A city with a packed sports calendar, Abu Dhabi is home to world-famous sporting events. Think sports events such as the Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, HSBC Golf Championship and The UAE Tour. But hang on, there are also sports challenges for you to participate in yourself. Just keep reading.
Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is a Formula One motor race which takes place at the Hermann Tilke-designed Yas Marina Circuit. The world’s best F1 race car drivers participate in this annual race on the challenging track of the progressive Yas Marina Circuit. Drenched in sunshine during the day and fireworks at night, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is perhaps the most exciting race on the F1 calendar.
The excitement doesn’t end when the racing stops. At the close of each day, some of the world’s biggest artists and bands take to the stage with live concerts for the ticket holders. Over the past years, party performances have come from international superstars such as Beyoncé, The Killers and Kylie Minogue.
HSBC Golf Championship
The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship is an annual European Tour golf tournament held at Abu Dhabi Golf Club since 2006. In 2019 it was elevated to be part of the Rolex Series, which distinguishes it as one of the European Tour’s premier events. All the best golf players from around the world descend on Abu Dhabi to challenge each other at this golf tournament.
The UAE Tour
The only World Tour race in the Middle East, the UAE Tour features seven days of racing across the seven Emirates. Approved by the Union Cycliste Internationale, the race is attended by over 140 riders including some of the world’s cycling superstars.
Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge
One of the premier international off-road races in the world, this international cross-country rally is a five-day motor sport event in the desert of Abu Dhabi. While previous Desert Challenges have seen motorbike, quadbike, four wheel and truck competitors battle on various stages, the event in recent years has focused on a route through Abu Dhabi’s majestic Liwa Desert in the Empty Quarter. Over the years this rally has seen many of the biggest names in international motorsport tackle the dunes of Abu Dhabi.
The Spartan World Championship
Held for the first time in Abu Dhabi in 2021, in the Liwa Desert, The Spartan World Championship is an obstacle race with distances for all ages and nationalities, a kids’ course as well as post-race celebrations.
The Spartan Beast Championship is a combined half marathon and 30-obstacle race designed to push you beyond your physical limits. Competitors race through rugged, unpredictable terrain around the world as they tackle signature obstacles. The Beast is a Spartan Trifecta eligible event.
Other professional sports events in Abu Dhabi
- ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi
- UAE Warriors
- Daman Open Water Swim
- Abu Dhabi International Padel Cup
- FINA World Swimming Championship
- Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival
- President of the UAE Showjumping Cup
Amateur sports events in Abu Dhabi in which you can participate
- Hudayriyat Cycling Challenge
- Run for Smiles
- Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament
- Yoga Under The Dome at Louvre Abu Dhabi
- Ma’an At Your Own Pace Run
- FBMA Virtual Run 6 Ladies Only
- ETISALAT Run at Al Hudayriyat
- Al Hudayriyat Triathlon Challenge
- Al Mirfa Run
- Al Mighayra Run
- Roof Walk at night at Ferrari World