Huge sports fan? Get ready as January looks set to be massive here in the UAE. From UFC to golf and horse racing, here’s how you can watch your favourite sports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi this month.
Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship
The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship is back this month and there are some top names heading to the capital to look out. Leading golfers including Lee Westwood and Rory McIlory will be heading to Abu Dhabi to compete for the Falcon Trophy at the tournament, which takes place from Thursday January 21 to Sunday January 24 at Abu Dhabi Golf Club. European number one Lee Westwood will be heading to the UAE capital to defend his Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship title. The British golfer has 25 European Tour wins under his belt, and his win last year was a second Rolex Series title for him. Other former winners including Tommy Fleetwood, Martin Kaymer and Shane Lowry will also be taking part in the event, which is the first in the 2021 Race to Dubai season. Also joining the line-up is Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas.
Jan 21-24. Abu Dhabi Golf Club, www.abudhabichampionship.com.
Dubai World Cup Carnival
Ready for a trip to the races? Huge hats aren’t necessary, but you’ll still have a load of fun this month as the Dubai World Cup Carnival – the lead up to the richest day of horseracing in the world, the Dubai World Cup – kicks off on Thursday January 21. The Dubai World Cup Carnival 2021 is worth around US$6m (around Dhs22m) in prize money across seven race meetings at Meydan between January and March. And if you want to catch the action, you can. Entry is limited but you can book hospitality pack-ages if you want to see the racing live – and you’ll get to have a meal while you cheer on the winners. There are various packages at Meydan Racecourse including at the Winners Circle restaurant, where you can get a three-course meal and soft drinks for Dhs275, or three-course meal and house beverages for Dhs325. Meanwhile Farriers at The Meydan Hotel is hosting a Thursday ’90s Forever evening brunch, where you’ll get top views of the track alongside your favourite tunes from the 1990s. It’s Dhs149 with soft drinks and Dhs299 with house beverages and runs from 7pm until 11pm. The best horses, jockeys and trainers in the world descend upon Meydan Racecourse every year, with all eyes on the Dubai World Cup. The 2020 edition of the race wasn’t held, but this year the race is on Saturday March 27, and we’re already excited.
Thu & Sat until Mar 27. Carnival from Jan 21. Meydan Racecourse, Nad Al Sheba, www.dubairacingclub.com. Brunches at The Meydan Hotel (056 525 4040).
Fight nights and UFC
In huge news, the UFC is returning to Abu Dhabi’s Fight Island this month, and spectators are allowed. There will be Fight Nights and UFC 257 on Sunday January 24. The events will take place at the new Eti-had Arena at Yas Bay, and spectators are being allowed at the venue to watch. For those unable to attend or get tickets to the UFC events will be streamed on the UFC Arabia app and on the Abu Dhabi Sports channel. On the first Fight Night, on Sunday January 17, an exciting featherweight main event will see Max Holloway face Calvin Kattar. Then, on Wednesday January 20 UFC Fight Night will see Michael Chiesa face Neil Magny in a welterweight bout. UFC 257 on Sunday January 24 will be the main event that gains the most attention from around the world. The main event sees Conor McGregor re-turn to the Octagon after a year away from the sport to face Dustin Poirier again, as each of them sets their sights on the lightweight title. Further down the bill another lightweight bout should prove an interesting fight as Michael Chandler makes his UFC debut against Dan Hooker, who in his last outing lost to Dustin Poirier.
For more information visit and to buy tickets visit www.etihadarena.ae.
OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic
Lee Westwood will also be heading to Dubai this month, and is one of many top golfing names taking part in the OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic. The competition will take place at Emirates Golf Club from January 28 to 31, and is for an invited crowd only, but the action will be broadcast live on sports networks. Race to Dubai runner up Matthew Fitzpatrick will also be playing at the tournament, as will Ian Poulter and Paul Casey, former OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic winner Rafa Cabrera Bello, plus Christiaan Bezuidenhout and Matt Wallace, who were the runners-up at the OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic in 2020 and 2019, respectively. Justin Rose, Lucas Herbert, Sergio Garcia and Tommy Fleetwood are also on the line-up, with 2020 winner Lucas Herbert and 2017 winner Sergio Garcia looking to regain their titles.
Jan 28-31. Emirates Golf Club, Sheikh Zayed Road, www.omegadubaidesertclassic.com.
