|
|
| Home / Things To Do / Sports |
|
|
|
|
From traditional dhow sailing to playing on some of the region’s best golf courses, Abu Dhabi is a city that needs to be experienced first person.
Al Forsan International Sports Resort
This is a truly unique, world class sports and leisure destination within 10 minutes of Abu Dhabi International Airport. The resort, which has five international restaurants and cafés, caters to a wide range of sporting, leisure, and meeting activities. Guests can experience shooting, wakeboarding and waterskiing, horse riding, motorsports, paintball and other leisure activities. The resort is ideal for people of all ages for international sporting events, special occasions and family days out.
www.alforsan.com
From traditional dhow sailing to playing on some of the region’s best golf courses, Abu Dhabi is a city that needs to be experienced first person.
WATERSPORTS SAILING
ADNH Travco
The sunset dhow cruise is an hour-long scenic journey along the Corniche, with Arabic coffee and dates served. The average price is AED 80 (US$ 20) per person, including coach transfer. Cruises are flexible and can be suited to fit everyone’s tastes and budget.
Blue Dolphin Company
Sindbad is a traditional Arabian dhow that departs from the Breakwater at 5.30pm every evening and then every hour, on the hour, for the rest of the evening. However, it is advisable to check sailing times as occasionally the dhow is chartered for private parties. The fare AED 10 (US$3) for adults and AED 5 (US$1.50) for children) includes tea, coffee and soft drinks.
Dinner Cruises
An evening spent sailing along Abu Dhabi Corniche, while enjoying fine cuisine, is a great dinner alternative. Dinner cruises are available through Al Dhafra and Le Royal Meridien’s Shuja Yacht.
aldhafra.net
Abu Dhabi was the first Middle Eastern city to organise a UIM Formula One Powerboat Race. Powerboat racing now attracts a large, appreciative audience. At this event, 20 to 24 boats representing 12 nations compete at high speed along the narrow, twisting course off the Corniche. The Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club organises the annual President's Cup F2000 Powerboat Championship, the National Regatta, the National Jet Ski Championship, and the UAE Wooden Powerboat Championship, all of which are designed to encourage young Emiratis to remain close to their marine heritage. Each season also sees two open regattas for modern sailing boats (including catamarans, lasers and windsurfers), which are open to all ages and nationalities.
Near Marina Mall.
+971 2 681 5566
DIVING
Many good dive sites are easily accessible from Abu Dhabi, including wreck or deep-water dives and reef dives. It is possible to dive year-round in the warm seas, and there is a rich abundance of marine life, including barracuda, spotted eagle rays, stingrays, and much more. The following companies offer guided dives from Abu Dhabi.
FISHING
September to April is best for fishing in Abu Dhabi, although it is possible to catch certain species of fish throughout the summer. Commonly caught fish include dorado, kingfish, queenfish, sailfish and tuna. The more adventurous may prefer to try deep-sea fishing or trawling. The following companies offer fishing excursions from Abu Dhabi.
Arabian Divers & Sport Fishing Charters
Tel : +971 50 614 6931
Beach Rotana Hotel & Towers
Tel : +971 2 697 9000
Empros Watersports
Tel : +971 2 673 6600
Sheraton Resort Health Club
Tel : +971 2 677 3333
Sea Cruisers
Tel : + 971 50 800 9495
Sea Tourism
Tel :+971 2 681 3064
Freediving UAE
Is the only company specialising in freediving training and courses in the United Arab Emirates. Freediving UAE currently runs a basic Discover Freediving course; tailored to introducing newcomers, of those 18 years and older, to freediving and requiring no open water diving, and three AIDA accredited courses for the more advanced divers. Costs for one day introductory 'Discover Freediving' course is AED 800 (US$ 218), the two day AIDA Foundation course is AED 1,850 (US$ 506) and the three day Intermediate and four day Advanced courses are AED 2,881/3,344 (US$ 790/916) respectively.
