Sport360 brings you the ultimate guide to this week’s sporting events in the UAE.
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ABU DHABI DESERT CHALLENGE
Monday, April 3 to Thursday, April 6
Under its first moniker, the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge was widely considered one of the world’s more prestigious international cross-country rallies. Founded by motorsport legend and ATCUAE President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the competition has seen respected names such as Carlos Sainz, Colin McRae and Heinz Kinigadner visit the Emirates.
Entering a new era in 2009, the format changed to five days of motorsport action staged across the Abu Dhabi emirate. Now celebrating its 27th anniversary, the 2017 edition returns as the opening round of the 2017 FIM Cross Country Rallies World Championship as well as third round of the 2017 FIA Cross Country Rally World Cup, reprising its role as one of the capital city’s most important historic events.
Previous iterations have seen motorbikes, quadbikes and four wheel trucks compete in cross-emirate stages but a gradual movement in recent years solidified Abu Dhabi’s position as sole emirate to host this event thanks to its vast desert terrain.
WHERE: Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, Yas Marina Circuit
MORE INFO: abudhabidesertchallenge.com
AST INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONS CUP DUBAI 2017
Tuesday, April 4
Aspire Sports Tour have a wealth of ex-professional football experience under their belt. The organisation is responsible for multiple sports events across the world, but its the popularity of their football tournaments that have captured the most attention.
Soon headed towards Dubai, AST proudly presents the upcoming edition of the AST International Champions Cup, which will attract figures from the finest academies, clubs and schools.
Interested individuals of all young ages – from eight to eighteen – are encouraged to sign up in one of the six available categories.
WHERE: Dubai, Dubai Sports City
MORE INFO: aspiresportstours.com/football-tournaments
AUTISM GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP – YAS LINKS
Thursday, April 6
One of the largest charity events in the United Arab Emirates returns. As part of three events spread throughout the calendar, the Autism Golf Championship works with the philanthropic Al Jalila Foundation, an organisation dedicated to medical education and research in the region.
The first two events, both held in April, pit competing golfers across spectacular golf courses in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, while the final event takes these participants to Ajman’s tranquil, albeit impressive Al Zorah Golf Club.
After a simple online registration process, teams will take to the golf course and attempt to come out on top, booking themselves a memorable prize. Victors will move forward to the Grand Finale, hosted in Malaysia and experience the best The Els Clubs has to offer.
The format of play is pairs better ball Stableford with a 75% Gross Index.
WHERE: Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, Yas Links
MORE INFO: autismgolfchampionship.com
DUBAI DESERT ROAD RUN – RUN 4
Friday, April 7
Held several times a year, the Desert Road Run appeals to athletes of all levels, from first timers to seasoned runners.
Essentially a community run encouraging participation, the course has a private traffic-free road that extends to a 10km distance for experienced runners, and 3km for newcomers.
WHERE: Dubai, The Sevens Stadium
MORE INFO: dubairunning.com
NYUAD ITRI 2016/17 – FINAL RACE
Friday, April 7
Hosted with athletes of all fitness levels in mind waves of eight individuals will swim for 10 minutes in NYUAD’s 50m-long pool and then cycle for 30 minutes on spike bikes. Participants will then conclude by running for 15 minutes on the rubber indoor track.
Waves will leave 20 minutes in tandem and refreshments will be available at the Performance Gymnasium.
WHERE: Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, New York University, C2 Campus Centre,
MORE INFO: premieronline.com/action/download.php
RAK DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL 2017 – DAY 1
Friday, April 7
Held in Ras Al Khaimah, participants are in for a treat as each team is made up of 20 members (no more than 16 men) who will compete against rivals in a bid for supremacy.
Keen individuals unfamiliar with the watersport will receive two hour-long training sessions under the watchful eyes of internationally-certified professionals to help get teams accustomed to techniques and equipment ahead of the main event.
Once the races come to a close, athletes are urged to revel in their efforts by attending the post-race party for a beach barbecue at the Bin Majid Beach Resort in Al Hamra.
WHERE: Ras Al Khaimah, Al Jazirah Al Hamra, Bin Majid Beach Resort
MORE INFO: dubaidragonboat.com/Event-Calendar.aspx
TEHRAN INTERNATIONAL MARATHON
Friday, April 7
In 2016, Iran organise its first marathon in Shiraz, welcoming thousands of enthusiastic Iranians and foreign nationals from 35 countries. In April 7, its capital, Tehran, will open its doors to the public for its first-ever International Marathon.
Most popular sports in the country are practiced indoors, and street running, for many, is a leisurely activity on the rise. Aside from the main event, people are encouraged to take part in the 21km and 10km categories, while children can run the full 1km length.
The route will take runners from the Azadi monument, symbolising 2,500 years of culture and history before making their way to the Azadi stadium which boasts a capacity of 90,000 spectators.
WHERE: Dubai, Tehran, Azadi Square
MORE INFO: iruniran.com
RIDE AJMAN 2017
Friday, April 7
Merit to a partnership between the Ajman Tourism Development Department, Government of Ajman as well as several luxury hotels scattered across the emirate, Ride Ajman is able to see through its second year.
The first-class cycling event has also expanded to 104km with full road closures. In order to promote the race, Ride Ajman introduces an all-new 52km category for aspirants who are not quite on par with the necessary level of expertise.
While eyes will be on cash prizes totalling Dh138,000, a 7km charity ride for families will also be available so even the little ‘uns can relish the weather by the corniche.
WHERE: Ajman, Corniche
MORE INFO: facebook.com/RIDEAJMAN
DUBAI CUP 2017
Friday, April 7
The Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club is responsible for multiple charitable and sports endeavours. After hosting the McLaren Cup, Polo Masters Cup, Julius Baer Golf Cup and Dubai Challenge Cup, all that remains is one final competition before the UAE’s heat sets in for the summer.
The Dubai Cup, the fifth and final tournament of the Dubai Polo Gold Cup series, will now inaugurate its third edition. The format follows a medium 8-10 goal handicap played under the banner of the Hurlingham Polo Association.
Families can cherish the mastery of horseriding and polo prowess on full display while organising a casual picnic with loved ones by the sidelines of the polo field. Guests on a Friday have the prospect of delighting in the The Regis Brunch on the terrace overlooking the field, capitalising on a 5-star dining experience.
WHERE: Dubai, Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club
MORE INFO: dubaipologoldcup.com
FERRARI ASIA PACIFIC CHALLENGE 2017
Saturday, April 8
Inaugurated in 1993, the Ferrari Challenge has amassed popularity over the years thanks to its expansion across Asia.
The Asia Pacific division – the most recent Challenge series entrant – includes races in Japan, China, Malaysia and Singapore.
This mini-tournament presents drivers from 15 nationalities of various levels; novice and experienced riders.
While most eyes will remain fixed on the unfolding spectacle, attendees may also get close and personal with the impressive cars during the pit lane walk.
Don’t leave on an empty stomach as the Belgium Café offers brunch packages, with entertainment starting well before the race starts.
WHERE: Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina Circuit
MORE INFO: yasmarinacircuit.com