Stumbling over its first hurdle last year, Tokyo 2020 has been offset by a year and is coming down the home straight slightly later than it should have.
Now, with the titan sporting competition fast approaching, we’ve decided to compile a list of all the best places to try Olympic sports in Abu Dhabi.
From archery to wrestling (we couldn’t find an Olympic sport beginning with Z, sorry guys) we’ve run, jumped, cycled and climbed up on horseback to bring you the competitions elite athletes will be contesting this summer.
Here are all the Olympic sports you can try in Abu Dhabi.
Archery at Ada’ Archery Range
For both the serious and recreational archer, the Ada’ (meaning ‘performance’ in Arabic) Archery Range is home to everything bows and arrows. Enjoy some relaxing target practice or get serious for their tournaments for those bow-savvy. Walk in at your leisure or commit to a package of practice sessions or classes as well. Bullseye.
Open Mon-Thu 3pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 7am-11am and 3pm-10pm. Cricket Abu Dhabi (050 742 7370.)
Athletics at Ultimate Athletics
The quintessential contest of the Olympics, as some would call it. Tots, youths, teens and adults are welcome to join this track and field academy regardless of whether they want to improve their fitness or potentially be an Olympian one day. Nearly all of the major track and field events feature here as disciplines to be learned and refined.
Open daily 8am-9pm. NYU Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nayhan Highway (050 225 7024.)
Badminton at the Capital Sports Court
Sometimes, all you want is to grab a shuttlecock and racquet and play Not too much competitiveness; just a relaxing game of badminton against a friend. Well, that’s exactly what this court is for. Reserve a court in advance for you and a group of up to 4 or, if you’re a newcomer to the sport, enroll in their weekly coaching sessions for players of all ages and abilities.
Open daily 5am-midnight. Capital Sports Badminton Courts, Mussafah M4 (050 238 7190).
Basketball at MPAC Sports
MPAC is a UAE staple. With locations in Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai and Sharjah, MPAC has continued to dominate the youth basketball scene in the Middle East. Join their local league and attend their draft dinner. If you’re just beginning to find your feet in the sport, try out one of their coaching sessions and test your shooting arm. You’ll be slam dunking and driving down the court with ease before too long.
Timings vary. Khalifa City (04 385 1777).
Boxing at the Punch Club
First time boxer? Experienced veteran in the squared circle? Whatever your sweet scientific skills, you can hone your craft at Punch Club. One hour high-intensity boxing classes are available with the three choices, namely Punch: HIIT, Punch: Classic and Punch: Ladies. Go from a warm up to conditioning to heavy bag work and conclude with a deserved cooldown. A true taste of the boxing world.
Open Sun-Thu 1pm-9pm, Fri 9.30am-11.30am, and Sat 9am-6.30pm. International Tennis Complex, Zayed Sports City (02 666 9717).
BMX and Skateboarding at Circuit X Abu Dhabi
With more quarter pipes, bowls, ledges and rails than one can ask for, Circuit X is the go-to for skateboarding in Abu Dhabi. Bring your mates or go it alone with one of the park’s many packages. Need a skateboard or scooter? They’ve got you covered. For both the casual and hardcore skater, this uber cool skatepark is sure to not disappoint. BMXers are also largely welcome, with dedicated hours every Sunday and Monday. Practice your freestyling skills on the various ramps and bowls waiting for you.
Open Sun-Wed 5pm-11pm, Thu 4pm-midnight, Fri 9am-midnight, Sat 3pm-midnight. Al Hudayriat Island, Al Hidayriyyat (02 691 0302).
Equestrian at the Mandara Club
In the north of Abu Dhabi rests Mandara Club. With services for young ones who are just beginning their journey to experienced horse riders looking to improve their arsenal of jumps and trot their way to the top. Plus, people can rest in the nearby restaurant while those of the neighing variety can wind down in the club’s meticulous livery.
Open daily 7am-10am and 4pm-10pm (Fri 4pm-10pm only). Rahba Farm, Rahba (02 563 3830).
Fencing at the MK Fencing Academy
Originally called the Dubai Fencing Club, the now MK Fencing Academy changed its name to reflect the fact that, although its original location was in Dubai, it is now known across the Middle East. The MKFA offers classes for any aged up to 20+ with three skill levels: beginner, intermediate and- the best of the best- the elite. With community and local cup events every few weeks with fighters within your age and skill range, you’ll be able to put show off what you’ve learnt. Allez.
Open 4.30pm-9pm on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Hamdan Sports Complex, Emirates Road (050 794 4190).
Football at the Al Forsan Resort
Offering sports of all kinds (not all are land-based,) this plush resort can fit you and 21 of your mates on their full-size 11-a-side football pitch. Score a screamer as the sounds of waves crashing and a horse’s trot pose as your away night Champions League crowd. The age limits for all sports are 16 and up, bar football which is 13 and up
Open daily 7am-11pm. Al Forsan International Sports Resort, Khalifa City, alforsan.com. From Dhs600 per hour.
Golfing at Abu Dhabi City Golf Club
Nestled in Al Mushrif is this truly new-age golf course. With the ability to drive on two levels (actually; there are two driving ranges on separate levels,) you can truly tell your friends that you’re a level above them when you golf. If you prefer to play alone, individual packages and lessons are available. Plus, if you don’t feel like leaving the house, you can get video lessons sent to your email so you can refine your swing literally in your own backyard.
