Sport360 brings you the ultimate guide to this week’s sporting events in the UAE.
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EMIRATES OPEN POLO CHAMPIONSHIP 2017 – DAY 12 to 15
Monday, March 27 to Sunday, March 30
The Emirates Open Polo Championship is regarded as one of the region’s most important polo events.
Fifteen editions have accomplished more than solely showcasing the pinnacle of talent in the UAE and region, with the tournament gathering together professionals and amateurs alike to help surge the sport’s popularity.
The latest iteration is set to welcome more than 3,000 spectators in attendance as the UAE finds time-long rival, Saudi Arabia obstructing its path to glory.
With more multiple exhilarating programmes and activities projected, the event will open for the general public who decide to observe history in the making.
WHERE: Abu Dhabi, Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club
MORE INFO: grpc.ae
MIDDLE EAST FALDO SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP
Mondayday, March 27 to Thursday, March 30
The Middle East Nick Faldo Series Championship is open to girls and boys aged 12-21 who have a valid handicap (index of 18 or less). The event consists of a practice round followed by a three-round 54-hole Stroke Play event.
There are five divisions for competing players with each category’s winner (three boys and two girls) earning qualification for the Faldo Series Grand Final announced later this year. A sudden death playoff from Hole 1 will take place if necessary to determine the ties. All other ties will be calculated via normal count back law.
Results count towards the World Amateur Golf Ranking.
WHERE: Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club
MORE INFO: nickfaldo.com/tournament/middle-east-championship
EMIRATES CUSTOM SHOW 2017 – DAY 1
Thursday, March 30
Car enthusiasts can feast their eyes on the latest in premium automotive entertainment at the biggest custom car and bikes show in the region.
The third Emirates Custom Show helps connect suppliers and retailers with clients directly, allowing companies to highlight the latest developments in automotive customisation.
That’s not all, as there are several other activities such as 4×4 and saloon drifting, stunt driving, car and bike parades, live customisation, biker build-offs and much more.
WHERE: Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre
MORE INFO: customshowemirates.com
INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW ABU DHABI 2017
Thursday, March 30 to Saturday, April 1
The International Motor Show Abu Dhabi (IMSAD) returns for a second time, providing a platform for spectators to see the latest automobile launches in the Middle East.
IMSAD will also serve as an exciting chance for consumers to purchase brand-new vehicles through exclusive offers available at the event.
WHERE: Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre
MORE INFO: adimotorshow.com
ABU DHABI DESERT CHALLENGE DAY 1-4
Thursday, March 30 to Sunday, April 2
Under its first moniker, the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge was widely considered one of the world’s more prestigious international cross-country rallies. Founded by motorsport legend and ATCUAE President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the competition has seen respected names such as Carlos Sainz, Colin McRae and Heinz Kinigadner visit the Emirates.
Entering a new era in 2009, the format changed to five days of motorsport action staged across the Abu Dhabi emirate. Now celebrating its 27th anniversary, the 2017 edition returns as the opening round of the 2017 FIM Cross Country Rallies World Championship as well as third round of the 2017 FIA Cross Country Rally World Cup, reprising its role as one of the capital city’s most important historic events.
Previous iterations have seen motorbikes, quadbikes and four wheel trucks compete in cross-emirate stages but a gradual movement in recent years solidified Abu Dhabi’s position as sole emirate to host this event thanks to its vast desert terrain.
WHERE: Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, Yas Marina Circuit
MORE INFO: abudhabidesertchallenge.com
UAE WOODEN POWERBOAT CHAMPIONSHIP: HEAT 2
Thursday, March 30 to Friday March 31
Within the Corniche’s vicinity, the Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club has championed multiple accomplished in the name of its city. The club is known for offering a myriad of marine sports – powerboating, jetskiing and kayaking and wakeboarding – propelling Abu Dhabi on the globe stage for sporting greatness.
Thanks to the Marine Sports Club, the city is the first in the Arabian Gulf to hold and organise world-renown powerboat races, comfortably gathering increasing numbers of attendees alongside a roster of seasoned riders with each passing edition. But when the organisation isn’t preoccupied with these respected events, it remains steadfast in preserving traditions, particularly an ancient form of competitive boat racing specific to the region.
The UAE Wooden Powerboat Championship invites formidable adversaries from across the seven emirates and neighbouring GCC nations to compete in a “shawaheef” for a series of traditional powerboat races. For those unfamiliar, these 28-foot wooden structures equipped with modern composites are often piloted by one of two drivers, exemplifying an old passion for marine sports in the Arabian Gulf.
WHERE: Abu Dhabi, Al Marina, Corniche Breakwater
MORE INFO: [email protected]
MUHAISNAH ROAD RUN
Friday March 31
Avid runners can opt to compete across two race distances.
Organised by Team Sports UAE, the third iteration of the Muhaisnah Road Run invites contestants whether amateur, professional, young or old to beat the proposed 3km or 10km distances alongside labourers.
The event will be monitored by local authorities to ensure a traffic-free route is clearly visible to participants.
There is a lucky draw for all participants with ten special prizes.
WHERE: Dubai, Muhaisnah 2
MORE INFO: teamsportsuae.com
ASHURST TRI FEST
Friday, March 31
The Ashurst Triathlon Festival (TriFest) invites athletic individuals to rise up to the occasion and beat the different courses available in each category.
Whether individually or as part of a team, entrants must put their endurance, mental resilience and body strength to the test across swim, bike and run categories.
WHERE: Dubai, Beside Jebel Ali Go Karting
MORE INFO: aesgc.com
DUBAI HOLDING BURJ AL ARAB SWIM
Friday, March 31
After twelve editions, Dubai Holding follows suit and presents the resident-friendly Burj Al Arab Swim. Aptly named, roughly 700 swimmers, as young as sixteen, will paddle under the shadow of this iconic landmark in 800m or 1.6km categories.
Marking the 10th anniversary of the Dubai Holding Corporate Wellness Programme and UAE’s Year of Giving, the Group pledges its unwavering support to the Obesity Research Fund of the Al Jalila Foundation by donating all forthcoming funds raised.
All participants will receive complimentary access to Wild Wadi for an entire day and even bring an amigo along for a 50% discount. The best performing athletes are eligible to collect a range of excited prizes sponsored by the Jumeirah Group.
WHERE: Dubai, Burj Al Arab
MORE INFO: premieronline.com
