Residents and visitors to the UAE will be able to play badminton for free at this year’s Dubai Sports World as part of a wide-ranging Badminton World Federation (BWF) grassroots initiative called Shuttle Time Dubai.
Led by the Dubai Sports Council, Shuttle Time Dubai aims to encourage people from all walks of life – regardless of age, ability and fitness level – to play badminton as a fun and social way of being more active.
The initiative is part of the recently-announced multi-platform partnership between Dubai and the BWF, which includes the inaugural hosting of the BWF Destination Dubai World Superseries Finals this December 17th – 21st.
With six full-size badminton courts at Dubai Sports World open daily for a minimum of 14 hours over 80 days between June 12th and August 30th to anyone who would like to try the game for the first time or existing players looking to develop their skills.
All equipment is provided at no additional cost.
“Dubai Sports World already has a large, vibrant and multi-national community of fans and followers for Shuttle Time to engage with. It is the perfect partner to help us achieve our objective of taking badminton to as wide an audience as possible,” said Dr. Ahmad Al Sharif, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council.
Spanning more than 20,000m² of indoor space, Dubai Sports World will occupy Sheikh Saeed Halls 1 and 2 and the multi-purpose Trade Centre Arena at DWTC.
In addition to six badminton courts, the expansive venue will feature eight pro-standard pitches for five or seven-a-side football and rugby, one volleyball court, three basketball courts, one tennis court, a cricket pitch, a skate-boarding and BMX park, a state-of-the-art gym, a 600-metre running track and tiered seating for over 1,200 spectators.
A climbing wall is also being introduced this year, while the free-to-enter Entertainment Zone will boast 12 table tennis tables, four pool tables and two foosball tables.
“Badminton has traditionally been one of the most popular sports at Dubai Sports World, this innovative grassroots initiative held in collaboration with Dubai Sports Council and Shuttle Time will not only increase participation in the sport on a local level but also act as a fun and social way of being more active,” said Ahmed Alkhaja, Senior Vice President – Venues, DWTC, the Dubai Sports World host and organiser.
“Now people booking and playing other sports can opt to come down a little early and try something new – it’s a fantastic scheme and represents a strong value-added proposition for our community of sports fans.”
For more information or to book a space at Dubai Sports World, visit www.dubaisportsworld.ae or call +971 4 306 4000. Reservations for all sports including badminton are handled on a first-come, first-served basis.
