Middle East & Gulf sports travel destinations - guides, news, events

Emaar South Golf Club: Dubai’s newest championship golf course

27Oct

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Golf, Middle East & Gulf, Venues & Stadiums

Emaar South Golf Club: Dubai’s newest championship golf course

Dubai has added a new championship golf course to its sporting itinerary with the opening of Emaar South Golf Club on 5 October 2026. Located in Dubai South, it's the fourth golf club in Emaar Hospitality Group’s portfolio and features an 18-hole championship course designed by European Golf Design. With dedicated practice facilities and a contemporary clubhouse, Emaar South Golf Club caters to experienced players, beginners and families. Hakan Keskin, leader of hospitality at Emaar Hospitality Group, said: “The opening of Emaar South Golf Club marks an important milestone for Emaar Hospitality Group and reflects our continued commitment to creating exceptional leisure and lifestyle destinations. “This is more than a new golf course; it is a thoughtfully designed destinat...

Rory McIlroy confirmed for 2027 Dubai Desert Classic – with tickets now on sale

22Oct

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Events, Golf, Middle East & Gulf

Rory McIlroy confirmed for 2027 Dubai Desert Classic – with tickets now on sale

Northern Irish golf star Rory McIlroy will be looking to secure a record-extending fifth victory when he returns to Emirates Golf Club for the 2027 Hero Dubai Desert Classic from 21-24 January. The world No.2 and career Grand Slam winner is now a six-time major champion after defending his Masters title at Augusta National in April. He became only the fourth player to win back-to-back green jackets, after Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods. It capped a remarkable 12 months for McIlroy, who was also part of the European team which won the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black and took his seventh Race to Dubai title to move past Seve Ballesteros. McIlroy is the most successful player in the history of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. He made his debut as a 16-year-old amateur in 20...

Oman sports travel guide: Best activities, adventures and destinations

11Oct

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Destination Guides, Middle East & Gulf, Outdoor & Adventure

Oman sports travel guide: Best activities, adventures and destinations

From mountain trails and desert dunes to championship golf and watersports, Oman offers a wealth of opportunities for active holidays and sporting adventures. The Sultanate's diverse landscapes make it a destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with activities ranging from hiking, cycling and trail running to kitesurfing, scuba diving and sailing. Alongside its natural attractions, Oman hosts an established calendar of international sporting events, including the Tour of Oman cycling race, IRONMAN triathlons and endurance running competitions. Trail running, hiking and endurance sports The Al Hajar Mountains are among Oman's leading destinations for hiking, trail running and outdoor adventure. Popular routes include the Balcony Walk at Jebel Shams, overlooking the dramatic Wadi Ghu...

Qatar targets sports travellers with packed 2026-2027 events calendar

24Sep

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Event Calendars, Middle East & Gulf

Qatar targets sports travellers with packed 2026-2027 events calendar

Qatar is building on its reputation as a major international sports destination with a packed programme of events during its 2026-2027 season. Formula 1, international football, tennis and padel are among the sports set to attract athletes and travelling fans, forming a key part of Qatar’s wider calendar of more than 560 events. A major highlight in 2027 will then see the FIBA Basketball World Cup take place in August and September. Formula 1 will return to Lusail International Circuit for the Qatar Grand Prix, while the FIFA U-17 World Cup will bring international football back to the country. Major tennis and padel tournaments will also feature on the calendar. Abdulaziz Ali Al-Mawlawi, chief executive officer of Visit Qatar, said: “Qatar’s strength as a leading tourism destinat...

Qatar Airways Holidays launches stopover packages for F1 Qatar Grand Prix 2026

24Aug

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

F1 & Motorsport, Middle East & Gulf, Trends, Trips & Experiences

Qatar Airways Holidays launches stopover packages for F1 Qatar Grand Prix 2026

Qatar Airways Holidays has expanded its Qatar stopover experience with the launch of exclusive packages for the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2026. For the first time, three-day F1 race tickets have been integrated into Qatar Stopover packages along with flights and hotel accommodation, allowing passengers transiting through Doha's Hamad International Airport to create a grand prix getaway. The new offering complements Qatar Airways Holidays' existing F1 fan packages, providing travellers with another way to experience the excitement of the race at Lusail International Circuit while discovering Qatar's entertainment, cultural and hospitality offerings. A three-day T16 Grandstand ticket to the F1 Qatar GP 2026 will be included as part of the package, offering fans spect...

Five Iron Golf opens second Dubai venue in Business Bay

6Jun

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Golf, Middle East & Gulf, Sports Business, Venues & Stadiums

Five Iron Golf opens second Dubai venue in Business Bay

Indoor sports and entertainment company Five Iron Golf has announced the opening of its second Dubai venue – in the city’s Business Bay area. Located near DIFC, Burj Khalifa, and Dubai Mall, the new 6,500sqft venue at Damac Towers by Paramount is designed to serve residents and visitors seeking a high-quality environment for recreation, networking, and events in the heart of the city. The new venue features five Trackman-powered simulators with multi-angle swing analysis and access to hundreds of world-renowned courses, providing opportunities to practise, play, and compete year-round – regardless of weather conditions. Complementing the golf experience, the venue includes three multisport simulators offering interactive gameplay across sports such as football and disc golf, a...

