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 coastline, and year-round sunshine, it is a natural playground for outdoor adventure. Visitors can kayak through mangroves, hike mountain trails, cycle purpose-built tracks, or take to the skies for adrenaline-filled pursuits. The city also offers an array of world-class facilities, from golf courses and cricket ovals to motorsport circuits and indoor snow slopes, making it a true all-rounder for sports enthusiasts.
Blending world-class events with unique experiences, Dubai is more than just a stop on the sporting calendar – it’s a destination where sport and travel meet in spectacular style.
Participation sporting events in Dubai
Dubai Fitness Challenge: 1-30 November 2025
One of the city’s marquee events is the Dubai Fitness Challenge, which attracted a record-breaking 2.73 million participants for its eighth edition in 2024 – a 14% YoY increase. It challenges participants to complete 30 minutes of exercise each day for 30 days (30×30) and the programme includes events like Dubai Ride (2 November), Dubai Run (23 November) and Dubai Stand-Up Paddle (SUP), alongside fitness classes and sporting activities.
Dubai Ride: 2 November 2025
In the Dubai Ride, part of Dubai Fitness Challenge, cyclists pedal their way through the heart of the city. Attracting a record 37,130 participants in 2024, this all-ages community event promises an action-packed day of fun and fitness. Riders can choose between the family-friendly 4km route around Downtown Dubai, offering views of Burj Khalifa, or take on the 14km challenge along Sheikh Zayed Road.
Dubai Stand-Up Paddle (SUP): November 2025
Held at the picturesque Hatta Dam, Dubai Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) has become a popular fixture in the Dubai Fitness Challenge with the second edition in 2024 welcoming 2,330 seasoned paddlers and newcomers. Activities on the day include adult and family SUP training sessions led by certified coaches, mass participation challenges, plus free kayaking sessions.
Dubai T100 Triathlon: 13-16 November 2025
The second edition of the Dubai T100 Triathlon weekend will be held at Meydan Racecourse and surrounding areas. Organised by Dubai Sports Council, the Professional Triathletes Organisation and part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, the event features the Elite T100 Pro Race, a Corporate Duathlon Relay, plus races that amateur triathletes can participate in: the 100km race (2km swim, 80km bike, 18km run) and the Sprint distance (750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run).
Dubai Run: 23 November 2025
Dubai Run is one of the biggest events in the month-long Dubai Fitness Challenge. In 2024, a record 278,000 participants made their way past some of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks, choosing between 5km and 10km routes along Sheikh Zayed Road.
Emirates Dubai 7s: 28-30 November 2025
As well as watching the elite rugby nations in action during the Emirates Dubai 7s, there’s opportunities to participate in the event at The Sevens Stadium. Visitors can enter a team in the largest mass-participation rugby seven tournament in the world, and also take part in other sports such as cricket, netball and padel.
World Sports Summit: 29-30 December 2025
Organised by the Dubai Sports Council, the World Sports Summit will be held at the Madinat Jumeirah. With the aim to harness new opportunities in the sector, while addressing current and future challenges, the event will bring together current and former sports stars, experts, and decision-makers from around the world.
L’Etape Dubai by Tour de France: 25 January 2026
L’Etape Dubai by Tour de France brings the excitement of the iconic cycling race to Dubai. Open to all levels, the event features a 101km competitive race, a relaxed 50km ride, a 20km family ride, and kids’ races. Cyclists will enjoy closed-road routes through Dubai’s skyline and desert landscapes. With a lively fan village, Tour de France legends, and entertainment, it’s a must-attend cycling weekend.
Dubai Marathon: 1 February 2026
Attracting thousands of runners and spectators every year, the Dubai Marathon is a major event on the city’s sporting calendar. As well as the 42.195km marathon distance, many participants choose to compete in the 10km road race and 4km fun run.
