Sporting events you can sign up for in the UAE

Trainers at the ready, and googles at the go, as the UAE’s sports season is fast approaching.

Whether you’re an experienced athlete, or finally picking up that New Year’s resolution to get more active, there are loads of sporting events for all ages and abilities to get stuck into.

You might also like: 11 alternative sports to try in Dubai

Collect your medals by pushing yourself to the finish line of triathlons, swims, runs, and even sub-zero obstacle courses – you’re sure to be shining at the end of them (with your medals of course).

So what are you waiting for? If you’re looking for a sports event to sign up for in the UAE, look no further.

On your marks, get set, go…

Sharjah Swimming Tournament

Beat the summer heat with a competitive swim in the blue waters of Sharjah. With plenty of lifeguards on kayaks and rescue jets on the course, this open water tournament is great for social swimmers aiming for the finisher’s medals, along with competitive swimmers looking to win some cash prizes. Everyone gets a certificate and refreshments — win-win.
Dhs50. Sun 28 Aug, 6:30am onwards. Khorfakkan, Sharjah sharjahmarine.ae (04 907 7769).

Ironstar Indoor Triathlon

End the summer season at AB Fitness’s massive facility, with this indoor triathlon. Start off by swimming as far as you can in their refreshing L-shaped pool, then prepare to cycle as hard as you can for 30 minutes while moving to your stationary bike, and finish strong with a 20-minute run around the 250m indoor track. Compete in a team or do it all yourself, and celebrate with a finisher’s medal and breakfast after the race. If you are one of the speedy ones, keep an eye out for the generous prizes and rewards for the top three athletes in each category.
Dhs341.25 (individual), Dhs603.75 (team). Sun 4 Sep, 6am onwards. AB Fitness Gym, Dubai Maritime City, Port Rashid, Dubai. iron-star.com (04 591 8876)

Super Sports Night Run

Run over the iconic Meydan Royal Bridge surrounded by Dubai’s breathtaking skyline featuring the Burj Khalifa during this night run. The mid-week Super sports night run invites you to run three km, five km, or ten km with lots of great music and bright lights, and of course a medal. Run or walk – even crawl at this night run for all ages and abilities.
Dhs125 (under 19 years), Dhs175 (adults). Wed 21 Sep, 7:30pm onwards. The Track Golf Clubhouse, Meydan, Dubai. supersportsuae.com (04 164 6967).

Ice Warrior 13

Ski Dubai to host cooler-than-cool Ice Warrior Challenge

Complete a commando assault course – with an icy twist. Yes, you’ll be surrounded by snow at minus four degrees during this fitness challenge. The Ice Warrior challenge is back celebrating its 13^th year at Ski Dubai. Here you can challenge yourself to a frosty obstacle course, including swinging, climbing, crawling, and running, and edge closer to that icy medal. The question is, are you ready to be the UAE’s next Ice Warrior champion?
Dhs285 (15-60 years old), Dhs300 (elite fitness). Sat 24 Sep, 6:30am onwards. Ski Dubai, Mall of The Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai. premieronline.com/event/ice_warrior (800 386).

IGNITE Pink is Punk Swim Run

Get ready to run, swim, and most importantly contribute to a very important cause. IGNITE Pink is Punk is a run that raises money for breast cancer awareness – the only one of its kind in the UAE. Pick between a swim and run or just run in the luxurious Anantara The Palm, or even split up the work and compete as a team. Celebrate your victory with a goody bag and spot prizes, and if you finish in the top three you even get a medal. And if you don’t win a medal for competing, you can still win one for best dressed, so have your pink outfit at the ready.
Dhs73.5 (juniors swim and run), Dhs157.5 (fun run, and adults swim and run), Dhs315 (team). Sat 8^th October, 6am onwards. Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. ignite.ae (04 562 482)

Q3 Night Run

With this fun race, you’ll glow in the dark as your run the Meydan Track. Pick to run the three km, five km, 10km or, even just one km for little ones. Running with neon t-shirts and glowing accessories, alongside a supportive community of runners, this race has an electric atmosphere.
Dhs63 (juniors), Dhs105 (adults). Sat 24 Sep, 8pm onwards. The Track Golf Clubhouse, Meydan. thebaba.ae (04 768 6620).

