Sport in Abu Dhabi

Yas Marina Circuit

Abu Dhabi is the capital and second most populous city in the United Arab Emirates. The city hosts international events such as the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Abu Dhabi Golf Championship and Abu Dhabi Open. The city and wider Emirate is also home to a number of venues and sports clubs.


Sport in Abu Dhabi

Football in Abu Dhabi

There are three teams based in the city of Abu Dhabi that play in the UAE Pro League, with a fourth in Al-Ain (a city in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi):

  • Al Wahda FC have won the league several times and play at the 15,000 seater Al-Nahyan Stadium (also known as Al Wahda stadium).
  • Al-Jazira FC have won also the league previously, playing at the larger Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium. The stadium has a capacity of 37,500 and hosted matches at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, 2009 & 2010 FIFA Club World Cup, as well as several international cricket matches.
  • Baniyas Club play at Baniyas Stadium, a 9,500 seater in the Baniyas area.
  • Al-Ain FC are the most successful club in the United Arab Emirates, having won multiple league titles as well as the AFC Champions League. They play at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, a 25,000 seater stadium opened in 2012 which also hosted matches at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.

The Zayed Sports City Stadium is the largest stadium in the UAE and predominantly used for football. Formerly known as the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, it opened in 1980 but after renovation and expansion now has a capacity of just over 44,000. It hosted the Final of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup and FIFA Club World Cup in 2009, 2010, 2017 and 2018.

Golf in Abu Dhabi

The high profile European Tour event held in the city in January is the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club.

Other top courses in the city include Yas Links, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Al Ghazal Golf Club and Abu Dhabi City Golf Club.

Motorsport in Abu Dhabi

The Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi has hosted the annual Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since 2009, predominantly featuring as the season climax of the Formula One season.

Cricket in Abu Dhabi

The Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium has hosted all formats of international cricket as well as matches for the Indian Premier League.

Tennis in Abu Dhabi

The Abu Dhabi Open is a women’s professional tennis tournament that from 2021 is part of the WTA Tour. The event is held at the Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex and prior to 2020 was an exhibition event known as the World Tennis Championship, with previous winners including Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Maria Sharapova and Venus Williams.

Horse Racing in Abu Dhabi

The Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club is a racecourse in the heart of the city, the most prominent race being the group 3 Abu Dhabi Championship in March. The Al Ain Racecourse also hosts racing from October to April.

Camel Racing in Abu Dhabi

Camel racing is held between October and March at the Al Wathba Camel Racetrack, 45 kilometres east of the city and the Al Maqam Camel Racetrack close to Al Ain.


Travelling to Abu Dhabi

The Abu Dhabi International Airport is the second largest in the UAE, being the hub for the country’s second flag carrier – Etihad Airways. There are over 30 airlines that offer flights to over 120 destinations in 60 countries from the airport.

Thinking of flying to Abu Dhabi? Search & book your flights through Skyscanner.


Where to stay in Abu Dhabi

Use TripAdvisor to find some great places to stay in Abu Dhabi by clicking here.

TripAdvisor

Food & Drink in Abu Dhabi

Use TripAdvisor to read other travellers reviews of bars and restaurants and find some great places to eat and drink in Abu Dhabi by clicking here.


What to do in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi’s landmark building is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the majestic building which opened in 2007 after 20 years of construction.

For thrill seekers, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi offers the chance to experience the world’s fastest roller coaster.

The 8 kilometre long Corniche is a popular destination due to its array of beaches, cycle and pedestrian paths, fountains and parks.

The Qasr Al Hosn is an iconic fort that acted as a royal residence from its construction in 1793 to 1966.


Further Information

Visit Abu Dhabi Official Website

Last Updated on February 24, 2021 by Sports Tourist

Leave a Reply