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.

DUBAI FITNESS CHALLENGE CARNIVAL

Thursday, November 9 – Saturday, November 11

The inaugural Dubai Fitness Challenge continues with a fun-packed free weekend carnival of events at Burj Park, including a ladies-only day on Thursday.

Some of the activities available to try include: Sunrise Yoga, HIIT, Hatha Yoga, Les Mills Bodybalance workout, ZUU fitness class and Tabata classes.

VENUE: Burj Park
TIMES: 8AM-10PM on Thursday, 10AM-9PM on Friday and 10AM-7PM on Saturday
MORE INFO: dubaifitnesschallenge.com

XDUBAI SPARTAN RACE

Friday, November 10

With over two million competitors across 21 countries, The Spartan Race returns to the UAE to find the Spartan warriors in Hatta.

There are three different levels of challenges and this time Hatta will experience the Spartan Sprint and the Spartan Super.

The Spartan Sprint is a 5k run with over 20 obstacles to overcome while the Spartan Super is a 13k run with over 35 obstacles. These obstacles include multiple terrains and a number of other physically challenging hurdles.

There will also be a Junior Race for 4-15 year olds from 800 meters to 1.5km. There will be live entertainment, food and beverages for both Spartans and spectators.

VENUE: Hatta
TIMES: Registration opens at 6am
MORE INFO: Spartan Race

DUBAI INTERNATIONAL TRIATHLON

Friday, November 10

Tri Fest returns to Dubai, with a host of challenging races, including the Olympic Triathlon, Sprint Triathlon, Super Sprint Team Triathlon and the fourth Dubai International Triathlon – complete with a new distance.

Taking place at Jebel Ali, the event will feature a 1.5 kilometre swim followed by a 80 mile bike ride and a 10km run.

If you are looking to push the boundaries and challenge yourself physically, the Dubai International Triathlon is the best way to achieve your fitness goals.

WHERE: Jebel Ali
MORE INFO: Dubai International Triathlon 

RACING AT MEYDAN

Friday, November 10

The first race of the new season 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 2018.

The first race at the venue is expected to be a highly competitive meet and the action begins at 6.30pm.

General admission is AED 50 at the venue while there are hospitality options to sit in Meydan’s new Grandstand.

VENUE: Meydan Racecourse
TIMES: 6.30PM
MORE INFO: Meydan Racing

THE COLOUR RUN

Friday, November 10

Presented by Daman ActiveLife, Dubai is once again set to become an island-style paradise and amass crowds, surpassing the number of attendees during last edition of The Color Run.

Combining colour, positive vibes and catchy tunes, new and returning entrants will experience the all-new “Tropicolor Zone” – be bathed in sweet scents as they make their press through the 5km course at Dubai Autodrome.

Since its inception in 2012, The Colour Run has deserved its worldwide recognition, featuring in over 200 cities and 35 countries every year. It is arguably the most distinct, exhilarating running event in existence.

VENUE: Dubai Autodrome
TIMES: 7am – Midday
MORE INFO: The Colour Run

ABU DHABI SPORTS COUNCIL CITY RUN

Friday, November 10

The Abu Dhabi City Run returns to the Heritage Flagpole, offering a 2.5k, 5k or 10K option for both casual and experienced runners.

Encourage your friends, family, colleagues and neighbours to join in the race so they can test their running ability in one of the capital’s most popular races.

VENUE: Heritage Flagpole Road
TIMES: 7am
MORE INFO: Abu Dhabi City Run

DUBAI TRADITIONAL DHOW SAILING

Friday, November 10 – Saturday, November 11

Dubai International Marine Club features a double header this weekend, with the second round of the 22ft Dubai Traditional Dhow Sailing Race on Friday and first round of the 60ft category on Saturday.

It’s the second race on the marine calendar before the final heat in mid-December.

VENUE: Dubai International Marine Club
TIMES: 2pm
MORE INFO: Dubai International Marine Club

SUPER SPORTS MINA MILE OPEN WATER SWIM SERIES

Saturday, November 11

Barasti Beach at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina will host the 21st swim of the Super Sports Mina Mile Open Swim Series on Saturday.

Around 400 swimmers are expected to enter and several different race distances are on offer which include a 200m for those under 13, 400m, 800m as well as the one mile (1.6km) course.

The main event will be a one mile (1,600m) swim with four different male and female aged categories: 18 years and under, 19 to 39, 40 to 49 and 50 and over. A 200m swim for those aged 12 and younger will also take place and be divided in to two categories, under nine and nine to 12.

VENUE: Barasti Beach, Dubai
TIMES: 8am
MORE INFO: Mina Mile Open Water Swim

LE MERIDIEN ABU DHABI OPEN WATER SWIMMING FESTIVAL

Saturday, November 11

The second annual Le Meridien Open Water Swim sees participants swim from the hotel’s beach to Al Maryah Island before paddling back in the 1km feature race.

The event comprises numerous short distance contests suitable for all ages and abilities ahead of the grand final 200m ‘free’ race.

Here, swimmers from various race categories participate and enjoy the waters by the beach. ‘Floaties’ are welcome.

VENUE: Le Meridien Beach, Abu Dhabi
TIMES: From 7.30am
MORE INFO: Le Meridien Open Water Swimming Festival