This page provides information on the traditional and modern sports of the UAE. It also throws light on governmental efforts to promote the uptake of sports and improve results in that field.
Federal Law No. 4 of 2023 Concerning Sports (the Sports law), establishes the regulatory framework for sports and sports infrastructure in the UAE. This law unifies and aligns the objectives for the development of the sports sector, at both the federal and local levels. It promotes greater sports participation throughout the society and strengthens the capacity of competent authorities to offer accessible sports and physical activities.
The law targets three key segments, as follows:
Highlights of the Sports law
The law provides a guidance on distinguishing between sports that are pursued as a hobby and those that are pursued as a profession. In addition, it:
Refer to General Authority of Sports for more information.
Since the formation of the UAE in 1971, the political leadership has given every attention to the growth, welfare and institutionalisation of sport sector in view of the significant role it plays in the development and advancement of the nation. Establishing and maintaining sports clubs is under the scope of social development services.
The UAE is keen on providing the necessary support for sports in the country, through the construction of many modern sports facilities such as football (soccer) stadiums, car-racing tracks, golf courses and training centres throughout the country, to serve professionals and beginners.
The fourth pillar of the UAE Vision 2071 prioritises the quality of sports, recognizing its role in fostering a harmonious and cohesive society while instilling a sense of pride and patriotism within the country. Sports play a major role in cultivating the skills of the next generation, enabling them to represent the UAE on international platforms.
In April 2018, the UAE Government approved a federal law which allows all UAE residents, regardless of their nationalities, to participate in national sports competitions held in the country. The law applies to children of Emirati mothers, UAE passport holders and all those born in the UAE along with residents of all nationalities.
The move aims to promote sports in the UAE and widen the base of talented participants in various sports. It also seeks to instill the value of loyalty to UAE and the government agenda of integrating all segments of society in a peaceful co-existence.
Traditionally, the Emiratis engaged in falconry and racing horses, camels, salukis and dhows as a way of survival. However, with changing times and laws these activities are now practised purely as a regulated sport.
Falconry
At the end of the annual hunting season, falcons undergo medical check-ups at the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital and only the healthy birds are let into the wild. Others are treated at the hospital. Each falcon is micro-chipped for identification and protection.
Equestrian sports
Equestrian sports in the UAE include endurance, show jumping, eventing, dressage and racing. The late H. H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan started endurance rides in the UAE. Even today, several members of the royal families in the UAE passionately pursue equestrian sports.
Both H. H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and his son H. H. Sheikh Hamdan are exceptionally gifted endurance riders and have won several international endurance rides. H. H. Sheikh Mohammed owns the Godolphin stable in Dubai and runs Darley, the global thoroughbred breeding operation from the United Kingdom.
Camel racing
Camel racing was mainly staged to mark important social occasions such as wedding ceremonies, community festivals or the visits of Sheikhs to Bedouin villages. Today, it is an organised sport involving valuable prizes and cash awards worth millions of Dirhams.
The local breed - Mahaliyat, the Omani breed - Omaniyat, the Sudanese camels - Sudaniyat and the interbred - Muhajanat are the main breeds used in the racing competitions.
Bull-fighting
Bull-fighting still takes place in the emirate of Fujairah. It is a weekly activity practised during the cooler months.
The modern era brought several sports to the UAE such as football, golf, polo, tennis, rugby, sailing, yacht and motor racing. Emiratis are zealous fans of football.
Recreational and adventure activities
Popular recreational and adventure activities include sky diving, golfing, desert safari, dune buggy riding, cycling, land sailing, quad biking, dune bashing, sandboarding, canoeing, kayaking, surfing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing, ice-skating and snow skiing.
The UAE regularly hosts championships, which involve renowned international players, big rewards and huge public following. Some of the major championships include UAE Pro League, Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, Dubai Desert Classic, Dubai Tennis Championships, Rugby Sevens and Dubai World Cup.
The UAE is the host for several international cricket tournaments.
Dubai holds the annual Dubai Marathon which attracts thousands of enthusiasts and professional runners. The prize money involves a few hundred thousand US dollars.
Some of the popular sports events in the other fields of sports are:
View the sports events in the calendar.
Since the UAE hosts several major international tournaments, it provides the best of facilities in terms of cricket/football stadiums, equestrian clubs, tennis courts, racetracks and a circuit for Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Some of the facilities in the different fields of sports are:
Equestrian
Motor sports
Marine sports
Golf
Skiing
Ice Skating
Cricket
General
The UAE Government has established free zone sports cities/complexes to promote the uptake of sports. The sports cities are mixed-use properties with sports clubs, stadiums, training academies, residential areas, commercial spaces, restaurants etc. The free zones for sports in the UAE are:
Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi offers practice facilities for basketball, billiards, football, paintball and more.
Hamdan Sports Complex in Dubai has two swimming pools, each 50 metres long constructed with advanced technology of moveable floors enabling the swimming pools to be transformed into a pool that is 25 metres long with varying depth. Pools are maintained at a temperature of 27 degrees Celsius.
Hamdan Sports Complex has a stadium that can seat 15,000 spectators at the three-tier horseshoe-shaped seating bowl in the competition arena.
Outdoor lights in Hamdan Sports Complex are solar-powered.
Dubai International Stadium in Dubai Sports City can seat 25,000. Dubai Sports City offers practice facilities for football, golf, cricket and more.
Dubai Motor City comprises Dubai Autodrome and an F1 circuit.
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