Be it tennis, cricket, golf, rugby, or any other sport, chances are the major event will be hosted in Dubai. As a global sports hub, Dubai has welcomed the top sporting talent for high-profile championships and events for many years. And the 2023 sporting calendar is super impressive! With our handy guide, you can discover the top sports events in Dubai to participate in or attend this year.
BEST SPORTING EVENTS IN DUBAI IN 2023
Sports enthusiasts will be delighted to know that there’s a busy schedule of competitions, tournaments and challenges to look forward to this year! From cycling to polo, sailing and horse racing, here are the top sports events in Dubai to mark on your calendars.
INTERNATIONAL T20 LEAGUE
The globe-trotters of the T20 game descended to the shores of the Arabian Gulf to showcase their unbelievable skills. From the 13th of January to the 12th of February, this tournament was watched keenly across the globe. And for the local fans, it was a wonderful chance to see some cracking yorkers, wicked googlies and massive sixes.
Luckily for residents of Dubai, the final and qualifiers were played in their home city.
- Dates: 13th January to 12th February
- Venue: Dubai International Stadium
DUBAI DESERT CLASSIC
One of the top sporting events in Dubai to happen in 2023 was the Dubai Desert Classic! This prestigious golfing event, part of the European Tour, saw the world’s greatest players in action at the Emirates Golf Club.
The Dubai Desert Classic featured stars such as Rory McIlroy, Lee Westwood, Francesco Molinari and more. To enjoy an unhindered view of the action, premium lunch dining, afternoon tea, bar service and VIP car parking, golfing fans had the chance to book the premium Dallah Lounge.
- Dates: 26th to 29th January
- Location: Emirates Golf Club
DUBAI POLO GOLD CUP
Polo fans experienced the thrill of a high-stakes polo competition at the Dubai Polo Gold Cup! Dubai’s polo season started with the Silver Cup and Polo Masters Cup, leading to the Gold Cup tournament.
The 18-goal handicap competition has been recognised by the World Polo Tour as a WPT Championship Cup, making it one of the most exciting polo tournaments in the world!
Polo Gold Cup is one of the best Dubai sports events that attract the world’s top polo talent and high-profile attendees. Games were played at Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club, which is part of Al Habtoor Resort and Club – Residences.
- Dates: 21st January to 8th April
- Location: Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club, Dubai
DUBAI MARATHON
After a hiatus of three years, Dubai Marathon was back on 12th February 2023. The marathon started from Expo City Dubai and included three races: a 4km Fun Run, a 10km Road Race and a 42.195km Race.
- Dates: 12th February 2023
DUBAI DUTY FREE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS
Dubai residents enjoyed world-class tennis at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships from 19th February to 4th March.
The Dubai Tennis Championships is one of the most popular stops on the ATP World Tour and WTA Tour. Counted among the most popular sporting event in Dubai, this year’s edition also featured top-quality tennis and top stars of the game.
Some of the world’s leading tennis stars to have played at the Dubai Tennis Championships in the past include Venus Williams, Serena Williams, Lindsay Davenport, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
- Dates: 19th February to 4th March
- Location: Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium
SPINNEYS DUBAI 92 CYCLING CHALLENGE 2023
Cycling enthusiasts got their bikes out at Dubai’s most popular cycling challenge in 2023! As the name suggests, this fun cycling challenge covered a huge distance, with major highways closed for the event as they became part of the course. Participants of this Dubai sports event in 2023 explored the streets of Dubai like never before.
The popular event attracted local and international participants above 16, and all levels of cyclists took part in the challenge.
- Dates: 19th February
DUBAI WORLD CUP
Known as the ‘world’s richest day of horse racing, the Dubai World Cup (DWC) was undoubtedly one of the biggest and most glamorous Dubai sporting events to take place in 2023.
The 27th edition of DWC was scheduled for 25th March 2023, but the racing season kicked off in early January at the Dubai World Cup Carnival. The prize money for the World Cup has increased to $30.5 million.
Crowds saw the best horses, trainers and jockeys battle for the grand prize. The DCW Carnival ultimately led up to the Dubai World Cup 2023, which was among the sporting and social highlights of the year. Like the previous years, there were some spectacular, nail-biting races at this international sports event in Dubai 2023.
- Date: 25th March
- Location: Meydan Racecourse
DESERT WARRIOR CHALLENGE
Test your strength at Dubai’s highly popular Desert Warrior Challenge! This upcoming sports event in Dubai will feature obstacle courses that challenge physical health, mental grit and teamwork skills.
Thanks to the different courses available, anyone can participate in this fun challenge, from the little warriors to the seasoned athletes. While little ones can participate in the Junior Warrior course, adults can pick between the Fearless and Ultimate Warrior courses.
Extreme athletes looking to turn up the challenge can participate in the timed race and compete for the winner’s title. The event has been organised in different emirates, so keep an eye on their social media pages for announcements.
- Dates: TBA
EMIRATES AIRLINE DUBAI RUGBY SEVENS
Next on the list of upcoming sports events in Dubai is the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens. This popular Dubai sporting event is part of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series featuring thrilling rugby sevens competitions for men and women, with international teams competing for prestigious titles.
Emirates Airline Dubai 7s is one of the professional sports events in Dubai that regularly attracts thousands of spectators, thanks to the variety of entertainment off the field and the action on it!
This year, the event will take place at The Sevens Stadium, one of the iconic sports arenas in Dubai.
- Dates: TBA
- Location: The Sevens Stadium, Al Ain Road
DP WORLD TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP, DUBAI
With huge prize money for each tournament, there will be extra motivation for the golfers to bag the season-ending DP World Tour Championship Dubai. Expect the creme de la creme of the golfing world to compete for the title.
- Dates: 16th to 19th November
- Location: Jumeirah Golf Estates, Earth Course
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHICH ART EVENTS IN DUBAI WILL BE HELD IN 2023?
Here’s a list of the most awaited art events in Dubai scheduled for the current year.
WHERE CAN I READ ABOUT TOP EVENTS IN ABU DHABI IN 2023?
Residents of the capital city have plenty to look forward to this year. Read our guide to top events in Abu Dhabi during 2023 and bookmark the ones you fancy most.
These sporting tournaments and championships highlight Dubai’s annual events calendar. Other sports events to watch out for in the UAE include the famous Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix, which takes place on the iconic Yas Island.
Stay tuned to MyBayut for more updates on the Dubai sports calendar for 2023!