Alex Boulting AIDA Master Instructor
Abu Dhabi Sub Aqua Club
+971 2 562 9100
Arabian Divers & Sportfishing Charters
+971 50 614 6931
Sea Cruisers
Sea Tourism
September to April is best for fishing in Abu Dhabi, although it is possible to catch certain species of fish throughout the summer. Commonly caught fish include dorado, kingfish, queenfish, sailfish and tuna. The more adventurous may prefer to try deep sea fishing or trawling. The following companies offer fishing excursions from Abu Dhabi.
Arabian Divers & Sport Fishing Charters
+971 50 614 6931
Beach Rotana Hotel & Towers
+971 2 697 9000
Empros Watersports
Lulu Boats
Humaid Al Qubaisi +971 50 642 9777
Sheraton Resort Health Club
+971 2 677 3333
Sea Cruiser
+971 50 800 9495
Sea Tourism
GOLF
0
With some of the biggest names in golf appearing every January, the Abu Dhabi HSBC 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 day out.
Those interested in playing golf, rather than watching it, can get in touch with any of the following clubs in Abu Dhabi.
This 9 hole golf course offers a challenging game, with water coming into play at more than half of the holes, and only two Par 3s. Set within the circumference of both grass and sand horseracing tracks, this is an intriguing course of nine holes that offers nightly flood lighting and different tee positions, creating an 18 hole, par 70,Ê 6,395 yard little gem. Water challenges come into play on five of the holes, with testing dog legs left and right and an enormous par five, 630 yard eighth hole, where skilfully designed water hazards cross the fairway. With Night Golf and tee times as late as 8:30pm, and the UAE’s first 2 tiered driving range, featuring 36 individual bays, this golf club is open to members and visitors alike.
www.adcitygolf.ae
Abu Dhabi Golf Club
Abu Dhabi Golf Club is home to the annual PGA European Tour backed Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship and is managed by Troon Golf, one of the sport's most foremost luxury brands. The iconic clubhouse is built in the shape of a falcon overlooking sweeping fairways. Just 30 minutes from the centre of Abu Dhabi, the club's excellent facilities include two par 72 world class 18 hole courses, a driving range, putting and pitching greens, a golf academy that holds lessons for juniors as well as state-of-the-art lighting to provide optimum playing conditions without natural daylight.
Al Ghazal Golf Club
This purpose-built 18 hole Par 71, 6,724 yards championship standard 'sand' golf course has a 30 bay driving range, teaching academy, function facilities and licensed clubhouse, and is just two minutes from the capital's international airport. Famous for its friendly and hospitable ambience, Al Ghazal is home to the World Sand Golf Championship. Anyone can play here, including transit passengers with a just a few hours to spare, however, it's recommended to call ahead and reserve.
Near. Abu Dhabi International Airport
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
The magnificent 18 hole masterpiece Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, designed by Gary Player, is the Arabian Gulf's first and only 'ocean' course with several beach front holes on the iconic Saadiyat Island. The amphitheatre style Par 72 Saadiyat Beach Golf Club features spectacular views of the glittering, crystal blue Arabian Gulf, with over a third of the course having views of the Saadiyat coastline where dolphins are regularly spotted. The imaginative golf course routing provides a spectacular variety of golf experiences, with every hole having its own unique character. From the creation of an aquatic habitat, to the introduction of salt water lagoons and restoration of the beach and sand dunes, the course has been designed with strict environmental guidelines and sensitivity to the surrounding natural environment. Operated by Troon Golf, the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club - which has the Player designed course at its heart - incorporates a distinguished practice range, as well as a Golf Academy, which boasts a full service restaurant, locker rooms, a fully stocked golf shop and diverse meeting facilities. With features for all levels of golfers, the club offers a true 'Member for the Day' experience for UAE residents, holiday-makers and guests from surrounding hotels on a pay-and-play basis.