The Women’s Cycling Challenge

If cycling’s more your thing, The Women’s Cycling Challenge is perfect for women of all cycling abilities (who can manage 40km or more). It’s a fun and competitive event that takes you through the scenic route of the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve on its world-class cycling track. The ride is a pretty one as you can take in the beautiful desert landscape – and even spot some rare wildlife if you’re lucky. This amazing event is dedicated to supporting the sport of women’s cycling, so get ready to feel that female empowerment while collecting your medal.
Dhs180 (40km), Dhs200 (70km). Sat 8 Oct, 6:00am onwards. Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, Saih Al Salam, Dubai. womenscycling.ae (04 333 9222).

Super Sports Meydan Run

Dubai’s most popular community-run series is back this October, here you can run, walk, or sprint the one km, five km, ten km, or the 16 km race ( a whopping ten miles). The energy-full race village awaits you where you can get your head in the game and even jive to the great music. The scenic route through Nad Al Sheba really does make this both a competitive and vibrant community run. There’s plenty of support and plenty of medals with everyone getting a finisher’s medal, as well at category prizes. Could this be where you make the podium?
Dhs125 (juniors), Dhs175 (adults). Sat 9 Oct, 6:30 onwards. The Track Golf Clubhouse, Meydan, Dubai. supersportsuae.com (04 164 6967).

Grit and Tonic Triathlon

Prepare for an action-packed triathlon that starts with open water swimming through the lagoon, followed by cycling and running through Mamzar. This unique beachfront course is lined with palm trees and a sea view, perfect for both first-timers and experienced triathletes. Not only with all finishers get medals, but they will also get t-shirts, and some yummy refreshments too. This community event is full of music, supporters, and athletes who all share a common aim – to complete the triathlon.
Dhs249.99 (under 18) Dhs330 (adults). Sun 23 Oct, 6:30am onwards. Alexandria St, Al Mamzar, Dubai. supersportsuae.com (04 164 6967).

Zayed Charity Marathon

The annual Zayed Charity Run will be held under the generous patronage of the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in November. Pick between the three km, five km, or ten km routes that will each take around the iconic Shaikh Zayed Mosque. The charity run has had a few editions held across the world including in Egypt and New York, and supports the vision of the UAE of humanity and spreading love and peace. Don’t forget to collect your hard-earned medal at the finish line.
Dhs57.75. Sat 19 Nov, 7am onwards. Erth Abu Dhabi, Khor Al Maqta, Abu Dhabi. adsc.ae (02 408 8999)

2022 UAE Commemoration Day Run

In tribute to those in the military forces, law enforcement, sectors of development, services, humanitarian aid, and health care, Baba events, along with the Dubai Police, and Sports Council present the Commemoration Day Run. This significant run takes you through the scenic route of Meydan, and rewards you with medals, flags, and trophies for a three km, five km, 10 km, or one and a half km run for the little ones. Join your fellow citizens and residents of all ages and abilities in honouring the men and women of the UAE who have given their lives in the line of duty, and those who continue to make those sacrifices today.
Dhs63 (1.2km) Dhs105 (3km, 5km, 10km). Wed 30 Nov, 8am onwards. The Track Golf Clubhouse, Meydan, Dubai. thebaba.ae (04 768 6620).

Super Sports UAE National Day Run

Get your UAE flags ready to celebrate National Day weekend with a three km, five km, ten km, or 16km run through Meydan. You’ll be surrounded by plenty of refreshments, supporters, music, and of course the colours of the flag. Sprint to the finish line and grab that long-awaiting medal of yours – plus a snack.
Dhs125 (juniors) Dhs175 (adults). Fri 2 Dec, 7:30am onwards. The Track Golf Clubhouse, Meydan, Dubai. supersportsuae.com (04 164 6967).