Burj2Burj half-marathon: 8 February 2026
The route for the popular Burj2Burj half-marathon is mapped by experienced runners, stretching from the towering Burj Khalifa to the magnificent Jumeirah Burj Al Arab. Live music, a supportive audience and unrivalled views of the cityscape will keep runners energised throughout the 21.1km distance.
Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycling Challenge: 15 February 2026
The 16th edition of the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge will be a UCI Gran Fondo World Championships 2026 qualifying event. Starting and finishing at Expo City Dubai, the race offers amateur cyclists an exciting journey through Dubai. Prior to the main event, four build-up rides will take place at the Al Qudra cycle track: Sunday 28 September 2025 (35km), Sunday 26 October 2025 (45km), Sunday 23 November 2025 (65km) and Sunday 4 January 2026 (85km). On Saturday 14 February 2025, there will also be family run rides and junior rides.
Sporting events to watch in Dubai
2025 Asia Cup cricket: 9-28 September
The 17th Asia Cup men’s cricket competition will be held in the UAE with eight nations competing. India, Pakistan, the UAE and Oman are in group A, while Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Hong Kong are in group B. Organised by the Asian Cricket Council, matches will be played in the Twenty20 International (T20I) format with 11 fixtures at Dubai International Cricket Stadium and eight at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The tournament begins with a group stage, followed by a Super Four round, and concludes with the final in Dubai on 28 September. The highly anticipated India vs. Pakistan group stage clash is scheduled for 14 September in Dubai.
Dubai Basketball: September 2025 to May 2026
Dubai Basketball, the city’s professional basketball franchise, will make its EuroLeague debut in the 2025-2026 season. With home games played at the Coca-Cola Arena, the club will take on European giants such as Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Olympiacos and Fenerbahçe. Dubai Basketball’s multicultural squad features standout players from the UAE, the Philippines, the United States, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Jordan, Türkiye, Latvia, Italy, Bosnia, and France.
Camel racing: October 2025 to April 2026
At Al Marmoom Camel Race Track in the Dubai desert, located next to Al Marmoom Heritage Village and the Al Lisaili area, you can find a modern-day version of the traditional sport of camel racing. A pastime that originated in the region, it still has a whole community of avid local followers. Trainers and owners follow in 4X4s, controlling the robot jockeys atop each camel by remote. Camel racing season starts in October and goes on until April, typically scheduled over weekend mornings.
Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 Final Qualification Tournament: 8-18 November 2025
Dubai will host the Final Qualification Tournament for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 at The Sevens Stadium. This is the last stop on the road to the World Cup in Australia, and only one team will make it through. Four nations from across the globe will compete over three match days in a round-robin format.
Dubai Premier Padel P1: 9-16 November 2025
After its inaugural edition in 2024, the Dubai Premier Padel P1 will return in November 2025 and be held at a new venue – Hamdan Sports Complex, the region’s largest indoor sports facility. The event will feature 240 elite padel players (male and female pairs).
Baseball United: 14 November to 14 December 2025
Get ready for a historic moment in regional sport with Baseball United’s inaugural season at the all-new Baseball United Ballpark, located at The Sevens Stadium. The month-long tournament features four founding teams: the Mumbai Cobras, Karachi Monarchs, Arabia Wolves and Mid East Falcons. Each team will compete in nine regular-season games before battling it out in the United Series Championship, a best-of-three showdown from 12-14 December 2025 to crown the inaugural champion.
Dubai Racing Carnival: November 2025 to March 2026
The stage is set for another thrilling season of world-class racing at the iconic Meydan Racecourse, with the Dubai Racing Carnival starting on Friday 7 November 2025 and concluding in dramatic conclusion with the 30th running of the Dubai World Cup on Saturday 28 March 2026. Spanning 17 meetings, feature race days include ‘Festive Friday’ on 19 December 2025, ‘Fashion Friday’ on 23 January 2026, Emirates Super Saturday on 28 February 2026.
