Dubai Sports
Dubai Sports And Recreation, by Dubai City Guide summer 2008
Not too long ago, sports in Dubai City meant the traditional activities in the dry desert, such as camel racing, falconry and Saluki racing. But over the last 20 years or so, Dubai has developed from barren desert land in to a bustling metropolis of mega proportions and everything has changed for the better. Now, to speak of Dubai sports means to speak of canoeing, car rallying, cricket, football, golf, equestrian sport, polo, powerboat racing, ice skating, skiing, rock climbing, rugby, sailing, shooting, archery, sand skiing, desert safaris and even trekking and mountaineering.
It doesn’t matter whether you are a participant or spectator, you can indulge in your sporting passions in Dubai quite easily. There are many sports clubs in Dubai, offering a wide variety of sports and recreational facilities. Some major international sporting events are hosted in Dubai every year, including the Dubai Desert Classic, Dubai World Cup, Dubai Rugby Sevens and Dubai Tennis Open. One of the top reasons for attracting tourists from all over the world, sports in Dubai has come a long way since its initial slow beginnings.
Dubai Sports City is world renowned for its massive space allocation for sporting events and training. Among the finest purpose-built property developments in Dubai’s impressive infrastructure, Dubai Sports City was considered to be a shoo-in for the 2016 Summer Olympics, although a bid was not put forward at the time of consideration.
Some important sporting venues in Dubai include the Nad Al Sheba Camel Racing Track, Emirates Motor Sports Federation, neighbouring Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Zayed Sports City, The Dubai Golf Club, Dubai Equestrian Centre, Jebel Ali Equestrian Club, Hyatt Regency Galleria Ice Rink, Dubai Polo Club, Dubai International Marine Sports Club, Dubai Offshore Sailing Club, Dubai International Marine Club, Jebel Ali Shooting Club, Ski Dubai and Dubai Tennis Stadium.
