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ABU DHABI SPORTS CLUBS : Sports Clubs in Abu Dhabi Guide

General

As spectator or participant you can indulge any or all of your sporting passions in the UAE. Languid days by the pool or beach can be interspersed with a huge range of sporting activities, including adventurous exploration of mountain and desert. Sporting and recreational facilities are exceptional and major international sporting events are staged at various times of the year. Your travel agent or hotel can assist in purchasing tickets or planning an itinerary of activities, alternatively contact one of the tour providers based in the UAE. If you are feeling really fit, you can run in the Dubai Marathon!

Bowling

Abu Dhabi Tourist Club (02 6723400 adclub@emirates.net.ae), near Méridien Hotel Abu Dhabi has a popular12-lane bowling alley. Entrance fees are Dh7 for one game, Dh3 for shoe rental. Opening hours are 8 a.m. to 12 midnight.

Al Nasr Leisureland (04 3371234), near American Hospital, Al Karama, Dubai opens from 9 a.m. to 12 midnight. Booking is advised since this is a very popular venue. Entrance fees are Dh10, Dh7 per game and shoe rental is free.

Khalifa International Bowling Centre (02 4034650) is located near Ice Rink, Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi. This impressive 40-lane facility is reputed to be one of the most modern bowling alleys in the world. Opening hours are 12 midday to 12 midnight Saturday to Wednesday, 10 a.m. to midnight Thursday and 2 p.m. to midnight on Fridays. Costs are Dh7 for one game, shoe hire is Dh2.

Thunder Bowl (04 3431000), near Defence roundabout, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai opens from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Facilities include 20 computerized lanes, pool, snooker hall, Sega Park and three fast food restaurants.
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Camel Racing

This may be your only opportunity to view a unique sport which is an integral part of the heritage of the UAE. Camel racing takes place during the winter season (Thursdays and Friday mornings, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., from October to March) at special tracks around the country. The atmosphere is electric, especially during public holidays when major races for considerable prize money are held. There is no admission fee.

Al Wathba Racetrack is about 45km east of Abu Dhabi. Al Ain Racetrack is situated approximately 25km from Al Ain on the Abu Dhabi road. Nad al-Sheba camel track, which has an impressive grandstand in the shape of a billowing bedouin tent, is located on the outskirts of Dubai city behind the Metropolitan Hotel. Sharjah, Ajman, Ra’s al-Khaimah and Fujairah also host camel racing but the camel racetrack, located between Falaj al-Mualla and Umm al-Qaiwain city, is one of the more simple and attractive of UAE racetracks.

Check with your tour operator or local newspapers for exact dates and times of events.

Canoeing

Some tour operators (e.g. Desert Rangers 04 3460808/3453091 www.desertrangers.com) organize canoeing trips through the mangroves – no experience is necessary.

Car Rallying

Emirates Motor Sports Federation (04 2827111 emsf@emirates.net.ae) organizes a wide range of car rallying events in the UAE, including the Drakkar Noir 1000 Dunes Rally for 4WD (March) and the Champions Rally for saloons (February).

The Desert Challenge, part of the World Cup, is held in the first week in December.

Cricket

Cricket has a growing following in the UAE. Top world teams compete in the Cricketers Benefit Fund Series at a purpose-built cricket stadium in Sharjah (06 5322991), while the Abu Dhabi Cricket Council (02 6459790) has a new stadium next to Abu Dhabi Golf Club. The Council organizes a range of matches and tournaments throughout the year, including the Abu Dhabi Duty Free Tournament.

Al Ain Cricket Association (050 6231590) grounds are located between the Hilton and Intercontinental hotels.

Darjeeling Cricket Club, Dubai (04 3331746) runs matches every Friday, a six-a-side Gulf tournament in March, and regular matches against visiting sides. The clubhouse is open from Tuesday to Sunday. A non-member match fee of Dh20 applies. The Club also hosts the Darjeeling Hockey Club.

Football

Football fans need not be deprived of their favourite sport since soccer is also the most popular national sport in the UAE. There are stadiums galore, including Zayed Sports City, the biggest sports complex in the Middle East. Check in local newspapers for fixtures.

Abu Dhabi Strollers Football Club (050 6127957) provides expatriates in the UAE with the opportunity to play competitive football. Gaelic football enthusiasts can also assuage their withdrawal symptoms at the Dubai Exiles Rugby Club where the Gaelic Athletic Association (04 343 0116 dubaicelts@hotmail.com) holds their games and training sessions.