DP World Tour Championship: 13-16 November 2025
As the grand finale of the DP World Tour’s Race to Dubai schedule, the DP World Tour Championship, hosted on the Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates, brings together the leading 50 golfers in the DP World Tour Rankings. Set against the backdrop of Dubai’s stunning landscapes and iconic skyline, the championship offers an exciting spectacle for both avid golf fans and casual observers. With its reputation for delivering thrilling finishes and enjoyable social moments, the championship strengthens Dubai’s position as a hub for sporting events. General admission on Thursday and Friday at the DP World Tour Championship is free for spectators, while Saturday and Sunday is ticketed.
Emirates Dubai 7s: 28-30 November 2025
The Emirates Dubai 7s sees elite rugby sevens teams from around the world compete head-to-head in both men’s and women’s tournaments. Fans can enjoy thrilling rugby action and top-class entertainment at The Sevens Stadium, a superb purpose-built venue.
Hero Dubai Desert Classic: January 2026
Hosted on the championship Majlis course at Emirates Golf Club, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic stands as one of Dubai’s most esteemed sporting events. A Rolex Series event on the men’s golf DP World Tour, previous winners include the likes of Rory McIlroy, Ernie Els, Tiger Woods and reigning champion Tyrrell Hatton. Spectators can soak up the golfing action from the course or in style from the comfort of the hospitality lounges. General admission to all four days is free for the 37th edition of the Desert Classic.
Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships: 15-28 February 2026
The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships are renowned for attracting top-ranking female and male tennis stars from around the world and are a highlight of the city’s sports calendar. With unique opportunities for meet and greets with players and offering prime views of the tennis action from the dedicated Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, the tournament is a crucial fixture on the WTA and ATP tours.
30th Dubai World Cup: 28 March 2026
The Dubai World Cup meeting – renowned as one of global horseracing’s most prestigious sporting and social occasions – will mark a historic milestone in 2026. Celebrating its 30th running since the inaugural race in 1996, fans and racing enthusiasts from across the globe can expect an unforgettable night under the lights at Meydan Racecourse. On the day, horses and their riders jockey for prizes in nine races, culminating in the World Cup itself: a dirt race over 2,000m with a total prize fund of US$12 million.
Sporting activities and things to do in Dubai
Running and hiking
- Runners don’t need to miss out on any training when visiting Dubai. The city offers a variety of scenic running routes that cater to different skill levels and preferences, and hosts events such as Dubai Run on 23 November 2025, part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, as well as the Dubai Marathon on 1 February 2026 and Burj2Burj half-marathon on 8 February 2026.
- One of the most popular running spots in Dubai is the green springy track which starts at Jumeirah Burj Al Arab and stretches more than 14km, past Kite Beach and over the Dubai Water Canal.
- There are two routes to choose from on Palm Jumeirah, a 4km leisurely course up and down the ‘trunk’ and an 11km ‘crescent’ route, along the tip of the Palm, which is a little more challenging but offers more spectacular scenery.
- Dubai Marina has a 4.5km scenic track, with views of skyscrapers and luxury yachts, while the city’s parks are also great places to go for a morning, daytime or evening jog. Popular running spots include Safa Park, Dubai Creek Park, Mushrif Park, and Zabeel Park.
- Surrounded by the Hajar Mountains and known for its rugged landscapes and stunning scenery, Hatta offers varied terrains for hiking and trail running enthusiasts. Trails span 32.6km across five routes, providing a mix of urban and natural settings, catering to different preferences for hiking and trail running.
Cycling and mountain biking
- One of the most popular ways to explore Dubai is on two wheels. Dubai’s cycling scene has gathered momentum over the past few years, with many additional cycle paths now completed across the emirate. The year-round calendar also includes popular cycling events such as Dubai Ride on 2 November 2025, part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, and the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycling Challenge on 15 February 2026.
