In Dubai, active vacation takes on a different meaning: Explore your limits - or stick to what feels safe

Photo: Promo/ Dubai Economy & Tourism

There are so many aspects that make it good to engage in sports. Besides being good for physical and mental health, it helps us to develop and improve our motor skills, reflexes, to learn to strive towards a goal and to respect it through discipline. In addition to the overall benefit, it helps us develop as disciplined individuals, build a strong character, which will ultimately benefit us in the development of leadership skills. Along the way, we learn to love our body, to test its limits and to listen to it. It also leads to higher self-esteem and better social interaction.

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Through sports, children learn about ethics, responsibility, trust and morals. It helps them overcome all obstacles and learn how to deal with them.

Consistency and discipline as important factors that are inextricably linked with sports will influence people to stick to certain routines wherever they are. So even when you are on vacation, apart from an active day spent walking, you can consider the types of recreation offered by a certain destination.

Although it is difficult for one destination to offer a range of options for sports enthusiasts, especially throughout the year, Dubai is emerging as a city that has a variety of opportunities, for professionals and recreationals, for the elderly and the youngest. From the water to the land, through the golf course, all the way to the state-of-the-art gyms - it's up to you to explore what you stay true to, or what you would like to try.

Rugby - for fans of rougher play

If you happen to be in Dubai during the first days of December, you will be in the right place at the right time for the annual international rugby event. Emirates Rugby 7s from 1 to 3 December will host the best rugby teams. During this weekend there will be activities for everyone, you don't necessarily have to be a rugby enthusiast, this is also a great opportunity to enjoy the performances of international DJs. As well as rugby, you'll be able to enjoy cricket and netball tournaments, all a part of the 51-year-old event.

An opportunity to socialize, learn, enjoy good music and develop new interests.

Tennis prestige

From February 26 to March 2, 2024, Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship brings to the Middle East the most famous names of sport - Novak Djokovic, Naomi Osaka, Andy Murray, are just some of the athletes who have earned the status of legends.

The Al Habtoor Tennis Academy is located near the center of Dubai and boasts four courts and a tennis pavilion where players with professional coaches acquire and show off their masterful skills. To stay fit there is a superbly equipped gym, and after recreation there is a cafe where you can choose your most comfortable spot.

Unconditional peace

A small escape from the hectic routine to feel connected to our own thoughts and body gives us a sense of well-being and enjoyment of simplicity. Some of the best yoga instructors work at the Matcha Club in Dubai, and everything is arranged to give you the much-appreciated and necessary peace.

The terracotta padel courts provide a visually stunning contrast against the backdrop of palm trees, creating a refreshing atmosphere as you engage in intense padel matches. Picturesque surroundings, a leisurely walk, followed by meditation, and then a matcha latte for complete enjoyment.

Elegant game of golf

This fall and winter you have a great opportunity to find out if you are a golf fan!

From November 16 to 19, the DP World Tour Championship will be held - a golf tournament on the European Tour, which is the pinnacle of the DP World Tour ranking.

During the second half of December, from 18 to 21, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, as one of the most prestigious sporting events in Dubai, will gather the fans of this refined sport. If you've never enjoyed the quiet action of golf on expansive courses, this is a great opportunity to see how the pros do it.

Dubai is truly becoming a city that can not only host tournaments with such reputation, but also provide masterful enjoyment for the people who only passively enjoy the sport. This is what Topgolf Dubai is for, as a synonym for redefined fun. Apart from the competitive activities, there is of course good food and a musical show with a view of the Dubai Marina.

Adrenaline on two wheels

On November 12, Dubai Ride will encourage everyone to think about adopting healthier daily habits and exchanging the wheel for the handlebar. And already on that day, you can try driving a family route of four kilometers around the center of Dubai. Those who are a little more prepared will experience the most famous attractions from a totally different perspective during the 14-kilometer drive.

The Al Qudra cycling track is an ideal destination for preparing for this challenge, and you can visit it only a day before. It is an impressive 86 ž-kilometers-long and is geared toward all skill levels. This is an excellent individual or group attraction, and you will also remember the magic of a family moment and your child's first ride by the beautiful landscapes you encountered along the way.

Photo: Promo/ Dubai Economy & Tourism

Galloping of best racing horses

The horse racing season in Dubai is full of action and reaches its peak during the Dubai World Cup competition. This event is considered one of the most spectacular in the world when it comes to racing. The global stage is for the best competition horses, and on March 30, their final and decisive meeting awaits us.

Before that, enjoy yourself riding with instructors at JA The Resort's JA Equestrian Center, on a spacious property.

Good old football

The Dubai Sports City Football Academy boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including an indoor pitch with 2 FIFA stars.

Apart from the academy, which offers an ideal environment for football fans, there is also Phileas Fogg's for a never more incredible enjoyment of broadcast matches.

Based on Jules Verne's 1872 novel "Around the World in Eighty Days," Phileas Fogg's gives strong global travel vibes. Sitting outdoors, you'll enjoy a beautiful view of the skyscrapers while watching your favorite sports action live, fueled by your fan spirit.

Photo: Promo/ Dubai Economy & Tourism

Action on the water

When you are at sea, the routine of swimming and sunbathing can get boring, but it is often difficult for people to get out of their comfort zone despite various options. Dubai is often visited just for that reason, so seeing others will give you a rush of wanting to try some of the water sports like sailing at Mina Rashid Marina. Set sail on an elegant yacht and enjoy the wind that moves you.

Also explore flyboarding, the newest attraction in the world of water sports. Learn to use it with an instructor, and finally dare to rise above the water yourself and enjoy various acrobatics for hours.

Photo: Promo/ Dubai Economy & Tourism

Dubai Fitness Challenge

At the end of October, for almost a whole month (from October 28 to November 26), you can learn what it really means to live a healthier lifestyle. On the initiative of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, an event that encourages healthy and sustainable habits - the Dubai Fitness Challenge - has been launched. Just 30 minutes every day is enough and after the challenge you leave with that in mind. The city challenge gathers tourists and locals who can choose various activities from running to pilates, yoga, tennis, rowing, boxing, and others.

(Ona.rs)