Golf

The UAE is blessed with more than a dozen golf courses; three challenging PGA championship golf courses and five additional courses are open to visitors. Six of the golf courses have lush fairways and exquisitely manicured greens. A couple, being sand courses, offer the unique opportunity to play on ‘ browns’ (oiled sand) instead of greens. All the major golf courses have state-of-the-art clubhouses and a range of additional facilities, including quality pro-shops and dedicated coaching facilities with PGA qualified professionals. All players on the main courses are required to hold an official handicap of 28 or less for men and 36 or less for women. Only soft spikes or rubber-soled shoes are permitted and conventional golfing apparel is mandatory (t-shirts with collars and tailored shorts/trousers). No denims or jeans are permitted on the course or in the clubhouse. Golf clubs and golf carts are available for hire. It is advisable to book time slots well in advance (see the section Getting There for information on package golf holidays). Bookings from outside the UAE must be by fax giving full details of the booking and credit card number as guarantee.

For more information email uaegolf@emirates.net.ae; browse the UAE Golf Association website www.ugagolf.com or contact bookings@dubaigolf.com 04 3475201.

Abu Dhabi Airport Golf Club (02 5758040) is an 18-hole, 6450-yard, par 71 sand golf course situated 400 metres (two minutes by road) from the terminal. It features an English-style hilltop clubhouse, swimming pool and tennis courts and an advanced training facility. The Royle golf visual communication system can assess your swing on monitors with graphic overlays that enable you to compare your swing with those of some of the world’s best-known players. The academy also features Durnian Frames – specially designed metal frames through which golfers can perfect their swing plane by following the line of the frame.

Abu Dhabi Golf Club By Sheraton, Umm al-Nar (02 5588990 wwwadgolfsheraton.com abudhabigolf@sheraton.com) features two world-class 18-hole superbly landscaped golf courses, a challenging 7204 yards par 72 fully mature National Course and a 6524 yards par 72 Garden Course which is described as ‘more forgiving’. Nine holes of the latter are floodlit. Both courses have strategically-placed bunkers and salt-water lakes. Mature date palms and ornamental trees surround a spectacular clubhouse built in the shape of a large falcon swooping down on a golf ball. Extensive practice and training facilities are available and the club also has an impressive range of leisure facilities, including tennis, squash, fitness centres and swimming pools. Green fees range from Dh150 to Dh360 at peak times but check out the special summer packages offering superb value.

Abu Dhabi Golf & Equestrian Club (02 4459600). A nine-hole, 6365-yard par 70 fully floodlit course located in Mushrif in the heart of Abu Dhabi. The racetrack runs through the course, providing a formidable challenge on four holes. Facilities include clubhouse, golf academy, bars and restaurants, floodlit tennis courts, swimming pool and pro-shop. Visitors are welcome. Green fees for 18 holes are Dh230, 9 holes Dh140. club car Dh40 for 18 holes and Dh25 for 9. Special summer rates on request.

Al Ain Golf Club, Al Ain (03 7686808 jmross@emirates.net.ae). Visitors are welcome but ring ahead.

Al Dhafra Golf Links Ruwais, Abu Dhabi (02 8771600)

Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, Al Garhoud Road, Dubai (04 2956000). In the heart of the city, the main 18-hole, floodlit par 72 grass course, which forms the centrepiece of this leisure complex, has excellent views of the creek. But beware of the water hazards and tricky doglegs. There is also a nine-hole par three, floodlit course. Guests are welcome. Green fees are approximately Dh400. A unique clubhouse design echoes the billowing sails of a traditional Arab dhow. Other facilities include a115-berth marina, tennis courts, picnic and barbecue sites, cycling and jogging tracks.

Dubai Country Club, Hatta Road, Dubai (04 3331155 www.dubaicountryclub.com) is the oldest club in the Emirates. It features an18-and a nine-hole sand course. Golfers are issued with a small piece of artificial turf to play off when on the fairways. Non-members may play for a fee provided that they are guests of an existing member, or wish to play at off-peak hours.

Emirates Golf Club, Junction 5, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai (04 3473222). Twenty minutes from Dubai city centre, Emirates Golf club has two challenging18-hole par 72 grass courses. The main 18-hole course is 7100 yards, playing to par 72. The second 18-holes features a range of daunting bunkers and water hazards. A striking clubhouse is built in the shape of a series of bedouin tents. Visitors are welcome on a pay-and-play basis. Green fees are Dh330–365. Equipment is available for hire. The club also a swimming pool, tennis courts, squash courts and snooker room.

Hilton Al Ain Golf Club (03 7686666 www.hilton.com). This par 3 course is short but difficult. Open to non-members, club hire available.

Jebel Ali Hotel and Golf Resort, Dubai (04 2836000 hoteluae@emirates.net.ae). Located about 30 minutes from Dubai city centre, this is a nine-hole par 36 course with a central seawater hazard. There is also a driving range with bunkers and target greens. Visitors are welcome on a pay-and–play basis and equipment is available for hire.