- Located in the desert approximately 35 minutes away from Downtown Dubai, Al Qudra Cycling Track is an ideal destination for thrill-seekers and fitness enthusiasts alike. Spanning 86km, this scenic track treats riders to mesmerising views of the desert landscape. Whether a professional cyclist or a novice, the track caters to all skill levels, making it a great choice for individuals and groups seeking an invigorating cycling experience.
- Nad Al Sheba Cycle Park, near Meydan Racecourse, is open 24 hours and has a choice of eight, six and four kilometre-long loops, all lit up at night. It also has the 68km ‘Lollipop’ track through the desert – with a strategic breakfast spot at the Bab al Shams desert resort.
- The 8.4km DxBike track next to Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City is the ideal place for cycling safely with great views of the Dubai skyline.
- Mountain bikers are well catered for in Hatta. There’s a dedicated 52km mountain biking trail to tackle, with four different levels to consider based on your abilities. Stop by the Hatta Mountain Bike Trail Centre for bike hires and to pick up other essentials such as helmets, as well as elbow and knee guards.
Golf
- Dubai has grown into a global golf tourism destination for both professional and amateur players. The city is a golfer’s paradise that’s home to world-class championship courses, golf entertainment venues, and prestigious tournaments on the men’s golf DP World Tour (European Tour) annual schedule.
- Emirates Golf Club is home to two meticulously designed 18-hole courses, The Majlis and The Faldo, and a nine-hole par-three academy course. One of the region’s most famous courses, the Majlis hosts the annual Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
- You can also play the fairways on the Earth and Fire courses at Jumeirah Golf Estates. Designed by Greg Norman, the Earth course hosts the annual DP World Tour Championship, the season finale event of the DP World Tour’s Race to Dubai.
- For a quick nine holes, head to The Track at Meydan Golf, JA The Resort in Jebel Ali or the Trump International Golf Club.
‘Golf entertainment’
- Dubai is home to innovative ‘golf entertainment’ venues that combine golf with socialising and dining. One notable example is Five Iron Golf Dubai, an indoor golf and entertainment venue, situated on the grounds of The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina. Five Iron boasts 17 state-of-the-art simulators, a golf-focused fitness studio, a restaurant showing live sport, augmented reality games, racing sims, and a beautiful nine-hole mini golf course and terrace. Professional instructors can also be booked for lessons.
- Topgolf Dubai is an entertainment complex that combines golf, food, and fun. Located at Emirates Golf Club, it offers a unique experience where visitors can hit micro-chipped golf balls into targets, scoring points and competing with friends. The venue features multiple dining areas, live music, and a lively atmosphere.
- An immersive experience next to Ain Dubai on Bluewaters Island, Swingers Crazy Golf is home to three nine-hole mini golf courses – Hot Air Balloon, Waterwheel and Clocktower – each built with distinct and intricate layouts featuring loops, bumps and even moving obstacles.
Watersports and diving
- Dubai’s beaches, beach resorts and beach clubs offer a wide range of watersports and marine experiences that cater to both thrill-seekers and those looking for a more relaxed aquatic adventure. Some of the most popular activities include jet skiing, flyboarding, surfing, diving, paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing.
- Several sailing clubs facilitate accredited, internationally-recognised courses, such as Dubai Offshore Sailing Club in Jumeirah 3. At SeaYou Watersports Dubai, visitors can book dinghy and catamaran lessons and rentals at Palm Jumeirah.
- Established in 2005, Surf House Dubai in Umm Suqeim 2 is the UAE’s original surf and stand-up paddle school. As well as its sailing offerings, SeaYou Watersports Dubai also hosts guided kayak tours at Dubai Creek and Palm Jumeirah and windsurfing lessons and rentals at Palm Jumeirah.
- For underwater enthusiasts, Deep Dive Dubai is a unique attraction. Certified by Guinness World Records as the world’s deepest swimming pool for diving, it features a 60.02m-deep pool with a ‘sunken city’ that divers can explore. Dubai’s warm waters offer scuba divers year-round diving opportunities.
