From endurance fields to the tops of skyscrapers… Dubai creates a unique sports scene

The Emirate of Dubai has established an integrated model that combines the authenticity of traditional sports and the modernity of contemporary sports, based on a development vision that made sports a fundamental pillar of its tourism, economic and investment system.

In this regard, the emirate offers a new experience at the global level in reshaping the concept of sports, as it is no longer satisfied with hosting major sporting tournaments and events, but has moved, by employing its advanced infrastructure and modern facilities, to the stage of creating integrated sports and tourism experiences, through which it has succeeded in attracting international federations, the most prominent athletes, specialized companies, and investors in the sports sector.

Heritage sports are the basis from which the sports scene in Dubai was launched, led by equestrian, camel, and archery, as an extension of the Emirati cultural identity, before developing into organized sports that enjoy wide sponsorship, international tournaments, and prizes of great value, reflecting the emirate’s success in preserving the national heritage, in parallel with keeping pace with global sports developments.

Dubai has emerged as one of the most important global destinations for endurance racing, through the Dubai International Endurance City in Saih Al Salam, which hosts the most prominent international competitions, while camel racing has continued its popular and traditional presence, supported by modern fields that rely on advanced technologies and artificial intelligence in organization, arbitration and follow-up, which enhances the efficiency of competition management and keeps pace with the latest global practices.

Athletics, wrestling and shooting witnessed rapid development since the 1970s and 1980s, coinciding with the establishment of sports clubs and federations, before Dubai entered a more comprehensive phase at the beginning of the new millennium, during which it focused on attracting modern sports and creating sporting events with a global presence.

With the construction and tourism boom that the emirate witnessed, sports became a major element in its global identity, and it moved to a stage based on innovation, sports marketing, and creating unique experiences.

Padel is one of the fastest growing sports in Dubai in recent years, with the opening of hundreds of modern stadiums and the hosting of international and continental tournaments that have attracted elite international players, in parallel with the growth of private investments in the sports sector, which has contributed to expanding the base of game practitioners and enhancing its presence on the sports scene.

In golf, Dubai hosts major tournaments on the European Tour, most notably the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, which has become a major stop for the best players in the world, benefiting from its international stadiums and advanced infrastructure that meet the highest international standards.

The emirate has imposed its presence on the map of specific sports associated with excitement and unconventional experiences, by organizing exhibition events and matches in exceptional architectural sites and at high altitudes, to present an innovative model that combines sports, architecture and tourism promotion, and gives these events global media momentum.

Towers and skyscrapers have become part of the sports scene in Dubai, through tower climbing and vertical running races, in addition to aerial adventure events and activities related to challenge sports, which attract professional and amateur athletes from different countries of the world.

In motor sports, Dubai continued to enhance its presence by hosting various international rallies and championships, in addition to motorcycle and marine sports events, taking advantage of its modern infrastructure and the growing interest in speed and adventure sports.

Specialists believe that Dubai’s success in consolidating its position as the capital of modern sports is due to an integrated system of factors, foremost of which is the government’s long-term vision, continuous investment in sports infrastructure, advanced organizational capabilities, and openness to innovation, in addition to its geographical location, which made it a meeting point between East and West.

Vice President of the Emirates Air Sports Federation, Yousef Al Hammadi, confirmed that air sports in Dubai have become a pivotal element within the sports, tourism and investment system in the emirate, pointing out that Dubai has become a favorite destination for fans of this type of sports from all over the world, thanks to its continuous hosting of specialized international tournaments and events.

He explained that Dubai adopts a strategic vision for developing air sports based on strengthening infrastructure, supporting national talent, expanding international partnerships, in addition to enhancing cooperation with the International Air Sports Federation, which contributes to consolidating the emirate’s position as a global destination for this sector.

For his part, Secretary-General of the Padel Federation, Saeed Al Marri, confirmed that the Federation is working according to a comprehensive strategy aimed at strengthening the UAE’s position in the sport of padel worldwide, by supporting academies, organizing local and international tournaments, and developing training programs to hone new talents, noting that the numbers of players, stadiums and tournaments are witnessing continuous growth.

In turn, Ibrahim Yousef Al Khouri, a member of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Electronic Sports Federation and Chairman of the Technical Committee, confirmed that the great demand for participation in the events reflects the rapid growth witnessed by electronic sports in the country, indicating that the technical level that appeared in various competitions, including the Emirates Electronic Football League, confirms the continuous development in the level of players, and enhances the UAE’s presence on the map of digital sports regionally and internationally.