Traditional Emirati sports to watch in Dubai

Traditional sports in the Emirates

The United Arab Emirates has a long and fascinating history. One of the most important elements of the UAE's culture and national heritage is its national sports. Arab sporting traditions can be traced back to the Bedouins and their travels through the desert of the Middle East. The UAE's national sports incorporate elements that have surrounded Emiratis for centuries, such as camels, horses and falcons. If you want to find out what Arabian sports to watch in Dubai on holiday, where to watch camel races and what are the rules of falconry in Dubai? Then check out this article about traditional sports in Dubai!

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• Camel Races

Camel racing in Dubai is a mandatory item to see for all lovers of traditional sports when visiting Dubai. This sport is popular throughout the Arabian Peninsula, but in the United Arab Emirates it has the greatest cultural significance. Camel racing has developed strongly over the years, but it has lost none of its cultural value. Nowadays, camels are ridden by robot jockeys and the owners of the animals ride along the track, watching the actions of their mounts.

• Falconry

In Dubai, falconry is most commonly practised in the desert. This is taken from history and tradition. Such an example is falconry, which used to be a way to forage for food in the Arabian Peninsula. Falconry in Dubai is the most popular traditional sport, practised by many native Emiratis. Historically, falconers would catch birds that migrated south to the peninsula in early winter and tame them, then teach them to hunt and forage for food for themselves. Falconry has been an integral part of desert people's lives and a local tradition since the 13th century BC. Dubai recognises falconry as its national sport.

• Horse racing

Horse Racing is hugely popular around the world. Many of the most prestigious tournaments are held on the Arabian Peninsula, including the United Arab Emirates. Dubai is known as the home of the world's richest races. Majestic horses and talented jockeys battle it out on the tracks for prestige and high prizes, and the most important competitions are sometimes even watched by members of Dubai's royal family.

Where to watch traditional sports in Dubai?

Traditional sports in Dubai are unforgettable entertainment for anyone watching. Tourists can see camel racing with their own eyes on holiday, learn falconry and watch horse racing. See where you can watch Emirati sports in Dubai in 2024:

• Where can you watch camel racing in Dubai? You can watch camel racing in Dubai at several venues, such as the Al Marmoom Camel Racetrack, located at the Dubai Camel Racing Club. Camel owners from all over the UAE and even Saudi Arabia flock to this venue.
   
• What is falconry and where can you see it in Dubai? Falconry is a traditional Emirati sport, born out of the tradition of taming falcons and training them to forage for food. You can watch falconry competitions and other traditional sports in the Ruwyya region at the Fazza Championships, organised by the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Centre.
   
• Where to watch horse racing in Dubai? You can watch horse racing in Dubai at several venues, such as the Meydan Racecourse in Dubai. The Meydan racecourse hosts the Dubai World Cup every year, the most important horse racing event in the UAE. At the track built at Dubai International Endurance City, you can watch the Dubai Crown Prince Endurance Cup, which is a race between more than 100 jockeys on a 160km track.

When do traditional sports competitions take place in Dubai?

Sports competitions in traditional sports in Dubai take place on various dates. Camel racing takes place throughout the winter season and beyond, the Fazza Falconry Championships take place in January and the Dubai World Cup horse racing championships will be held on 5 April 2025.

What other traditional sports are worth seeing in Dubai?

There is another traditional sport that stems from Dubai's traditions and history. The city's history was not only written by desert people, but also by sailors. For hundreds of years, Dubai traders covered the trade routes in dhow boats with traditional triangular sails. Nowadays, many young Emiratis continue this tradition by training and sailing dhow boats. Sailing races are held regularly from October to April at the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club.

The most popular sports in the UAE

Sports culture in the UAE goes far beyond traditional sports. Over the years and the shaping of the globalisation process in the UAE, it is not only the traditional national sports that have gained in popularity. Cricket is very popular, which is mainly loved by locals coming from India and Pakistan. In Dubai, most people watch football and the most important football competitions, such as the Champions League and the World Cup. There are plenty of pabla facilities, tennis courts and places to run and cycle in the city.

Sports activities in Dubai

Dubai is a great place for sports and active tourism. You can spend your holiday in Dubai both relaxing and engaging in sporting activities. You can combine sightseeing in the city, travelling in the desert and playing tennis overlooking the Burj Khalifa or cycling along the beach overlooking the Burj Al-Arab. When planning your holiday, visit the Two Continents website, where you can find Dubai attractions, luxury flat accommodation and group travel trips to Dubai.

Questions and answers (FAQs)

• What traditional sports are popular in Dubai?
  
  Traditional Emirati sports such as camel racing, falconry, horse racing and sailing on traditional boats are extremely popular in Dubai. The popularity of these sports has come from the traditions and history of the United Arab Emirates, as these sports are directly linked to the lifestyle of the people of Dubai over the past few hundred years.
   
• What sports are part of Emirati culture?
  
  Camel racing, falconry, horse racing and sailing are sports that are inextricably linked to Emirati culture. Each of these sports has a part of Emirati culture in it, stemming from a long-standing tradition. Falconry, for example, was once designed to tame birds and obtain food with them.
   
• What are the competitions in the Dubai desert?
  
  The Dubai desert can be used for falconry competitions, camel racing on specially created tracks and horse racing on a dedicated track. The most popular sport practised in the Dubai desert is falconry.