A wide range of sport and leisure activities are on offer in Dubai, from traditional
camel racing to skiing on real snow!
Dubai hosts a number of major sporting events, including a Formula 1 Grand
Prix, a European Tour golf event (the Dubai Desert Classic) and the world's
richest horse race, the Dubai World Cup.
For those who prefer to participate rather than spectate, there are ample opportunities
for sporting activity, from water sports to running in the Dubai marathon. For
something completely different, you can visit a purpose built ski complex, with
real snow (www.skidxb.com).
Time
Out Dubai has a good listing of sports clubs of all types in Dubai. Golfers
are well served, with a choice of clubs in and around the city. At the Emirates
Golf Club, home of the Dubai Desert Classic, you can enjoy two par-72 courses
and a Bedouin-tent inspired club house, in what is considered by many to be
the finest golf club in Dubai.
During the winter season (Thursdays and Friday mornings, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.,
from October to March) you can view the unique sport of camel racing, part of
the heritage of the UAE. Admission to the many camel tracks is free and the
considerable prize money on offer ensures a lively atmosphere.
Fitness and Health Clubs are popular in Dubai, with
many clubs offering daily, monthly or annual membership. A daily pass costs
between 30 and 60 AED per day. Annual membership starts at around 3000 AED.
Many of the international hotels have extensive fitness facilities and these
are usually available to the public for a daily fee.
- The Aviation Club
- located on the Deira side of the Creek and home to Dubai's prestigious tennis
tournament, this club offers six tennis courts, a swimming pool, squash courts,
a nine hole golf course and a fully equipped gym.
- The Big Apple - located in the Emirates Towers, this well equipped gym offers
fitness training and group classes on a daily pass or very reasonable annual
membership basis
- The Hyatt Regency Hotel (Deira Corniche), Metropolitan Hotel (Sheikh Zayed
Road), Sofitel City Centre Hotel (Port Saeed) and Crowne Plaza Hotel (Sheikh
Zayed Road) all offer use of their health and fitness facilities for a daily
fee.
Fans of water-based activities will not be disappointed in Dubai. Offshore
fishing is popular, with boat charter prices starting from around 1500
AED for a half day. Try:
- Yacht
Solutions - offering both motor and sailing yachts for pleasure cruising
and fishing
- Club Joumana - +971 4 883 6000, offers a crewed fishing boat for half and
full day excursions
- Bounty Charters - +971 4 50 552 6067, experienced owner operator offering
half and full day trips on his fully equipped game fishing boat
Keen sailors will not be disappointed. Dubai
Offshore Sailing Club is recognised by the Royal Yachting
Association and offers sailing courses year round. The club has a lively
social calendar, including races every Friday. Scuba diving and snorkelling
are also available, although the east coast, a couple of hours' drive away,
is considered a better diving location than Dubai itself. A number of local
clubs offer PADI diving training and trips.
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