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:

LIWA SPORTS FESTIVAL
Thursday, December 28 – Friday, January 5

The region’s most powerful four-wheel drives return to face new challenges, as well as drag races, bike races, motocross tracks, camel and horse races, classic car competitions and freestyle drifting.

Standing at over 300m and inclined at a 50° angle, daredevils will race to the top of one of the world’s highest sand hills in various brackets dependent on car and bike types.

The nine-day festival offers a week-long celebration of Emirati heritage with competitions and activities such as bike riding and camping available to guests around the Moreeb Dune.

Visitors will also be able to take advantage of the onsite facilities and services to make camping a memorable, yet comforting experience to remember for many years to come.

VENUE: Liwa

GULF CUP SEMI-FINAL – UAE VS IRAQ
Tuesday, January 2

UAE take on Iraq for a place in the Gulf Cup final on Tuesday.

Alberto Zaccheroni’s men finished runners-up in Group A after a goalless draw against Kuwait in their final group game on Thursday.

The Whites will face an Iraq side who were dominant in Group B – with wins over Yemen and Qatar and a draw against Bahrain.

Elsewhere, Bahrain are in action against Oman in the other semi-final.

VENUE: Kuwait
TIME: 10:00pm

RACING AT MEYDAN
Thursday, January 4

The fifth 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

UAE WOODEN POWERBOAT CHAMPIOSHIP
Friday, January 5

One of the only events of its kind in the region, the UAE Wooden Powerboat Championship sees drivers from all over the region competing in Al Shawaheef powerboats.

These 28ft vessels link modern technologies with the UAE’s heritage, and are piloted by either one or two drivers.

VENUE: Dubai International Marine Club

ADSC AL WATHBA INDIVIDUAL TIME TRIAL
Saturday, January 6 

The Abu Dhabi Sports Council presents the Individual Time Trial at Al Wathba Cycle Track in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

The race for men will be 46km – completing first the 30km loop and finishing on the 16km loop – with the ladies doing a single 30km loop.

Riders will start from 10am.

VENUE: Al Wathba Cycle Track