- Both first-timers and experienced divers are catered for at Atlantis Aquaventure World’s dive centre, which has a qualified team of PADI instructors and several certification courses. The dive centre offers a variety of marine experiences in the Ambassador Lagoon – the largest open aquarium in the region. Explore a range of snorkelling and diving options.
Tennis and padel
- Nestled in the heart of Dubai’s vibrant Al Habtoor City, close to Downtown Dubai, the Al Habtoor Sports Hub is a cutting-edge facility that offers year-round tennis excellence. Boasting hard courts, including a state-of-the-art air-conditioned tennis pavilion, the academy provides the perfect environment for players to hone their skills.
- The Mouratoglou Tennis Center is a partnership between Dubai-based hospitality group Jumeirah and French tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou, formerly the coach of Serena Williams. Tennis and padel lessons and development programmes are hosted at Jumeirah Beach Hotel and at Madinat Jumeirah.
- Tennis 360 has a wide array of tennis lessons, camps and tournaments for all skill levels and ages at venues across Dubai. It also offers padel and pickleball.
- TopSpin Sports Centre offers programmes tailored to all ages and skill levels in tennis and padel. Its modern facility in Al Jaddaf has more than 25 courts, both indoor and outdoor.
- At the MATCHA Club in Meydan Court visitors can play on six outdoor padel courts. The boutique padel club also has MATCHA Movement, a studio wellness programme with yoga and meditation sessions.
- Smash Padel and Fitness Club is located on Palm Jumeirah’s Golden Mile and offers three padel tennis courts and a fully equipped gym, just steps away from the Golden Mile running track.
- Club Padel Dubai has eight padel courts – four indoor and four outdoor – at its modern facility in Al Quoz. It also offers padel lessons for players of all levels.
- One of Dubai’s most unique places to play padel is at Padelx in Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) – which boasts two courts floating on the water.
Winter and ice sports
- Ski Dubai, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025, is an indoor ski resort located within Mall of the Emirates. It offers a unique winter experience in the heart of the desert, featuring a variety of snow-based activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, and tobogganing. The venue also hosts morning hikes on the slopes and snow yoga.
- Dubai has a number of ice rinks which are of international standard. The most popular, Dubai Ice Rink at Dubai Mall, is an Olympic-size facility where visitors can learn to ice skate. Classes are available for all ages and abilities.
Sports resorts and hotels in Dubai
JA The Resort: Sporting enthusiasts will love JA The Resort in Jebel Ali, a five-star all-inclusive beachfront destination which comprises three hotels – JA Lake View Hotel, JA Beach Hotel, and JA Palm Tree Court – as well as 25 restaurants, a world-class nine-hole championship golf course, an equestrian centre, watersports hub and shooting range. In April 2025 it was announced that the JA Sports & Shooting Club is undergoing an AED300 million redevelopment which is 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.
The Meydan Hotel: The Meydan Hotel’s terraces look out onto the famous Meydan Racecourse, host venue of the Dubai World Cup horse race. For an exclusive behind-the-scenes look into the world of horse racing, guests can book a stables tour which includes access to the jockeys’ room, saddling paddock and parade ring. Other facilities at the hotel include a rooftop pool, the Troon-managed nine-hole fully floodlit golf course at The Track Meydan Golf, and The Academy operated by Tennis 360.
Al Habtoor Polo Resort: Located in Dubailand, Al Habtoor Polo Resort is a five-star luxury boutique hotel with polo fields, stables and an academy. The venue boasts state-of-the-art facilities and offers everything from horse and pony riding lessons for beginners to coaching for jumping and dressage. Other activities include swimming, padel, and archery.
Park Hyatt Dubai: Nestled on the banks of Dubai Creek, Park Hyatt Dubai offers elegant rooms, award-winning restaurants and a luxury spa. It’s also a great spot for golfers, who can head to the adjoining Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club for a round on the 18-hole, par-71 championship course.
