramadan Football Cup, adidas #BeTheDifference 6-a-side football tournament, DXB2-UAE Conference Basketball, Dubai Sports World Basketball League, G-Force Cricket T-10 cricket tournament and Shuttle Time Dubai Corporate Badminton Championship.
A number of summer camps for children aged four to 16 will take place. These include two-time African Footballer of the Year Frederic Kanoute’s KAFO Academy, Match Sport Academy, IFA sporting academy’s football and basketball programmes, G Force Cricket Academy and Tennis 360.
Badminton World Federation secretary general/COO Thomas Lund was on hand to see dozens of competitors taking part in Shuttle Time Dubai.
“Honestly, I think it is amazing how Dubai Sports World develops from year to year,” he said. “I’m very pleased with is how full it is.”
With record bookings for pitc-hes and courts driving pre-opening optimism, organisers believe attendance this year will trump the 175,081 figure set over 80 days last summer.
“Our market-leading position has been reflected in phenomenal pre-opening bookings,” said Ahmed Alkhaja, senior vice president – venues, DWTC.
“We are expecting another record-breaking summer.”
Running daily until the end of August, DSW 2015 is open from 08:00 to 01:00 during the Holy Month of Ramadan and from 08:00 to midnight after Ramadan.
For further enquiries on registering, making bulk bookings or organising unique team-building activities across a variety of sports, log on to www.dubaisportsworld.ae.