Tag: Dubai

Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships 2026

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships return in 2026 and will once again run back-to-back, with the women’s WTA 1000 event from 15-21 February, followed by the ATP 500 men’s tournament from 23-28 February.  In 2026, the championships will have one of the strongest WTA 1000 line-ups in its history, featuring all of the world’s top 20 players for the Women’s Week from 15-21 February. The 2026 field features a complete set of top-ranked stars, including World No1 Aryna Sabalenka, 2025 champion Mirra Andreeva, Iga Świątek and Coco Gauff alongside Amanda Anisimova, alongside Elena Rybakina, Jessica Pegula, Jasmine Paolini,, Madison Keys and Belinda Bencic. Salah Tahlak, Tournament Director and Deputy Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, said: “Women’s tennis continues to set new stand...

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30Dec By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Venues & Stadiums

Five Iron Golf: Dubai’s best sports bar to watch live sport in 2026

Five Iron Golf is redefining the sports bar experience in Dubai, establishing itself as one of the city’s top venues to watch live sport. From football, golf and Formula 1 to UFC, rugby and major international tournaments, fans can expect unbeatable views of the action thanks to 50 high-definition screens spread across the venue, a buzzing atmosphere, and premium F&B options that elevate every matchday.  Located at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, the flagship venue spans more than 32,000 square feet, making it the largest Five Iron Golf in the world. Its scale and design allow fans to enjoy live sport from every angle – whether relaxing in Five Iron's modern gastropub, the Dirty Birdie Sports Bar & Social, settling into the restaurant area, or bookin...

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22Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Sports Business

Dubai unveils ambitious playbook to become the world’s top sporting city by 2033

Dubai has set out a bold roadmap to become the world’s leading sporting city with the launch of the Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033 – an ambitious framework aimed at boosting the emirate’s global standing in elite competition, community sport and the fast-growing sports tourism sector. Unveiled by Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, chairman of the Dubai Sports Council (DSC), the strategy outlines a comprehensive vision centred on competitiveness and sustainable industry growth, all while significantly expanding Dubai’s position as a magnet for international sporting events and visitors. At a launch ceremony held at the Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex, Mansoor bin Mohammed affirmed that the plan “enhances the sector’s competitiveness, creates new opportunities, nur...

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Globe Soccer Awards 2025 Dubai

The 16th edition of the BEYOND Developments GLOBE SOCCER Awards will take place on Sunday 28 December 2025 at the luxurious Atlantis The Royal hotel on Palm Jumeirah in Dubai.  This star-studded event will feature around 15 award categories, with final winners determined by a combination of fan votes and the GLOBE SOCCER Jury, made up of legendary names such as Marcello Lippi, Francesco Totti, Iker Casillas, and Luis Figo. Tommaso Bendoni, founder and CEO of GLOBE SOCCER, said: “We are delighted to welcome once again the world’s top football stars to Dubai for the BEYOND Developments GLOBE SOCCER Awards, this time at Atlantis The Royal. Dubai has been the host city for our event for 16 years, and the vision and ambition of the emirate’s leadership means it always provides an incredib...

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21Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business

Dubai’s Atlantis The Royal to host the 2025 Globe Soccer Awards

The luxurious Atlantis The Royal hotel on Palm Jumeirah in Dubai is ready to roll out the red carpet and celebrate the best in world football as host venue for the 16th edition of the BEYOND Developments GLOBE SOCCER Awards. Taking place on Sunday 28 December 2025, this star-studded event will feature around 15 award categories on the night, including nine categories that are open to a worldwide public vote. The first round of voting is open until 27 November, followed by second round of voting to decide each winner from 3-11 December. Final winners will be determined by a combination of fan votes and the GLOBE SOCCER Jury, made up of legendary names such as Marcello Lippi, Francesco Totti, Iker Casillas, and Luis Figo. Tommaso Bendoni, founder and CEO of GLOBE SOCCER, said: “We ...

