UAE Events

uae events is a blog that presents the latest events in the United Arab Emirates

Dubai World Cup

Forget the Grand National and the Kentucky Derby. When it comes to money the Dubai World Cup, at the Nad Al Sheba Racecourse, is the richest horse race in the world.

The mile-and-a-quarter group-one race for four year olds and above offers an incredible US$6 million prize fund, with US$3.6 million going to the winner. It is no surprise that the best horses, jockeys and trainers make the annual trip to the UAE.

Thoroughbred racing traces its roots back to the Middle East and its homecoming could not be grander. The magnificent Nad Al Sheba Racecourse boasts state-of-art facilities, including television monitors in all areas to ensure you miss none of the action.

Dubai is regarded as the "Pearl of the Arabian Gulf", and the city finds the perfect blend between the past and the present. The atmospheric old town, with its markets and alleyways, is contrasted with the ultra modern and cosmopolitan new town. The new town provides the biggest attraction away from the track - some of the best shopping on the planet.

When:27 Mar 2010 (annual)
Where:Meydan Racecourse
Cost:Free entry to the public enclosure; Admission to the International Village by bar-coded ticket
Time:2pm

Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship

The Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship showcases beauty, agility and heritage of purebred Arabian horses over a 3-day display and competition at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. With US$4,000,000 prize money, this ranks amongst the most prestigious shows worldwide.

While the judges scrutinise the animals, visitors can browse the horse fair in hall 5 and 6, catering for all types of equestrian products and services.

when:18 - 20 Mar 2010 (annual)
where:Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
cost:Free

Abu Dhabi Golf Championship

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.

when:Jan 2011 (annual)
where:Abu Dhabi Golf Club
cost:Dh125; 4 day pass Dh400; under 18s free

Formula One: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

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).

when:12 - 14 Nov 2010 (annual)
where:Yas Marina Circuit

Red Bull Air Race World Series: Abu Dhabi


The Red Bull Air Race Series stages spectacular stunt-flying competitions across the world. Fearless pilots race at speeds of up to 400 km/h through low-level inflatable "air gates". The 2010 competition opens at Abu Dhabi's Corniche.


when:25 - 26 Mar 2010 (annual)
where:Corniche
cost:$600-$1000; 6-15s $240-$400; 2-day ticket $1360; 6-15s $540
time:Daily 1pm

Al Wathba Racetrack

Camel racing continues to be an indispensable part of Bedouin life in the United Arab Emirates. Al Wathba Racetrack, the closest to Abu Dhabi, has weekly races throughout winter and the season culmina


when:20 Aug 2009 - 19 Feb 2010; Thu and Fri only (annual)
where:Al Wathba Racetrack
cost:Free to watch
time:Thu & Fri 8am-2pm

Horse Races

Horse racing fills Dubai's Nad Al Sheba Racecourse to the brim most Thursday and Friday evenings during the winter months. The season comprises the Winter Racing Challenge, the Dubai International Racing Carnival and the Dubai World Cup.


The WRC starts in November and ends in early March. Horses compete in 1.2km, 1.6km and 2km races and earn points according to finishing positions, winners taking Dh300,000 back to the stables.

The DIRC runs from the middle of January to the beginning of March and the prize money for these races surpasses the million dollar mark. Not surprisingly, some of the best horses in the world come to race for this prize. The season climaxes with the Dubai World Cup meeting, the world's richest race day, at the end of March. Horses speed towards the US$6 million prize, which was won in 2009 by American-trained Well Armed.

Money making is only for the horses as betting is illegal in the UAE, but spectators can participate in various games organised by the racecourse, such as Pick Seven, Tricast, Horseplay and the Car Raffle.

when:5 Nov 2009 - 28 Mar 2010; Thu and Fri only (annual)
where:Meydan Racecourse
cost:Free in public enclosures
time:Daily 7pm-10.30pm

Dubai International Boat Show


The largest of its kind in the Middle East, Dubai International Boat Show is a classic showcase of leisure boats, marine equipment and service. Trade and private visitors browse the luxury display at Dubai International Marine Club.

when:9 - 13 Mar 2010 (annual)
where:Dubai International Marine Club
cost:AED55; under 12s free

Dubai Football 7s

Join AC Milan, Arsenal, Olympiacos and other professional clubs, along with 3000 players and 300 amateur teams, at 7he Sevens for Dubai Football 7s. It's football like you've never seen it before say the organisers.


This festival of football brings together a massive cross-section of athletes, with Rush, Steve McManaman, Michael Thomas and a host of other stars lined up to play on the same pitches as eight-year-old wannabe footballers.

In addition to seeing the stars in action, there are competitions for various age groups and an amateur tournament, drawing both men and women players.

when:11 - 13 Mar 2010 (annual)
where:7he Sevens
cost:AED125-AED150 (free Thu); 3-day pass AED200; under 12s free

Dubai Tennis Championships

The US$1 million Dubai Tennis Championships attracts many of the world's top male and female players to the city's impressive Tennis Stadium. The tournament incorporates both Men's ATP Tour and Women's WTA Tour events, featuring both singles and doubles competitions.

Women's: 14-20 Feb
Players in 2010 include Serena and Venus Williams, Dinara Safina and Svetlana Kuznetsova.

Men's: 22-27 Feb

Expect a tough competition in the men's category too, with the likes of Andy Roddick, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Roger Federer.

when:14 - 27 Feb 2010 (annual)
where:Dubai Tennis Stadium
cost:Daily: Dh30-Dh200; Weekly: Dh620 (men Dh570)



<<Home
[ Page:1/2 ] Next Page>>