Dubai’s sporting calendar 2026: Every major event to watch and sign up for
From January endurance tests to November fitness festivals
DUBAI’s sporting calendar this year once again blends elite international competition with mass participation events designed for every level of fitness.
From championship golf and global tennis tournaments to marathons, obstacle races and free community fitness events, the emirate offers year-round opportunities to watch world-class athletes or test personal limits on iconic city routes.
Whether the goal is to train for a first 5km, tackle a half marathon between landmarks, or simply soak up the atmosphere at a major sporting venue, the coming year is packed with options across endurance, team sports and lifestyle fitness.
January
Hero Dubai Desert Classic: The region’s oldest professional golf tournament returns for its 37th edition at Emirates Golf Club from Thursday January 22 to Sunday January 25, 2026. Rory McIlroy headlines a stellar field that also includes Dustin Johnson, Viktor Hovland, Shane Lowry and defending champion Tyrell Hatton. The Majlis Course once again hosts one of the European Tour’s most prestigious stops, continuing a legacy that has helped define Dubai’s global sporting reputation.
Spartan Race Middle East: Obstacle racing returns to Dubai Parks and Resorts on Saturday January 24, with Spartan Middle East welcoming athletes, families and teams. Participants can choose between the Sprint 5km with 20 obstacles, the Super 10km featuring 25 obstacles, and dedicated kids’ races over 1km to 3km for ages four to 14. More than 6,000 participants and spectators attended the Trifecta weekend last year, underlining the race’s growing appeal.
February
Dubai Marathon: Celebrating its silver jubilee, the 25th edition of the Dubai Marathon dubaimarathon.org takes place on Sunday February 1. As the Middle East’s oldest international road race, it attracts runners from more than 140 countries. Alongside the full 42.195km marathon, participants can opt for a 10km road race or a 4km fun run, ensuring accessibility across fitness levels.
Tough Mudder Middle East: Tough Mudder returns to The Sevens Stadium on Saturday February 7 and Sunday February 8, delivering its trademark blend of endurance, teamwork and oversized obstacles. Known for its emphasis on camaraderie, the event includes icy plunges, muddy crawls and team-based challenges designed to be completed together.
Burj2Burj Half Marathon: Held on Sunday February 8, the Burj2Burj half marathon offers one of Dubai’s most scenic race routes, running between Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab. The 21.1km race starts at Emirates Towers and finishes at Sunset Beach, with participation open to runners aged 16 and over.
Cancer Run by Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi: Dubai Festival City Mall hosts this community-focused event on Saturday February 7, raising awareness for cancer with 1km, 3km, 5km and 10km distances. Open to all ages, the run includes medals, refreshments and race shirts, encouraging families and friends to participate together.
Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships: One of the most established tournaments on the ATP and WTA calendars, the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships return from February 15 to 28. The women’s competition runs from February 15 to 21, followed by the men’s tournament from February 23 to 28, bringing many of the world’s top-ranked players to Garhoud.
Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge: One of the emirate’s biggest cycling events takes place across Saturday February 14 and Sunday February 15 at Expo City Dubai. The flagship 92km race is supported by four build-up rides at Al Qudra Cycle Track between September and January. The top 25 percent of riders in each category qualify for the UCI Gran Fondo World Series Championship in Niseko, Japan, in August 2026.
Dubai Canal Run: Scheduled for Sunday March 29, the Dubai Canal Run caters to runners of all abilities with 3km, 5km and 10km options, plus a 1km kids’ run. The course offers views of Downtown Dubai, supported by entertainment and activities at the race village.
Season-long sport to watch in Dubai
Dubai Basketball: Dubai Basketball competes across the 2025-26 season (Oct-Jun) in both the ABA League and, for the first time, the EuroLeague. Home games at Coca-Cola Arena see the club face elite European opposition, following a debut ABA League season that ended in a play-off semi-final appearance.
UAE Pro League football: Top-flight football runs from August to May, with Dubai clubs Al Nasr, Al Wasl and Shabab Al Ahli featuring prominently. Matches across the city offer affordable access to live professional football, with tickets starting from Dh20.
November
Dubai Run: As part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, Dubai Run returns in November with two main routes: a 10km course finishing at DIFC Gate Building and a 5km family-friendly route near Dubai Mall. Recognised as the world’s largest free community fun run, the event draws tens of thousands onto Sheikh Zayed Road.
Dubai Ride: One of the opening events of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, Dubai Ride brings cyclists onto closed city roads with 4km and 12km routes through Downtown Dubai and along Sheikh Zayed Road.
Dubai Stand-Up Paddle: Set against the Hajar Mountains at Hatta Dam, the Dubai Stand-Up Paddle event returns in November following strong demand in previous editions.
Dubai Yoga: One of the flagship Dubai Fitness Challenge events, Dubai Yoga is expected to return to Zabeel Park, welcoming thousands for a mass outdoor yoga session with dedicated family and ladies’ areas.