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:

DUBAI DESERT CLASSIC
Thursday, January 25 to Sunday, January 28

World No10 Sergio Garcia is back in the UAE to defend his Dubai Desert Classic title – the tournament commonly referred to as the ‘Major of the Middle East’ due to the fact it is the longest-running European Tour event in the region.

The Spaniard is part of a world-class field for the Emirates Golf Club event which will also see Rory McIlroy, Henrik Stenson and Martin Kaymer compete in the heart of Dubai.

WHERE: Emirates Golf Club
MORE INFO: Dubai Desert Classic

DUBAI WORLD CUP CARNIVAL
Thursday, January 25

The third Dubai World Cup Carnival race gets underway at Meydan this week as local and regional racers battle it out ahead of the prestigious season-ending Dubai World Cup in March.

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

STANDARD CHARTERED DUBAI MARATHON
Friday, January 26 

The Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon is the most prestigious marathon in the UAE and one of the most popular marathons in the region.

Over 30,000 runners are expected to take part across Marathon, 10km and 4km Fun Race distances on January 26 – the most ever to participate in the Dubai event.

Registration is still open if you wish to take part or you can still go down and watch some of the best athletes in the world in action.

In the last edition of the race, Tamirat Tola and Worknesh Degefa of Ethiopia clinched men’s and women’s titles.

VENUE: Madinat Jumeirah
TIMES: 6.30AM

ABU DHABI SPORTS COUNCIL CITY RUN

Friday, January 26 

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

 

WEST ASIA PREMIERSHIP
Friday, January 26

The Gulf’s premier rugby competition continues for week seven.

The highlight of this round of fixtures is reigning champions Abu Dhabi Harlequins at home to an in-form Bahrain side and Dubai Hurricanes in action against Dubai Exiles.

In the other fixture, Dubai Eagles have the chance to avenge two heavy defeats when they face Abu Dhabi Saracens at Al Ghazal – with both sides struggling this season and desperate for a win.

MORE INFO: Fixtures

MCLAREN CUP
Friday, January 26 – Friday, February 9

World-class polo action continues in Dubai this week with the ninth edition of the McLaren Cup.

As part of the Dubai Polo Gold Cup series, the tournament runs until February 9 at Al Habtoor Polo Resort.

The Gold Cup Series is only behind Argentina, the US and UK in size and is played under the Hurlingham Polo Association banner.

WHERE: Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club, Dubai
MORE INFO: McLaren Cup