Open daily 5.30am-midnight. 19th Street, Al Mushrif (02 445 9600).
Gymnastics at Little Stars
Located in the heart of Abu Dhabi, Little Stars Gymnastics has been nurturing present and future gymnasts for years now. With classes catering to gymnasts of all ages and with open gyms offered nearly every day, it’s no wonder that Little Stars is the best of the best for Abu Dhabi gymnastics. They offer specific courses in artistic and trampoline gymnastics, both of which are Olympic sports.
Officers Club Stadium, Al Muzoon (050 781 0635).
Hockey at Abu Dhabi Social Hockey
Who says you can’t meet a future best mate over a game of hockey? The Abu Dhabi Social Hockey is exactly what it sounds like; a way to meet new people and play some hockey together. Players can be of any age and experience as there are specific games catered to each skill level, starting with beginner and ascending up to veteran. Just try not to engage in any dangerous plays.
Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium (055 547 4272).
Karate at Emirates Karate
Why not take a swing at karate? Established in 1984, this Abu Dhabi hub for all things martial arts remains at the top of the karate game in the emirate. The centre offers karate, kung fu, kickboxing and yoga classes as well as events for students and even those not affiliated with the centre. With some of the best and most qualified instructors anywhere in the world, you’ll be kicking yourself for not joining sooner.
Timings, locations and prices vary. (02 626 7674).
Rugby with the Abu Dhabi Harlequins
The Quins, as they are collectively known, are a rugby club in Abu Dhabi. With teams, programmess and events for each skill level and age, it’s fair to say that the Quins have left no stones unturned. For younger players, non-contact and tag rugby are available. For the seniors, full-contact rugby games can be played and tournaments can be held over the weekend. Membership includes a fitness program, as well.
Timings vary. Zayed Sports City, Khaleej al Arabi Street. .zsc.ae/en.
Sailing and Rowing at the Abu Dhabi Sailing and Rowing School
Water sports are constantly on the rise in the Middle East, and this school is a testament to the fundamentals of two of the biggest water sports there are. Try out your sea legs and improve your physical strength with the Sail School and see how you fare against those of a similar ability. Suitable for all ages. Rowers: demonstrate your prowess with a paddle and train up until the UAE National Rowing Championships where you can go head-to-head with the best.
Open Sun-Thu 8am-4pm. Abu Dhabi Theater Road, Al Marina (02 658 3333).
Shooting at the Al Forsan Shooting Ranges
Home to all things sport, Al Forsan is a lavish resort with various disciplines, pitches for hire, programs to enrol in and a fitness centre, as well. The shooting range in particular offers courses for any skill level ranging from “where’s the trigger” to the future Olympian. It boasts a fully equipped 500m sniper range for those silent shooters or the conventional 25m and 30m ranges for handgun and rifle use, respectively.
Open daily 2pm-11pm. Khalifa City, Street No, 12 (02 656 5656).
Swimming at 4th Lane Swimming
This Abu Dhabi swimming hub offers leisure, competitive and adult programs and classes for aspiring swimmers or those just looking to get fit. The club also offers club meets and is a member of the UAE Regional Swim Meets for the swimmers looking for serious competition. Adult classes offer courses fit for those wanting to complete triathlons in the future. But make sure you’ve mastered the underwater art by completing their prerequisite courses.
Open Sun-Sat (ex. Wed) 9am-7pm. Al Ghaith Tower, Hamdan Bin Mohammed St (050 168 1557).
Table tennis at Emirates Bowling Village LLC
Despite what the name may suggest, bowling is not the only game this venue offers. The Emirates Bowling Village is a family-friendly, relaxed hang-out spot complete with bowling lanes, multiple table tennis tables and lovely, fresh food. A casual place for the recreational table tennis players.
Open 24 hours every day ex. Friday. Marina Mall, Al Marina (02 681 1185).
Taekwondo at the Rise Centre for Dance and Taekwondo
Offering both sides of the active coin, the Rise Centre is home to budding dancers and fighters alike. Their taekwondo program involves two levels; both of which require a prerequisite to enter. With two to three classes per week and frequent entry into tournaments to build your fighting experience, this centre is the place to be if you want to improve your martial artistry.
Al Rayyana Plaza, Khalifa City A (058 558 7473).
Tennis at the Zayed Sports Centre
Serving as the ground for both tennis majors and tennis academies, the Zayed Sports Centre remains to be the best spot for tennis in Abu Dhabi. With nine professional standard tennis courts and two large restaurants, be the Djokovic to your mate’s Nadal and then proceed for a bite right after. An ace space for tennis.
Zayed Sports City, Al Rawdah (02 403 4222).
Volleyball at the Titan Sports Academy
Exactly like the name suggests, this sports centre is a titan venue hosting sports ranging from kickboxing to gymnastics to volleyball. Refine your spiking and setting in the comfort of their indoor court or play a game in the refreshing Abu Dhabi air. Functioning as both an academy and free-to-play sports hall, this sports haven is a smashing find. Trampoline and artistic gymnastics are available, both of which are Olympic sports.
Open daily (ex. Fri) 3.30pm-9pm Family Development Centre, Abu Dhabi Centre (050 220 0326).
