Camel racing is a spectacular sport and a trip to the races can be one of the most memorable highlights of a visit to Abu Dhabi. Cheer on the camels as they gallop around a specially made track, and marvel at how these seemingly ungainly creatures can reach such high speeds. Races normally take place on weekend mornings, with additional races on public holidays. For a taste of this sport, head to the Al Wathba Camel Race Track (about 45km east of Abu Dhabi on the Al Ain Road), or to the Al Maqam Track near Al Ain. Try to get to the racetracks as early as possible to soak up the atmosphere. Entrance to the races is free. More information from The Camel Racing Federation at Al Wathba +971 2 583 9200
Cricket is a passion shared across many communities in Abu Dhabi. Car parks, rough land, and the city’s many grassy parks all sprout stumps during evenings and weekends when people of all ages come out to play.
Abu Dhabi Cricket Council +971 50 827 1646
Al Ain Cricket Association +971 3 703 6942
uaecricket.com
Football
The Dome@rawdhat is a football facility open seven days a week, with two indoor (temperature controlled) and two outdoor FIFA Grade 1 artificial grass pitches for all year round play. They can also be used for cricket, rugby, American football, etc. The facility stretches over 24,000 square feet and has male and female changing facilities, a prayer room, and a cafe.
Airport Road, Nr Carrefour
For pitch booking thedome.ae or +971 2 449 8480
Golf
With some of the biggest names in golf appearing every January, the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship is the European PGA Tour curtain-raiser which is held at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club. Away from the action on the greens there is children’s entertainment, competitions and an array of food and beverage outlets, all of which make it a fantastic family dayout.
abudhabigolfchampionship.com
Horses are of great heritage significance in Abu Dhabi, which has a wealth of equestrian talent.
Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club
This is the home of horse racing in the capital with around 16 race meetings a year, usually held in the afternoons or evenings throughout the cooler season, and admission is free. The race night atmosphere is hard to beat, with six races per evening, starting at 30-minute intervals. There is no betting, but the Tri Cast Competition invites race goers to pick the first three finishers in each race, with prizes for the winners.
adec-web.com
Motorsports
GET INTO THE FAST LANE:Warm up on the Yas Marina Circuit – which annually hosts the Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – and learn how to conquer one of the most exciting tracks around. Expert tuition is available in a variety of cars at the Yas Racing School, prices from AED1,500 (US$ 410). Or bring your own car and drive the full Grand Prix circuit on the Yas track day. The Yas Racing School’s qualified instructors will can provide driving tips and tuition if required. Prices from AED 650 (US $ 180).
For information and bookings, call +971 2 659 9544 or +971 2 446 0384
Yasmarinacircuit.com
Desert dunes are ideal for rallying, and many events are organized throughout the year with the most high-profile being the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge.
uaedesertchallenge.com
Rally Abu Dhabi – a new international motorsport event debuts at the end of 2011World Rally Championship (WRC) contender event.
The International Tennis Complex, an ATP standard facility with six training courts and a centre court with a spectator capacity of 5,000, hosts the annual Capitala Tennis Tournament.