There is no shortage of top sporting events in the Emirates and here’s our one-stop diary of everything that’s going on — welcome to our weekly feature, What’s Up UAE.
The festive season is approaching and while many have holiday plans in store, there’s still plenty of sport to enjoy in the Emirates.
Are you attending or participating in one of the following events?
Share your experiences with us, using the hashtag #whatsupuae on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.
Here’s our run-down of some of this week’s sporting events:
ABU DHABI HSBC GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP
Thursday, January 18 – Sunday, January 21
One of the biggest events on the European Tour returns this weekend at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club.
World number one Dustin Johnson headlines a strong field, including Rory McIlroy, Henrik Stenson, Matt Kuchar and European number one Tommy Fleetwood.
Can Fleetwood continue his strong run of form on UAE soil or will Johnson win for a first time in the capital?
VENUE: Abu Dhabi Golf Club
MORE INFO: Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship
DUBAI WORLD CUP CARNIVAL
Thursday, January 18
The second Dubai World Cup Carnival race gets underway at Meydan this week as local and regional racers battle it out ahead of the prestigious season-ending Dubai World Cup in March.
The first race at the venue is expected to be a highly competitive meet and the action begins at 6.30pm.
General admission is AED 50 at the venue while there are hospitality options to sit in Meydan’s new Grandstand.
VENUE: Meydan Racecourse
TIMES: 6.30PM
MORE INFO: Meydan Racing
URBAN-ULTRA BIG STINKER
Friday, January 19
If you are ready for a serious challenge then this may well be the event for you.
Described as one of the toughest solo footraces in the UAE, the Urban-Ultra Big Stinker has three distances available for competitors – 15km, 30km and 45km.
Wanting to test your fitness after the New Year – then this is a must.
START TIME: 7AM
MORE INFO: Urban-Ultra Big Stinker
WEST ASIA PREMIERSHIP
Friday, January 19
The Gulf’s premier rugby competition continues for week six.
The highlight of this round of fixtures is reigning champions Abu Dhabi Harlequins at home to an in-form Jebel Ali Dragons side and Abu Dhabi Saracens in action against Dubai Hurricanes.
In the other fixture, Dubai Exiles face a struggling Dubai Eagles.
MORE INFO: Fixtures
ZAYED SPORTS CITY 5&10K RACE 2
Friday, January 19
The second run of the Zayed Sports City 5km and 10km series takes place on Friday and you have until Monday to register if you want to participate.
Presented by Daman’s ActiveLife, the race at Zayed Sports City is open to people of different abilities with previous editions attracting runners from as young as six to 60-year-olds.
The 5km fun run is ideal for beginners and for those who don’t have much running experience.
For runners who want to push themselves further, can take part in the 10km road run.
TIME: From 7.30am*
MORE INFO: Zayed Sports City 5&10k Run 2
TERRY FOX RUN
Friday, January 19
The Terry Fox Run will return to Abu Dhabi on Friday.
The annual fundraising run is a must-attend on the sporting calendar for families, sport enthusiasts, philanthropists and UAE residents.
The 8.5 Km Run will start and end at the East Plaza on the Abu Dhabi Corniche at Al Sahil Beach and will take the direction towards the Mina Zayed Port.
Onsite registration and t-shirt pick up starts at 7:00 AM and the run commences at 9:00 AM.
VENUE: Abu Dhabi Corniche
MORE INFO: Terry Fox Run
