The adrenaline capital of the Middle East is counting down to autumn’s sporting events

Throughout the year Dubai’s calendar of events maintains its momentum. There is a constant stream of sporting, cultural and recreational fixtures and this year will not disappoint. This autumn Dubai will host some of the world’s most anticipated sporting events including the Dubai World Championship (golf), Dubai Rugby Sevens and Dubai Grand Prix (powerboating).

Whether you’re a spectator or want to get involved yourself, Dubai provides the ultimate holiday destination for any sporting enthusiast.

Dubai is home to top sporting facilities which have attracted an array of high profile world-class events. This autumn the Dubai World Championship (golf) will be held on 19-22 November at the new Greg Norman designed ‘Earth’ course at Jumeirah Golf Estates. This globally renowned sporting event is set to be the breathtaking crescendo of The Race to Dubai - The European Tour competition with a US $10 million (£6.2 million) prize fund on offer, making it the richest golf tournament in the world.

If rugby’s more your ball game, the Dubai Rugby Sevens Tournament will be held in the emirate on 3-5 December, promising to be as exciting and unpredictable as ever. Whether you’re a die-hard rugby fan or not, the atmosphere is electric and won’t fail to impress. Rugby Sevens’ popularity is growing so fast that it’s bidding for inclusion in the 2016 Olympic Games, with backing from high profile rugby stars including Lawrence Dallaglio.

And to round off autumn’s cornucopia of events, the Dubai Grand Prix (powerboating) will be held on 10-12 December at the Dubai International Marine Club heralding the climax to the World Powerboat Championship calendar. This thrilling event is ‘man and machine against the sea’ guaranteeing action by the bucket load.

The early months of 2010 will also have their share of exhilarating events. Renowned for attracting some of the biggest stars in the world of golf, the Dubai Desert Classic will be held 1-7 February 2010 at Emirates Golf Club and in February the Dubai Tennis Championships will attract many of the world's top players to Dubai.

The world’s richest horse race, Dubai World Cup, comes to Dubai again on 27 March 2010. This is the first year the race will be held at the brand new, world-class Meydan race course. Never failing to spark a furore of interest among race-going enthusiasts and visitors alike, the race is the creation of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai, and has a phenomenal prize fund of around US$6 million (£3.7 million) - this horse race meeting is a social highlight of the year.

For those wanting their own piece of the action, Dubai can offer high-octane adventures on sand, snow and surf. From dune safaris to wadi-bashing (in dried-up river beds), Dubai’s undulating desert landscape serves as a natural rollercoaster ride for drivers, with the option of sand skiing and boarding adding to the exhilarating choices available. Ski Dubai (at Mall of the Emirates) offers tobogganing hills, tubing and a bobsled run on real snow along with a dedicated ski and snowboarding school. It boasts a 400 metre ski run and a permanent 3.5 metre radius quarter pipe for stunts. While out towards the Arabian Gulf, the crystal clear waters of Dubai’s coastline are the ideal setting for watersports be it kite surfing, parasailing, deep sea fishing or sailing.

Dubai caters to all tastes boasting some of the most renowned sporting events and facilities on the planet. Whether you’re looking to attend world-class sporting events or looking for an action adventure, Dubai is the definitive high octane holiday destination.

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