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16Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business

Globe Soccer Awards extends partnership with title sponsors BEYOND Developments

The Globe Soccer Awards has extended its strategic partnership with BEYOND Developments, confirming the Dubai-born real estate brand as title partner for the 16th edition of the BEYOND Developments Globe Soccer Awards for a second successive year. Marking another milestone in the evolution of the Globe Soccer Awards, the renewed collaboration reinforces Dubai’s growing influence in the global sporting landscape and underscores a shared commitment to excellence.  Tommaso Bendoni, Founder and CEO of Globe Soccer, said: “BEYOND Developments has been an exceptional partner and we are delighted to continue this journey. Their dedication to innovation and high-quality experiences perfectly aligns with the spirit of Globe Soccer. This ongoing collaboration will continue to enhance the BEYON...

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18Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Guides, 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...

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LEVEL UP Sports Tech Innovation Expo Dubai

LEVEL UP, a first-of-its-kind Sports Tech Innovation Expo created in partnership between the Dubai Sports Council (DSC) and Global MICE Organisation Limited (GMOLx), will take place from 27-29 November 2025 at Dubai Harbour. Designed to convene more than 10,000 attendees from around the world, the expo will unite a powerful mix of athletes, sports federations, startups, investors, brands, innovators, media and celebrity personalities. The event aims to accelerate innovation, strengthen industry collaboration and reinforce Dubai’s global standing as a premier hub for sports, entertainment and technology. With the Middle East and Africa sports tech market projected to reach US$3.3 billion by 2030, Dubai offers a strategic gateway into this fast-growing sector. The emirate’s sports indu...

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Men’s golf: Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2026

The Hero Dubai Desert Classic is one of the most prestigious events on the international golfing calendar. Celebrating its 37th edition in 2026, the DP World Tour event promises an exciting week of world-class golf, featuring top players from around the globe. The tournament will be held from 22-25 January 2026 at Emirates Golf Club in Dubai.  Reigning champion and European Ryder Cup star Tyrrell Hatton has confirmed that he will return to defend his title. He will tee it up in the event for the 11th time in his career and joins already announced reigning Masters Champion and career grand slam winner Rory McIlroy in the field for the first Rolex Series event of the 2026 Race to Dubai. Hatton secured the half point that sealed the win for Europe in the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, as he ...

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5Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Hotels & Resorts, 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...

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Dubai Fitness Challenge 2025

Registrations are now open for the ninth edition of the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC), a citywide community festival from 1-30 November 2025 which encourages participants to commit to 30 minutes of daily activity for 30 days. Since its launch in 2017, DFC transforms the city into a vibrant fitness arena, inspiring more and more people to embrace healthier lifestyles through a free 30-day health and fitness activation unlike any other. Residents and visitors alike have embraced the initiative over the last eight editions, with 2.7 million participants joining the event in 2024, marking a 244% increase in participation since 2017. With each edition, DFC empowers individuals to discover what motivates them most, while uniting the city through a simple yet powerful message: 30 minutes of...

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2Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Five Iron Golf UAE to open new venues in Abu Dhabi and Dubai

Five Iron Golf’s UAE franchisee, which already operates the flagship indoor golf and entertainment venue at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, has confirmed two new venue openings as part of its regional expansion. A lease has been signed for a location at Yas Bay Waterfront on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, along with a third site at DAMAC Towers by Paramount Hotels & Resorts in Business Bay, Dubai. Both venues are scheduled to open in Q1 2026, with further plans to expand into key markets across Asia, Europe and Africa. To support this growth, the group has closed a new financing round led by Powerhouse Capital, with participation from NFL legend Larry Fitzgerald Jr., recent PGA Tour winner Kurt Kitayama, LPGA star Alison Lee and Managing Partner of Sharp Alpha Lloyd Danzig. The UAE fran...

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18Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides

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...

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18Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides

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...