Address Montgomerie: Another favourite for golfers is the Address Montgomerie, a luxury resort and spa set in Emirates Hills. Many of the rooms and suites overlook the 18-hole championship golf course’s lush green fairways, landscaped gardens and lakes. The resort also offers a nine-hole par-three floodlit academy course, the Troon Golf Academy, floodlit practice facilities, luxury spa, outdoor pool and restaurants.
SIRO One Za’abeel: Described as Dubai’s ‘first fitness and recovery hotel’, SIRO One Za’abeel integrates wellbeing into its overall offering with sleep-optimised rooms and innovative facilities like the Fitness Lab, a state-of-the-art fitness floor with specialised workout studios, and spectacular views of Dubai’s landmarks.
Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates Dubai: The five-star Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates has more than 350 luxury rooms and suites, including the unique Aspen Ski Chalets which boast views of the Ski Dubai indoor ski slope and snow park.
Hatta Resorts and Hatta Wadi Hub: In the Hajar Mountains, Hatta Resorts and its Wadi Hub is the ideal place to stay for guests wanting an outdoor adventure. Open seasonally, the eco-tourism centre is home to a range of luxury and quintessential accommodations for every traveller, from the cosy Damani Lodges, luxury caravans and lavish glamping domes to classic camping in personal vehicles. Known for its exciting activities, the venue offers kayaking, hiking, ziplining, mountain biking, and the popular Hatta Drop-in water slide.
Sporting experiences in Dubai
Football
- Discover The Messi Experience at Dubai Festival City Mall and step into the thrilling world of Lionel Messi, Argentina’s FIFA World Cup-winning captain. Relive his rise from a young talent in Rosario to football legend through interactive games, jaw-dropping moments, and unforgettable stories across nine dynamic zones. Open until 31 December 2025.
- Situated within Dubai Parks and Resorts, Real Madrid World is the first theme park operating under the branding of the world-famous football club. This unique destination offers four curated zones and more than 40 experiences tailored for football fans and tourists, including the Hala Madrid Coaster, skills games, and themed restaurants.
Outdoor activities in Hatta
- Escape the city and head to Hatta for outdoor adventures. The eastern region offers a perfect opportunity to breathe in the fresh air and the stunning views of the Hajar Mountains. Better still, go hiking or mountain biking to explore the mountain passes and wadis, enjoy wadi-bashing in the dry canyon riverbeds or take a refreshing dip in the cooling rock pools. You can even hire a kayak or a pedal-boat to go across the Hatta Dam to Hatta Kayak. A locker service will keep your belongings safe and dry as you enjoy the stunning views in a remarkably peaceful atmosphere.
Desert
- Whether you’re looking to raise your adrenaline levels with a desert safari or enjoy a luxury overnight stay, Dubai’s desert is home to endless options. For true adrenaline-seekers, sandboarding is a breathtaking experience. Head to Dubai’s ‘Big Red’ dune – the emirate’s ultimate desert ‘black run’ – which is located just a 30-minute drive towards Hatta and rises to 300ft.
Equestrian
- For riders wanting to mount a horse themselves, simply go to any of the city’s equestrian facilities, such as JA The Resort’s JA Equestrian Centre.
- Dubai’s desert offers a true equestrian experience, where riders can canter between the dunes. Al Jiyad Stables, in the desert region of Saih Al Salam, is home to more than 120 Arabian and part-Arab horses and offers desert hacks and training for riders of all levels.
Motor sports
- At Dubai Autodrome visitors can drive supercars on the circuit, such as the Formula DXB Max single-seater. There’s also indoor and outdoor karting.
- In the desert, visitors can hire a quad bike or dune buggy to navigate the sandy landscape. These vehicles are easy to handle, but all riders must wear a helmet.
For more information about sport in Dubai, see visitdubai.com
Images courtesy of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)