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.

The festive season is approaching and while many have holiday plans in store, there’s still plenty of sport to enjoy in the Emirates.

Are you attending or participating in one of the following events?

Share your experiences with us, using the hashtag #whatsupuae on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

Here’s our run-down of some of this week’s sporting events:

UIM-ABP AQUABIKE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Monday, December 18 – Wednesday, December 20

The final round of the UIM-ABP Aquabike World Championship takes place on Khalid Lagoon near Sharjah on Monday.

Heading into the penultimate round, the most coveted titles in international jet ski are up for grabs with 60 riders from 25 countries expected to take part.

Rashed Al Tayer, Homod Almuduyan, and Rashid Al Mulla of the UAE are in contention to clinch trophies, and face a hectic schedule of two practice sessions, qualifying and three Motos over three days.

VENUE: Khalid Lagoon, Sharjah
TIMES: 9.30AM

RACING AT MEYDAN

Thursday, December 21

The fourth race of the 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

ABU DHABI SPORTS COUNCIL CITY RUN

Friday, December 22

Here’s your chance to swap the office for the race track as the Abu Dhabi Sports Council City Run returns to the Corniche.

Whether you’re someone who regularly exercises or not, the race provides something for everyone.

Runners can choose from 5k, 10k and half marathon distance.

The race will start and finish at East Plaza and will be a looped 5km course on the closed road between Al Bateen and Airport Road.

VENUE: Abu Dhabi Corniche
TIMES: 7:00am
MORE INFO: Abu Dhabi Sports Council City Run

5TH ANNUAL GIANT DUATHLON SERIES – RACE 2

Friday, December 22

The second race of the six-race series will be held at the Hamdan Sports Complex this Friday, bringing athletes of different disciplines onto the same playing field.

Whether you’re a cyclist, duathlete or triathlete, the race is suited to your abilities with a run/bike/run format.

Competitors can take part in either teams of two or solo and you can be in as many of the events as you want.

VENUE: Hamdan Sports Complex
TIMES: From 7:00am
MORE INFO: Abu Dhabi Sports Council City Run

EL CLASICO – REAL MADRID VS BARCELONA

Saturday, December 23

There will be thousands of people in the UAE crowding around screens this Saturday as fans of Real Madrid and Barcelona watch their sides in action in El Clasico.

The two rivals look set to battle it out again for the La Liga title this season, with Barca making the stronger start under new boss Ernesto Valverde.

The Catalan giants hold an eight point lead over Zinedine Zidane’s side after 15 games.

Can Los Blancos – fresh off the back of their Club World Cup win in Abu Dhabi – continue their strong form at the Bernabeu?

VENUE: Real Madrid Cafe, JBR and Seville’s Restaurant, Wafi.
TIMES: 4:00pm