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?
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Here’s our run-down of some of this week’s sporting events:
DUBAI WORLD CUP CARNIVAL
Thursday, February 15 – Saturday, February 17
The Dubai World Cup Carnival continues at Meydan this week as local and regional racers battle it out ahead of the prestigious season-ending Dubai World Cup on March 31.
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
TRIYAS BY DAMAN’S ACTIVELIFE
Friday, February 16
Eager athletes of all abilities and ages will take part in TriYAS by Daman’s ActiveLife triathlon at Yas Marina Circuit this weekend.
One of the UAE’s biggest and most popular mass participation sporting events, TriYAS is set to attract 1,500+ athletes from around the region and beyond who push themselves to the limit in the swimming, cycling and running challenge.
This year, TriYAS by Daman’s ActiveLife, is open to even more members of the community with a series of new, shorter courses aimed at first-timers, younger athletes as well as short-distance speedsters.
The Super Sports Triathlon Championship – which is part of a four-race series – will offer three categories: T1, which involves a 100-metre swim, 3-kilometre bike course and a 1-kilometre run; T2 includes a 200-metre swim, 6-kilometre cycle plus a 2-kilometre run; T3 involving a 300-metre swim, 9-kilometre bike race and a 3-kilometre run.
VENUE: Yas Marina Circuit
TIMES: From midday
Friday, February 16
Challenge yourself on the beautiful ultra-trail 50km or 100km trail run through the mountain passes, along jeep tracks, through boulder ravines and over spectacular sand dunes of Ras Al Khaimah.
It is a tough challenge and requires training, but generous cut-off times (24hrs overall) allow most physically fit, determined and well-prepared runners to get to the finish.
START TIME: 6.45AM
MORE INFO: Urban-Ultra Hajar 50 & 100
WEST ASIA PREMIERSHIP
Friday, February 16
The Gulf’s premier rugby competition continues after a one week break.
The highlight of the seventh round is reigning champions Abu Dhabi Harlequins away to Dubai Hurricanes and Jebel Ali Dragons at home to Dubai Eagles.
MORE INFO: Fixtures
UIM AQUABIKE INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Friday, February 16
More than 60 races will participate in the UIM Aquabike International Championship in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
Leading racers from different nationalities will battle it out at speeds of up to 100km/h, while the inclusion of eight classes means enthusiasts at various levels can savour the thrill of competitive jet skiing.
VENUE: Yas Beach, Abu Dhabi
TIMES: 2:30PM
DUBAI DESERT ROAD RUN
Saturday, February 17
The Desert Road Run takes place multiple times across the year and participants can measure how well they perform at each run.
There will be a 10K run that is open to runners 14 years and older and a 3K fun run that is open to children from ages 6 onwards to adults as well.
VENUE: The Sevens
TIMES: 7.45AM
MORE INFO: Dubai Desert Road Run