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 23 – Friday, October 27
Pakistan will look to whitewash Sri Lanka with victory in the fifth and final ODI in Sharjah on Monday.
With the T20s kicking off in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, it’s sure to be a thrilling few days of action for cricket fans in the UAE.
VENUE: Sharjah Cricket Stadium and Sheikh Zayed Stadium
START TIME: Monday 2pm, Thursday 8pm, Friday 8pm
TICKETS: On sale at the venue
ABU DHABI DASH
Tuesday, October 24
Here’s your chance to swap the office for the race track as the Abu Dhabi Dash returns for its second edition.
Zayed Sports City will again be the venue for the event, that will see you put your team-building and communication skills to the test to reign supreme in a friendly competition.
Whether you’re someone who regularly exercises or not, the race provides something for everyone.
Racing as a team of no more than 10, each member will run 1.5km around the 15km team distance.
VENUE: Zayed Sports City
START TIME: 6.30PM
RAS AL KHAIMAH GOLF CHALLENGE
Wednesday, October 25 – Saturday, October 28
The European Challenge Tour tees off at Al Hamra Golf Club in Ras Al Khaimah this week and it promises to be memorable both on and off the course with the launch of the Al Hamra Fan Village.
A field of 105 players, comprising of international talent, European Tour professionals, MENA Tour winners and some of the UAE’s best amateur and pros, will battle it out for the coveted title.
Wherever you live in the UAE, there are plenty of reasons to make your way down to RAK for what should be a spectacular tournament.
VENUE: Al Hamra Golf Club, Ras Al Khaimah
MORE INFO: Ras Al Khaimah Golf Challenge
ARABIAN GULF LEAGUE
Thursday, October 26 – Saturday, October 28
The Arabian Gulf League continues with GW6 as top of the table Al Ain entertain Sharjah at Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium on Thursday (20:00).
The Boss will be looking to maintain their unbeaten start to the season and build on their 2-0 away win against Emirates Club last weekend.
In the other fixtures, second place Al Wahda are away to Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club and third place Al Wasl take on Dibba Al Fujairah.
MORE INFO: AGL Website
SAUCONY TIME TRIAL RUN
Friday, October 27
Looking for a challenge to test your running ability? The Time Trial Run will return for a second edition at the picturesque Hamdan Sports Complex this Friday.
Sponsored by Saucony, the Time Trial Run will give participants the opportunity to run a 5km, 10km race or a 2.5km relay at one of the world’s largest multi-purpose facilities.
This is the perfect event to help you track your progress or simply enjoy a run at one of Dubai’s top venues.
VENUE: Hamdan Sports Complex
START TIME: 5:30am
MORE INFO: Saucony Time Trial Run
DUBAI FITNESS CHALLENGE
Friday, October 27 – Saturday, October 28
The inaugural Dubai Fitness Challenge kicks continues with a fun-packed free weekend carnival of events at Kite Beach, including appearances from fitness instructor and online star Cassey and many more.
Some of the activities available to try include: Beach Football, Beach Volleyball, Ultimate Frisbee, Tennis, Basketball, Tug of War, HITT, Tabata, BMX, Parkour, Skateboarding, Hatha Yoga, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Zuu, Canoeing, Kayaking, Stand Up Paddle, Kite Surfing, Boxing, Fitness Circuits and Bubble Soccer.
VENUE: Kite Beach
START TIME: 1-9PM
MORE INFO: dubaifitnesschallenge.com
JLT RUN
Friday, October 27
The JLT Run is a new 8km road run through Jumeirah Lakes Towers and is in support of breast cancer awareness research.
Organised by Fidelity Fitness Club, the run is the first of its kind and anyone participating in the Dubai Fitness Challenge will receive a 30% discount.
The event’s start and finish line will be at JLT Park, where there will be group exercise classes to take part in after the race.
VENUE: JLT Run
START TIME: 9AM – 9PM
MORE INFO: JLT Run
AL FORSAN WAKEBOARDING NATIONALS
Friday, October 27
More than 100 wakeboarders will contest the third round of the 2017 Nationals Wakeboarding Championships at Al Forsan International Sports Resort on Friday.
The venue has already hosted plenty of international events, including the renowned WWA Wake Park World Championships.
The competition will be intense in all sections this weekend, from the boys’ seven-12 years category right up to the men’s and women’s masters categories, so get down and show your support.
VENUE: Al Forsan International Sports Resort, Abu Dhabi
START TIME: 8:00
Make a splash: At Al Forsan.
ABU DHABI DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL
Friday, October 27 – Saturday, October 28
The Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, hosts the Annual Abu Dhabi Dragon Boat Festival for its 10th year in a row to celebrate its highly successful decade-long presence in the hotel.
Spectators and guests can enjoy watching the highly anticipated race along its 1km stretch of beach, while also enjoying a range of fun activities and entertainment throughout the day.
Team participation includes the supply of a dragon boat and all necessary equipment as well as two 60-minute training sessions with an internationally acclaimed training coach. Each team can have a maximum of 20 members with prices starting from Dh2,500 per team for registration.
VENUE: Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi
START TIME: 8:30 on Friday, 10:30 on Saturday
MORE INFO: Shangri-La Hotel Abu Dhabi
GULF ELITE TOUR
Thursday, October 26 — Friday October 27
The Gulf Elite Tour is a new showjumping series that kicks off this Thursday in Dubai, featuring a host of the best riders from both the region and the international scene.
VENUE: Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club
START TIME: 16:00 on Friday, Noon on Saturday
MORE INFO: Gulf Elite Tour Facebook page
DUBAI CITY SWIM
Saturday, October 28
Sign up for the UAE’s largest open water swimming event at Kite Beach on Saturday!
More than 200 swimmers have already confirmed their presence with four distances available to five age-appropriate categories (250m, 500m, 1000m, 2500m).
All swimmers are encouraged to bring along their family and friends to enjoy the fun, action-packed day.
VENUE: Kite Beach
START TIME: 8-10am
MORE INFO: Dubai City Swim