Sports and leisure activities Île D'Abu Dhabi

Budget & Tips

While it's easiest from October to April, there are many sports you can do all year round in Abu Dhabi without breaking the bank: Walking, jogging, biking, horseback riding, tennis, paddle tennis, golf, basketball, jiu-jitsu, rock climbing, swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, surfing, kiteboarding... these are just a few of the free or very affordable activities you can do in Abu Dhabi. So we've put together a list with all the tours, places to practice them and where to rent bikes.

What's very local

The real national sport is motor sports if it is considered a real sport. For camel racing and falconry, they are more trainers than actors, since in the first case, the camels are not ridden and in the second it is the falcon that does all the work. As soon as the temperatures drop, however, some Dhow races (locally made wooden boats) can be seen taking place off the coast of Abu Dhabi. All year round, you can enjoy indoor climbing at the world's highest climbing gym, Climb, right next to Ferrari World in the mall of Yas Island.

Your documents please

Bring your passport for all motor sport activities. A photocopy is not sufficient.

To be booked

If you want to attend the final of the F1 World Drivers Championship at Yas Marina Circuit at the end of November, we strongly recommend you to book your seats in advance: https://www.yasmarinacircuit.com/en

Main events

Several annual events mark the sporting life of Abu Dhabi.

For the first time, on October 6 and 8, 2022, the Etihad Arena hosts the historic first two NBA 2022 / 2023 pre-season games between the Atlanta Hawks and the Milwaukee Bucks.

In November, the world's best drivers take to the track at Yas Marina Circuit for the latest Formula 1 Grand Prix.

In December, you can experience Abu Dhabi by running the capital's marathon. At the same time, the world's best tennis players compete in the Zayed Sports City.

In January, follow the UAE Cycling Tour from Abu Dhabi to Dubai or the start of the European Tour where the world's best golfers race to Dubai.