Sports Central

The Ever-Evolving Sports Industry in the UAE

Playing host to mega events from a variety of sports, varying from the Cricket T20 world cup, Rugby 7s Championship, DP Golf Tour, Dubai Open, F1 Grand Prix and many more, the UAE has had a significant involvement, development and boost in the sports industry that has propelled several youngsters to take up sports and develop it as a skill. Some of the most traditional sports in the UAE range from falconry, archery and one of the sports that set the tone for boom of sports development in UAE, beginning in 1992, which is Horse Racing. The modern world however has seen Dubai adapt to the upcoming versions of many different popular sporting events, crating top notch facilities and giving the youth opportunities to learn, watch and showcase their talents to uptake such sports. The UAE has definitely been one of the world’s most progressive countries to develop and keep growing their sports industry.

The impact horse racing has had in In 2021, the 25th edition UAE is massive. Horses are of the Dubai World Cup considered huge possessions, business wise and as a passion. Horse riding is one of the UAE's most popular sports, and the horse racing event was held at Meydan Racecourse. This popular number of world-class racing event, with the prize facilities and riding clubs across money of $12 million, was the country is testament to that. watched by millions of Horse Racing began in the Emirate viewers. of Dubai in October 1981, when the dusty Camel Track hosted the first Thoroughbred race meeting. Three races were run - a sprint, a mile and a mile and a half, organized by the office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Approximately 10 years later, in early 1992 the Dubai Racing Club was established under the chairmanship of Colonel Ali Khamis Al Jafleh, a UAE Air Force commander. Since then, several world-class international jockey tournaments have been held in the emirates.