There is no shortage of top sporting events in the Emirates and here’s our one-stop diary of everything that’s going on — welcome to our weekly feature, What’s Up UAE.
Are you attending or participating in one of the following events?
Share your experiences with us, using the hash-tag #whatsupuae on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.
PAKISTAN VS SRI LANKA
Monday, October 16 – Friday, October 20
Pakistan lead the ODI series 1-0 after their commanding win over Sri Lanka on Friday.
With three ODIs taking place across the week in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, it’s sure to be a thrilling few days of action for cricket fans in the UAE.
VENUE: Sheikh Zayed Stadium and Sharjah Cricket Stadium
START TIME: 3:30PM
TICKETS: On sale at the venue
ARABIAN GULF LEAGUE
Thursday, October 19 – Saturday, October 21
The Arabian Gulf League continues with GW5 as top of the table Al Wasl travel to Abu Dhabi to face champions Al Jazira on Friday (20:00).
The Cheetahs will be looking to replicate their recent form and build on their 2-1 win over Al Wahda in last weekend’s top of the table clash.
In the other fixtures, Emirates Club entertain Al Ain and Sharjah take on Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club.
MORE INFO: AGL Website
Al Wasl star Fabio De Lima.
GLOBAL MALA
Friday, October 20
Join the Global Mala yoga event on 20 October, the launch day of the Dubai Fitness Challenge.
Start your challenge with the whole community at Safa Park for the free Global Mala – or “mala around the earth” – hosted by YogaFest Dubai. This event is part of a worldwide effort to unite people through positivity, intention and mindfulness.
Inspired by traditional mala beads – or a 108-bead strand used by yogis to aid in meditation, salutations and more – the Global Mala Project’s “mala around the earth” is a gathering aimed at yoga, service and collective action.
MORE INFO: Global Mala
Global Mala
2XU TRIATHLON
Friday, October 20
The 2XU Triathlon is the ultimate way to challenge yourself and inspire others to get active. Catering to triathletes of all ages and abilities – individuals as young as nine years old and relay teams of up to three people – this race offers a variety of categories. Participants can be assured of the course’s safety, which offers closed roads, calm lagoon waters and multiple aid stations throughout each route.
Whether you’re competing or simply cheering someone on, you’re guaranteed a fun day outdoors featuring music, nature scapes and vibrant community spirit. The best part is that if you’re participating as a group, you’re eligible for a discount.
MORE INFO: www.racespace.me
WEST ASIA PREMIERSHIP
Friday, October 20
Reigning champions Abu Dhabi Harlequins will be bidding to maintain their unbeaten start to the season when they host Dubai Hurricanes at Zayed Sports City (19:00).
Mike McFarlane’s side have played two matches so far this campaign, edging Jebel Ali Dragons 34-33 and drawing 15-15 with Bahrain.
In the other game, in-form Jebel Ali Dragons face Dubai Eagles.
MORE INFO: Yalla Rugby
#DUBAI30x30 OPENING WEEKEND CARNIVAL
Friday, October 20 – Saturday, October 21
The inaugural Dubai Fitness Challenge kicks off at Safa Park with a fun-packed free weekend carnival of events from 20-21 October 2017, including appearances by Kris Fade, Sharmila Dance Group and plenty more…
MORE INFO: dubaifitnesschallenge.com
Dubai Fitness Challenge
DESERT WARRIOR CHALLENGE
The Desert Warrior Challenge is designed to test participants’ physical strength, mental resilience, teamwork and overall fitness with a series of gruelling obstacles.
From children to seasoned extreme athletes, the series of challenges are fashioned for various skill and fitness levels consisting of multiple obstacles.
Young warriors can feature in the Junior category, which will see them traverse 2km of terrain before tackling appropriate obstacles, while first-time warriors are encouraged to attend the ‘Fearless’ category – a 5km track with more than 12 challenges.
The ‘Ultimate’ category is the next step up with its 10km obstacle course, but the big one is the brand new ‘Extreme’ race he first of its kind in the region. A 20km course, it is certainly not for the faint-hearted.
WHEN: 07:30
WHERE: Dubai Police Training Facility, near Mall of Emirates
WEBSITE: Desert Warrior Challenge
ADSC AL AIN ZOO RUN
Saturday, October 21
The UAE’s first ever Zoo Run will take place in the beautiful grounds of Al Ain Zoo.
The run caters to all abilities and features options from 2.5km, 5km and 10km races.
Starting at the main entrance, runners will enter the park and loop around to the Safari area, before returning via the Arabian Habitat and the Big Cat Oasis. One long loop will range a 5km distance.
VENUE: Al Ain Zoo
MORE INFO: ADSC Al Ain Zoo Run
START TIME: 6.45am
RUN THE TRACK – 10KM, 5KM AND 3KM
Saturday, October 21
What better way to start your Saturday morning then taking part in the Run The Track event?
This fun yet competitive run is suitable for all members of the community, from first time runners, to some of the best runners in the UAE.
There are three race distances available from 10km, 5km and 3km.
VENUE: Dubai Autodrome
MORE INFO: Run The Track
START TIME: 6.15am