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Dubai T100 Triathlon Weekend 2025

The second edition of the Dubai T100 Triathlon Weekend, held in collaboration by the Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) and Dubai Sports Council (DSC), will take place from 13-16 November 2025. The Dubai T100 is part of the 2025 T100 Triathlon World Tour, which also includes events in Singapore, San Francisco, Vancouver, London, the French Riviera, Valencia and Wollongong. The 2025 tour finishes with the T100 World Championship final in Qatar from 11-13 December.  Held at Meydan Racecourse, the Dubai event includes a 100km Triathlon and Sprint Triathlon for individuals and a Corporate Duathlon Relay for teams of two or three. General registration is open for amateur triathletes to take part in the 100km race (2km swim, 80km bike, 18km run) and the Sprint distance (750m swim,...

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Dubai Sports World 2025

Dubai Sports World is back for its 2025 edition, running from 3 August to 2 September at a brand-new location inside the Sheikh Saeed Halls at Dubai World Trade Centre – just steps away from World Trade Centre Metro Station. This one-month sporting extravaganza transforms the summer heat into a season of indoor adrenaline, offering residents and visitors a packed schedule of activities, leagues, and tournaments in a fully air-conditioned environment. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete, weekend warrior, or just looking for a fun way to stay active with friends and family, Dubai Sports World 2025 delivers something for everyone. The event kicks off with a major new highlight: the Dubai Sports World Run IN, Dubai’s first-ever indoor half marathon on 3 August – a landmark event for runner...

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World Sports Summit 2025 Dubai

Dubai will host the World Sports Summit from 29-30 December 2025. Organised by the Dubai Sports Council, the event will be held at the Madinat Jumeirah and feature a comprehensive programme including panel discussions, keynote speeches, workshops and meetings.  Participants representing various sporting bodies, teams and federations will discuss the future of the sports industry in the context of economic, legislative, regulatory, and social frameworks. Key topics of discussion at the summit will include avenues to enhance audience engagement and economic viability of sporting events, besides assessing the latest technologies impacting the industry’s future given the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and data analytics.

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17May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Venues & Stadiums

Emirates Sports Arena: new ice sports venue to open in Dubai

A new ice and winter sports venue, the Emirates Sports Arena, is set to open in Dubai in 2025. Owned and operated by Emirates Sports Group, the facility will be the only multi-functional professional ice rink in the Middle East region. Located in Dubai Sports City, the Emirates Sports Arena will be next to the Emirates Sports Hotel and Apartments. The opening of this technologically advanced sports facility will represent a step forward in the development of winter sports in the Middle East, including ice hockey, figure skating, and other disciplines. Alongside the launch of the ice arena, a Winter Sports Academy for GCC countries will also be introduced.  Vladimir Burdun, CEO of Emirates Sports Group, said: "We look forward to the opening of Emirates Sports Arena as a grand event fe...

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Dubai Premier Padel P1 2025

Following the success of the inaugural Dubai Premier Padel P1 tournament in late 2024, which had an impressive attendance of 24,000 spectators, the emirate’s elite international padel championship will return from 9-16 November 2025.  Organisers Gallop Global have announced that a surge in interest and padel’s ever-increasing popularity has led to a switch in venue, from the 5,000-capacity Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium to the 15,000-capacity Hamdan Sports Complex, the largest indoor sports facility in the Middle East. The Hamdan Sports Complex – which sprawls 24 hectares and is one of the biggest multi-purpose facilities in the world – will be split in two with Centre Court taking up half the event space and three secondary courts also in operation. Besides, two practice courts will be...

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11May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Sports Business, Venues & Stadiums

JA Sports & Shooting Club: Dubai’s newest sports hub 

An exciting new chapter in Dubai’s sports landscape is unfolding with the upcoming launch of JA Sports & Shooting Club – a world-class sporting destination currently under development through an investment exceeding AED300 million (approximately US$81.67 million).  Scheduled to open in phases starting in late summer 2025, the expansive multi-sport complex will feature top-tier facilities designed to cater to athletes and enthusiasts alike. Highlights include international-standard football and cricket fields, a state-of-the-art indoor shooting range, and integrated cycling and jogging tracks that connect seamlessly with the nearby JA The Resort, a five-star all-inclusive destination comprising three distinct properties: JA Lake View Hotel, JA Beach Hotel, and JA Palm Tree Court...

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