Football dominates the sporting landscape over the festive period in the UAE this week.
From the visit of Barcelona icon Lionel Messi to Dubai for the Globe Soccer Awards in the city – to the Dubai International Sports Conference – there is no shortage of activity.
And of course there is a big clash between Emirates and Al-Ahli in the Arabian Gulf League, as well as the return of Meydan Racing.
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DUBAI INTERNATIONAL SPORTS CONFERENCE
Sunday and Monday, December 27-28
The 10th Dubai International Sports Conference gets underway in the city as stars from the world of football join Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for the event to discuss the theme ‘Challenges and Achievements’.
The conference will feature an appearance from Barcelona legend Lionel Messi as well as on-stage panel discussions between other heroes of the game including Andrea Pirlo and Frank Lampard.
And with all of European football's top leagues, except the English Premier League, enjoying a mid-season winter break, big names from the world of football governance will also be speaking on stage, including UEFA General Secretary Gianni Infantino and FIFA Presidential candidate Prince Ali Bin Hussein.
On the first evening of the conference, the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards will also take place.
WHERE: Madinat Jumeirah Hotel
INFO: Dubai International Sports Conference
ARABIAN GULF LEAGUE
Wednesday, December 30
The UAE premier football league's last match of 2015 is a contest between second-placed Ah-Ahli and struggling Emirates (6.20pm kick off).
Fresh from a Boxing Day win at Al Shaab, Ah-Ahli will be hoping to close the gap on leaders on leaders Al Ain to just three points at the top of the AGL table.
WHERE: Emirates Club Stadium
INFO: AGL
MEYDAN RACE NIGHTS 2015-16 (RACE 5)
Friday, January 1
The first race of 2016 gets underway at Meydan this week as local and regional racers battle it out for spots in premiere races like the Dubai World Cup carnival and ultimately the season-ending Dubai World Cup in March 2016.
The fifth race of 2015 at the venue is expected to be a highly competitive Meydan meet and the racing begins at 4pm.
General admission is free at the venue while there are hospitality options to sit in Meydan's new GrandStand.
WHERE: Meydan Racecourse
INFO: Dubai Racing Club