Nad al-Sheba Club, Al Awir Roundabout, Nad al-Sheba Rd, Dubai (04 3363666) features a floodlit 18-hole links-style course playing to par 71. The course has eight lakes and more than 110 pot bunkers. Situated about 15 minutes from Dubai city centre, this is a short course, the emphasis being on accuracy. The first nine is located inside the famous Nad al-Sheba race track with the second nine outside the track. Visitors are welcome on a pay-and-play basis. During the racing season (November – April) check last tee times with the club. Green fees are Dh220–295. Equipment is available for hire. There is also a large driving range, a practice putting area and chipping greens.

Sharjah Wanderers Golf Club, Sharjah (06 5586239) is a private membership club, offering an 18-hole golf course, a gymnasium, swimming pool, tennis, squash, rugby, football and hockey

Dubai Desert Classic (Dubai World Trade Centre (04 3086031) www.dubaidesertclassic.com). The Dubai Desert Classic, a European Tour event sponsored by DUBAL, is usually held in March. This is your chance to see some of the world’s top professional golfers compete for prize money in excess of US$1 million.

Horse Riding

As you might expect from a country enamoured with all things equine, recreational riding is well catered for in the UAE. Lessons suitable for all abilities are available and desert rides are popular for the more experienced. Most enthusiasts have their own equipment but you can usually purchase or hire a hat if necessary. Rates vary depending on your requirements.

The riding club at Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club (02 455500) has 60 horses suitable for a wide range of abilities. Facilities include extensive stables and an air conditioned show jumping and riding arena. Show jumping events are staged on a regular basis.

Abu Dhabi Tourist Club (02 4455500 adclub@emirates.net.ae)

Abu Dhabi Hunting & Equestrian Club (02 447545).

Ajman Equestrian Club, near city centre Ajman (06 7433123) gives lessons in show jumping and dressage. Desert trips for five riders or more are also available.

Hotel Intercontinental, Al Ain has stables 13 horses for lessons and desert hacks.

Club Joumana, Jebel Ali Hotel, Dubai (04 8836000 www.jebelalihotel.com) has six horses and can provide lessons and hacks as well as desert rides.

Dubai Equestrian Centre (04 3361394) is located near the camel race track Nad al-Sheba The centre has 147 horses and extensive facilities, including floodlit arena, riding school arenas and dressage arenas.

Jebel Ali Equestrian Club, Jebel Ali Village (04 8845566) is an approved branch of the British Pony Club and offers lessons for children and adults. Hacking, dressage and jumping are also available.
Sharjah Equestrian & Racing Club, Al Dhaid Rd (06 5311155), situated about 17km from the centre of Sharjah on the Sharjah-Dhaid road, keeps 95 horses for riding. Facilities include a floodlit sand arena, a floodlit paddock, grass show jumping arena and hacking trails.

Umm al-Qaiwain Marine Club and Riding Centre (06 7666644), near Palm Beach Resort, Umm al-Qaiwain offers lessons for beginners and the more advanced in basic riding skills, jumping and dressage as well as hacks on the beach and in the desert.

Ice-Skating

In a country where the sun always shines you can enjoy an activity that is more typical of colder climates but bring a sweater!

Abu Dhabi Tourist Club (026723400 adclub@emirates.net.ae) has a large ice-skating rink with TV screens and floodlights.

Abu Dhabi Ice Rink (02 4448458) at Zayed Sport City can also provide hours of fun. Located off Airport Road just past Continent supermarket (15 minutes from the corniche Clock Tower). Reasonably priced lessons for up to three at a time (or courses) can be booked with the in-house trainer. Ice hockey training and matches are on Saturday and Sunday. Great fun, but remember to take a sweater. In Al Ain you can skate at Hili Fun City & Ice Rink (03 784 5542 funcity@emirates.net.ae)

Dubai has two ice-rinks, Al Nasr Leisureland (04 3371234) and Hyatt Regency Galleria (04 2096550).
Costs are in the region of Dh 5–25 for a session. The higher price range usually includes skate hire. Opening hours can vary according to season and activities so check before you go.

Polo

Polo (and hacking) is available at Dubai Polo Club (04 3331188). Riding equipment is available for hire.

Ghantoot Polo & Racing Club, Sheikh Zayed Rd, about an hour’s drive from Abu Dhabi (02 5629050 grpc1@emirates.net.ae) has four floodlit polo fields, a racing grandstand, polo school, tennis courts, swimming pool and fitness centre. The polo season featuring regular chukka tournaments and major international events runs from Mid-October to April. Spectators are welcome.

Powerboat Races

World championship powerboat races are staged each year in the UAE. The final round of the inshore Formula One is staged off Abu Dhabi Sharjah in November complementing offshore Class One races held off Dubai and Fujairah. The UAE’s own powerboat teams (Victory Teams) have had remarkable success on the world circuit over the years.

Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club (Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club at the Breakwater, Abu Dhabi (ADIMSC 02 6815566 www.adimsc.com, adimsc@emirates.net.ae) and Dubai International Marine Sports Club at Mina Seyahi (DIMC 04 3994111) also organizes powerboat races throughout the year.

Rock Climbing

If you are a beginner or wish to improve your skills try the indoor climbing wall at Pharaohs Club, Pyramids, Oud al-Mehta, Dubai (04 3240000 www.waficity.com). Charges are Dh35 for one hour. Opening hours are from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday. If you are a competent climber and the excellent rock climbing routes in the UAE mountains beckon to you, staff at the Pharaohs Club may have information about informal groups who tackle the mountains on a regular basis.

Rugby

Abu Dhabi Rugby Football Club (050 6621861) participates in both local and regional tournaments. Games are generally played on a grass pitch provided by the Mina Zayed Port Authority.

Al Ain Amblers Rugby Club (050 4492670) plays on grass pitches next to the Al Ain Intercontinental and Al Ain Oasis Barbarians Rugby Club (03 7825568) holds weekly touch rugby sessions that are open to everyone.

The Six Nations Rugby Tournament is held at the Irish Village, Dubai in April. World-class rugby sevens compete in the Dubai Rugby Sevens in November/December each year for the prestigious Emirates International Trophy. Friendly matches are also played on a regular basis with international teams. Check events magazines and newspapers for details or call Dubai Exiles Rugby Club (04 3331198), near Dubai Country Club.

Sailing

Hotels and beach clubs (see the section on beach health, and sports clubs) throughout the UAE provide recreational sailing for short-term visitors, however if you have a deeper interest in the sport you could contact one of the local sailing clubs.

For a truly wonderful experience you can watch traditional sailing dhows, graceful craft from an earlier age when great wooden trading dhows plied the Indian Ocean, or traditional longboats powered by up to 100 oarsmen, race off the Abu Dhabi Corniche and other venues throughout the Emirates. These events usually coincide with one of the local festivals, especially National Day (2 December). Check the local newspapers for details.

Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club (ADIMSC 02 6815566 www.adimsc.com adimsc@emirates.net.ae) organizes open regattas for modern sailing boats (catamarans, lasers) and windsurfers. Abu Dhabi Sailing Club (ADSC), which is part of The Club, Madinat Zayed (02 6731111), sails Kestrels, Lasers and Laser II. Races are held on Monday and Thursday afternoons. Temporary membership is available.

Abu Dhabi Catamaran Association (02 5547810) holds races on alternate Thursdays and every Friday throughout the year.

Races for toppers, lasers, catamarans, cruisers are also held every weekend at Jebel Ali Sailing Club, Mina Seyahi, Dubai (04 3995444). Situated close to Mina Seyahi harbour this club has an active programme of marine activities, including kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, powerboating, snorkelling and diving, as well as many land-based activities such as hiking, archery, overnight camping and climbing.

Dubai Offshore Sailing Club (04 3941669 dosc@emirates.net.ae) is a non-profit club, run by a committee of volunteers, where sailors of all abilities are welcome. It provides moorings, launching facilities, sail training as well as full catering and an active yachting and social calendar.

Dubai International Marine Club (04 3994111) is no longer a members’ club, but organizes local, national and international boat races and water sports events. Spectators are welcome.

UAQ Tourist Club (The Flamingo Beach Resort 06 7670000 flaming1@emirates.net.ae) is situated in the old part of town on the lagoon. This relaxed club offers great sailing in all types of boats, including catamarans, glass-bottom boats for viewing the coral reefs, and a dhow for sea trips. Waterskiing, windsurfing and jetskiing are also catered for.

Shooting/Archery

Hatta Fort Hotel (04 8523211 www.hattaforthotel.com) has supervised clay pigeon ranges and archery facilities.

Jebel Ali Shooting Club (04 8836555 www.jebelalihotel.com) offers pistol, skeet and trap shooting, as well as simulated laser shooting. Ra’s al-Khaimah Shooting Club (07 2363622) will teach you to shoot with a variety of guns. It also has facilities for archery. Facilities at Umm al-Qaiwain Shooting Club (06 7681900) include air conditioned and soundproofed indoor ranges, outdoor ranges and a ‘big gun’ range.

Dubai Archery Group (04 2215839)1 www.uaearch@egroups.com) is an informal association whose meetings take place in front of Dubai College.

Tennis

Tennis courts are widely available at hotels and private clubs throughout the UAE. Many are floodlit to facilitate playing in the cool of the evening. Hire of courts for non-residents and non-members are in the region of Dh25–100. Again, the higher prices will apply at weekends.

The Dubai Tennis Open, the Dubai Duty Free sponsored ATP and WTA event which attracts top-seeded players, is usually held at the Aviation Club (04 2824122) in February each year.


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