Qiddiya City to develop new horse racing venue that will host the Saudi Cup

28Mar

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Middle East & Gulf, Other sports, Sports Business, Venues & Stadiums

Qiddiya City to develop new horse racing venue that will host the Saudi Cup

Development plans have been unveiled for a landmark horse racing venue in Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya City. A part of the long-term plans, the venue will become the new permanent home of the US$20 million Saudi Cup, the world’s richest horse race. Abdullah Aldawood, managing director of Qiddiya Investment Company, said: "Every element, from racing performance and equine welfare to hospitality and fan engagement, has been designed to meet the expectations of the world’s leading racing jurisdictions. In line with our wider vision for Qiddiya City, this state-of-the-art venue is designed to be fully accessible, pioneering a new chapter in spectator engagement and experiences." Featuring a distinctive and flexible racing configuration, the venue is designed to support a broad range of intern...

Qatar Classic: MENA Golf Tour returns to Doha Golf Club with new event

13Feb

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Golf, Middle East & Gulf

Qatar Classic: MENA Golf Tour returns to Doha Golf Club with new event

The MENA Golf Tour continues its expansion across the region with the announcement of the Qatar Classic, a new event to be held at the prestigious Doha Golf Club from 23-25 March 2026. The tournament marks the Tour's return to Qatar, where it previously staged an event at Doha Golf Club in 2013. It will serve as the penultimate event on the schedule, offering $100,000 in prize money and Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points as players make their final push for Order of Merit positions ahead of the season finale. Doha Golf Club has a rich tournament heritage, having hosted the Qatar Masters on the DP World Tour for many years. The championship course has witnessed victories from some of the game's biggest names and provides a world-class test that will challenge the field. MENA...

Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships unveil venue expansion plans

13Feb

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Middle East & Gulf, Sports Business, Tennis & Padel, Venues & Stadiums

Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships unveil venue expansion plans

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships has unveiled plans for an extensive two-phase redevelopment that will transform the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium and surrounding Aviation Club Tennis Complex. Initial enhancements will debut at the 2026 edition in February, with the full transformation completed ahead of the 2027 Championships. Designed to elevate the player experience and enhance fan engagement, the expansion marks the most significant upgrade to the Al Garhoud venue in its 30-year history. The redesign, which is being led by specialist stadium design consultancy BDP Pattern and with Turner & Townsend as project managers, positions the Championships as a tournament reflective of Dubai’s global reputation as a world-class host city for international sporting events. ...

URWLD to make Middle East debut with new sports-lifestyle venue in Riyadh

16Nov

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Middle East & Gulf, Sports Business, Venues & Stadiums

URWLD to make Middle East debut with new sports-lifestyle venue in Riyadh

Indoor adventure and sports-lifestyle destination company URWLD (‘Your World’) has confirmed that its first Middle East venue will be in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The announcement was made at the inaugural TOURISE Summit held in Saudi’s capital city from 11-13 November 2025. Boasting more than a dozen adventure sports and experiences in one indoor facility, URWLD combines elevated hospitality with lifestyle-inspired food and drink experiences, appealing to both adventure-seeking participants and non-participants alike. For the past two years URWLD has been working closely with key government stakeholders in Saudi Arabia, including, among others, the Ministry of Investment (MISA) and the General Entertainment Authority (GEA). Set to open ahead of 2030, Riyadh marks the first step in URWLD...

GCC sports tourism to surge as PwC highlights growth opportunities

18Oct

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Middle East & Gulf, Sports Business, Trends

GCC sports tourism to surge as PwC highlights growth opportunities

Forecast to surpass $2 trillion by 2030, the sports tourism sector is being propelled by mega-events, high-spending fans, active lifestyle movements and the rise of immersive, experience-led travel. But nowhere is this transformation more visible – or more strategically leveraged – than in the countries that make up the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). According to “Game on for the GCC: Turning sporting ambition into lasting tourism impact”, a new report by PwC Middle East, the region has shifted beyond merely hosting world-class sporting events. It is now developing an integrated sports tourism economy – one that spans infrastructure investment, destination branding, digital innovation and year-round community engagement. From Saudi Arabia’s record-breaking Esports World Cup, Qatar’...

18Oct

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Cycling & Biking, Middle East & Gulf, Trends

A guide to cycling in Dubai

Cycling in Dubai has evolved from a niche weekend pastime into one of the city’s fastest-growing lifestyle trends. Transformed into a world-class destination for cyclists of all levels, purpose-built tracks now weave through deserts, beachfronts and urban skylines, offering everything from leisurely scenic rides to high-performance training grounds. Whether you’re a recreational rider looking for a safe morning loop, a commuter seeking eco-friendly alternatives, or a road cyclist chasing personal bests, Dubai delivers in style. From the sweeping Al Qudra desert trail to the bustling Nad Al Sheba and Meydan circuits, the city combines immaculate infrastructure with year-round sunshine and a thriving cycling community. Where to ride in Dubai Located in the desert ap...

Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah Golf Estates to open in Dubai in 2030

5Oct

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Golf, Hotels & Resorts, Middle East & Gulf, Sports Business

Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah Golf Estates to open in Dubai in 2030

Hotel group Mandarin Oriental has announced that its first dedicated golf resort – Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah Golf Estates – will be located in Dubai, UAE. Opening in 2030 and featuring branded residences, the luxury golf and wellness resort will be the group’s third property in the city and uniquely positioned within Jumeirah Golf Estates’s next phase of development. When it opens its doors, the Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai will comprise 121 spacious rooms and suites. In addition, there will be 97 branded residences ranging from three- to six-bedroom villas, each with its own amenities and private access to a lounge, meeting space, pool and fitness areas. A highlight of the resort will be The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, presenting an extensive range of the group’s...

18Aug

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Golf, Middle East & Gulf

A guide to golf in Dubai

Dubai has firmly established itself as one of the world’s premier golf tourism destinations, attracting both seasoned professionals and enthusiastic amateurs to its sun-drenched fairways. What was once desert terrain has been transformed into a golfer’s paradise, where championship courses designed by legends of the game sit alongside cutting-edge entertainment venues and luxurious resorts. The city’s year-round warm climate, stunning skyline backdrops, and exceptional hospitality make it an irresistible choice for anyone looking to combine sport with leisure. At the heart of Dubai’s appeal is its role as a regular stop on the men’s DP World Tour (formerly the European Tour), with prestigious events such as the Hero Dubai Desert Classic and season-ending DP World Tour Championship drawi...

Sport in Dubai – a sports travel city guide

18Aug

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Middle East & Gulf, Sports & Activities

Sport in Dubai – a sports travel city guide

Dubai has rapidly evolved into one of the world’s most dynamic sports tourism destinations, attracting fans, athletes, and adventurers from every corner of the globe. From international tournaments that bring together the biggest names in sport to community festivals that celebrate fitness and wellbeing, the city offers an action-packed calendar of events throughout the year. Whether it’s watching the world’s best golfers compete in the DP World Tour Championship, witnessing the electric atmosphere of the Emirates Dubai 7s, or catching elite tennis stars at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, the emirate delivers unforgettable sporting moments on a global stage. Yet Dubai’s appeal extends well beyond the stadiums and arenas. Blessed with a dramatic desert landscape, pristine coast...

Olympic Esports Games: Riyadh to host inaugural edition in 2027

23Feb

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Middle East & Gulf, Other sports, Sports Business

Olympic Esports Games: Riyadh to host inaugural edition in 2027

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed that the first edition of the Olympic Esports Games will be held in 2027 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It was also announced that the Road to the Olympic Esports Games will start this year. For the organisation of the Olympic Esports Games, the IOC is partnering with the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC), while the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) will become a founding partner. IOC president Thomas Bach said: “There is now a very clear roadmap to the historic first-ever Olympic Esports Games. With the Road to the Olympic Esports Games starting this year, the Games are becoming a reality. This is further evidence of the strength of the partnership between the IOC and the SOPC in many areas.” Prince Abdulaziz...

The Ocean Race 2027 to finish on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia

2Nov

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Middle East & Gulf, Other sports, Watersports & Surfing

The Ocean Race 2027 to finish on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia

AMAALA, a new sport and wellness destination located in the northern part of the Red Sea on the west coast of Saudi Arabia, will host the finish of the 15th edition of The Ocean Race in the summer of 2027. The Ocean Race – the mixed-crewed, offshore sailing race around the world first contested in 1973 – is known as the toughest test of a team in sport and for its award-winning ocean health initiatives. In the build-up to the 2027 race finish, The Ocean Race and Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer of AMAALA and the regenerative project partner of The Ocean Race since 2022, will collaborate on ocean science and ocean health initiatives as well as ocean literacy and education programmes aimed at youth in the region, in line with the UN Ocean Decade Challenge of restoring society’s r...

Red Sea Global reveals designs for Shura Links golf course

12May

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Golf, Middle East & Gulf, Venues & Stadiums

Red Sea Global reveals designs for Shura Links golf course

Red Sea Global (RSG), the multi-project developer behind regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and AMAALA in Saudi Arabia, has announced the name and designs of its golf course and clubhouse on Shura Island at The Red Sea. Set to open in 2025, Shura Links promises a one-of-a-kind golf experience, offering Saudi Arabia’s first 18-hole island golf course with holes on the water, marina views and spectacular fairways framed by the Red Sea. Developed in partnership with world-leading environmental consultants, Shura Links is guided by the highest sustainability standards, addressing a number of areas in tandem such as water-use reduction and innovative re-use of irrigation for habitat development. “Shura Links will provide an unparalleled golfing experience, offering a visually...