www.sbgolfclub.ae
Voted among the 'Top 10 New International Golf Courses' by the influential US publication Golf Magazine, Yas Links Abu Dhabi is the region's first true links golf course on the west shores of Yas Island. Designed by Kyle Phillips, one of the world's leading course architects, the Yas Links Abu Dhabi Golf Course is in line with the traditional form of links golf commonly associated with the coastal towns of Scotland and Ireland. The Andaluc’a style Yas Links Golf Club has opened to rave acclaim, featuring glamorous open terraces with sea views, sports lounge and Barranca fine dining restaurant which has access to two outdoor terraces and a private dining room. The green lawned terraces can cater up to 300 people overlooking natural mangroves, with a pontoon that can accommodate 20 seater vessels and is ideal for corporate events. Hickory's all day dining sports lounge also has a private function room with access to an outdoor terrace. Additional clubhouse features include a swimming pool, steam room with rain showers and a pro-shop. The Yas Links Golf Course is open to members and 'pay & play' guests.
www.yaslinks.com
Outdoor activities
Al Futaisi Club
Futaisi Island has various water sport activities to offer such as beach volleyball, jet skiing, and fishing trips. The island also offers magnificent pure bred Arabian horses for all ages and skills riders. The Island is also a shelter for a diverse variety of flora and fauna.
+971 2 666 6601
Camel Racing
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
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
www.uaecricket.com
The dome@rawdhat is a football facility open seven days a week, with two indoor (temperature controlled) and 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 café.
Airport Road, Near Carrefour
Horse Racing
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.
Motorsports
Warm up on the Yas Marina Circuit, which annually hosts the Formula 1ª 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 AED 950 (US$ 260). 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 provide driving tips and tuition if required. Prices from AED 650 (US$ 180). In season, there is action almost weekly on the drag strip at the Yas Drag Racing Centre, with spectator entry from AED 30 (US$ 11).
For information and bookings, call 800 YAS (927), +971 2 659 9544 or +971 2 446 0384
Yas Kartzone
Experience the thrills and excitement of karting at Yas Kartzone. The kart fleet consists of Cadet Karts for youngsters aged 8 to 12, and Senior Karts for people aged 13 years and above. Yas Kartzone also offers an array of karting options for groups of 15 or more. Open from Tuesday to Saturday from 2pm to 10pm fees are AED 80 (US$ 22) for cadets and AED 100 (US$ 27) for seniors.
For information call 800 YAS (927)]
Desert dunes are ideal for rallying, and many events are organised throughout the year with the most high profile being the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge.
Tennis
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.
BOWLING
A number of malls have ten pin bowling facilities for family entertainment. Bowling City (bowling-city.com) has three alleys in Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi Mall, Khalidiyah Mall and Al Mariah Mall), and one in Al Ain (Al Ain Mall). Abu Dhabi Country Club in Al Mushrif (02 443 6333) has a four lane facility. The biggest bowling alley in Abu Dhabi is Khalifa International Bowling Centre (02 403 4648), which has 40 lanes and is one of the world's most modern alleys, there is also a bowling facility at the Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel.
ICE SKATING
 The Abu Dhabi Ice Rink (02 444 8458), near Zayed Sports City, is an excellent way to escape the heat for a few hours. Apart from the ice rink, there is a video arcade, bumper cars and a restaurant. Lessons are available. Marina Mall's Snow World has a smaller 'fun' rink for just a taste of the ice.
+971 2 681 0814
SQUASH
Visitors can play squash in many hotels and sports clubs throughout the emirate. Squash courts are available for hire at Abu Dhabi Golf Club (+971 2 558 8990), Beach Rotana Hotel & Towers (+971 2 697 9000),
Le Meridien Abu Dhabi (+971 2 644 6666), Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort (+971 2 677 3333) and Officers Club & Hotel (+971 2 441 5900).
Zayed Sports City
This huge complex dedicated to sports has a very affordable bowling alley and an ice rink open to visitors.
+971 2 444 8000
www.zsc.ae
|
|
|
|
|