UAE Events

The Dubai Boating Festival at Dubai Festival City's Festival Marina is full of activities for all ages. Celebrating Dubai's strong maritime heritage, the festival squeezes in a sailing competition, boat displays and even a samba parade.

Boat lovers at the Dubai Boating Festival can admire the yacht display and kids can participate in the model boat race or watch the dragon boats. If the demo of a fire-fighting boat and a helicopter rescue doesn't grab you, then sail on down to the 'Whatever Floats Your Boat' bottle boat race. Teams of four build and then race boats made out of plastic water bottles and other recycled materials, competing to raise awareness of recycling in the UAE. Of course everything is recycled after the race. The second annual floating wheelchair race raises money for children with special needs.

Other activities include the Charter Boat Cruise, dinghy racing and the Bottle Boat Parade. Please check the Festival Centre website for more details of the Dubai Boating Festival.

The UAE Desert Challenge in Dubai is a rally across some of the most dramatic and demanding terrain. Drivers from all over the world race their cars, trucks and motorbikes on a thrilling journey through the desert.

The event begins with a ceremonial start in Abu Dhabi and heads south into the desert. The race is based at the Moreeb Hill Bivouac, close to the Liwa Oasis, and special stages stretch out into the legendary Rub Al Khali or Empty Quarter, a perfect name for one of the largest sand deserts in the world. Nerves and endurance are crucial survival tools, as well as some hardcore driving skills.

The UAE Desert Challenge in Dubai is a rally across some of the most dramatic and demanding terrain. Drivers from all over the world race their cars, trucks and motorbikes on a thrilling journey through the desert.

The event begins with a ceremonial start in Abu Dhabi and heads south into the desert. The race is based at the Moreeb Hill Bivouac, close to the Liwa Oasis, and special stages stretch out into the legendary Rub Al Khali or Empty Quarter, a perfect name for one of the largest sand deserts in the world. Nerves and endurance are crucial survival tools, as well as some hardcore driving skills.

Camel racing is taken very seriously around here, and Dubai's Nad Al Sheba Racecourse fills to the brim during the winter months. Once they lift the multi-strand barrier anywhere from 15 to 70 camels battle for glory.

Distances vary between four and ten kilometres, depending on the race. Morning races feature camels owned by sheikhs, whereas the afternoon races are open to all. Apparently sheikhs have been known to buy camels from owners who have won the afternoon races, offering large sums for the victorious camel.

Camel racing has faced controversy lately because of the use of under-age jockeys, but the UAE government has recently issued a ban on child jockeys less than 15 years old. All jockeys are required to carry government issued ID cards, which are acquired after passing exams by specially appointed doctors to ensure racing age.

No cameras are allowed on the racetrack, but binoculars are a must.

Enjoy an evening of excitement and glamour at Meydan Racecourse, home of the world's richest horse race, in Zabeel district. The racing season starts in November and attracts horse lovers and stylish socialites who lead the fashion parade.

The immaculate green course at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club is the setting for the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship. The tournament, sanctioned by the European Tour and the UAE Golf Association, has a US$2-million prize fund.

A starting field of 120 players will battle it out to take the 'Falcon' trophy away from current champion Paul Casey, from England. The championship is played in 4 rounds over 72 holes.

The spectator village offers distractions for kids such as bouncy castles and miniature golf, while adults can try their hand at the golf simulator and take advantage of free lessons.

Tickets can be bought online from the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship website.

The Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, at the Yas Marina Circuit, is the final race of the Formula One season. Watch cars race at 200mph around the floodlit track.

Built at a cost of more than US$1bn, the Yas Marina Circuit was opened in 2009 and is one of the most state-of-the-art circuits on the racing calendar. Rising out of the sands of the Arabian desert, it is a truly atmospheric setting to watch Formula One motor racing.

Formula One is one of the most glamorous sports on Earth. State-of-the-art cars costing millions race at speeds of up to 200mph (320kmh), and teams are followed all over the world by a faithful band of rich and famous jetsetters.

Other highlights of the racing calendar include the Monaco Grand Prix, set on the roads of Monte Carlo, and the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, where you can expect passionate support from Ferrari's fanatical fans (known as tifosi).