Plan Your Abu Dhabi Trip Around These Exciting Sporting Events over winter 2025-26
Abu Dhabi is fast becoming a hub for world-class sporting events, offering plenty of opportunities for both residents and visitors to get active.
Whether you want to participate in a triathlon, join a fun run, or simply enjoy watching elite athletes in action, the city has something for everyone. This guide will help you plan your calendar around some of Abu Dhabi’s most exciting sports events—perfect for fitness enthusiasts and spectators alike.
If you’re looking for events in Dubai and further afield, head over to our Dubai Sporting Calendar
Sports Events to Watch in Abu Dhabi This Year
For those who prefer to watch the action unfold, Abu Dhabi hosts a variety of thrilling spectator events throughout the year. From international competitions to local championships, visitors can enjoy world-class sports in the heart of the UAE capital.
Surf Abu Dhabi Long Board Classic
The second edition, organised by World Surf League, will see 3 days of world class longboard action with 48 surfers competing.
Entry is free for spectactors and there’ll be a Surf Village to explore along with food trucks, music and entertainment. Upgrade to a premium experience at Nalu with drinks and the best seats in the house to see the action on the water at one of the world’s largest artifical wave parks.
- When: October 24-26, 2025
- Where: Surf Abu Dhabi, Al Hudayriyat Island
- Learn More: surfabudhbai.com
Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship (Golf)
Comfortably finding a new home and time of year on the Abu Dhabi sporting calendar, the European Tour comes to the idyllic waterfront course on Yas Island for the opening event of the DP World Tour Play Offs.
It’s as much about the golf as it is about the entertainment off the course, being one of the city’s most popular spectacre events for all the family. The first two days, general adminssion tickets are free.
- When: November 6 to 9, 2025
- Where: Yas Links, Yas Island
- Learn More: euorpeantour.com
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
The season finale of the F1 Grand Prix is held annually at the Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island on the first weekend in December. Tickets typically sell out within weeks of going on sale around March, so you need to be organized to nab the best seats in the house for this incredible flagship event.
It’s not just the action on the track that makes this event of such great appeal; set around the picturesque Yas Marina, it’s a weekend equally as famous for its super yacht parties and incredible Yasalam after parties, including Benson Boone, Post Malone, Metallica, and Katy Perry in the 2025 line-up.
- When: December 4 to 7, 2025 (race Day Sunday 7 December)
- Where: Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island
- Learn More: abudhabigp.com – plus don’t miss our guide to the best Grand Prix weekend brunches and activities happening off the track
SailGP Season Grand Final
The final leg and decider for the 2025 season will be taking place on the waters off Abu Dhabi’s shores in late November. The entertainment will be happening both on and off the water, with the general public able to nab grandstand sesting for the racing action, followed by live entertainment and interactive experiences.
- When: November 29 &30, 2025
- Where: Freeport 1, Mina Zayed (map)
- Learn More: sailgp.com
Liwa International Festival
Heart-pounding desert motorsports action centered around Tal Moreeb, the tallest dune in the UAE. Some highlights include the Monster Jam display (26-27 Dec), speed races, drift shows, and dune driving.
Attracting not only a huge local audience but also international drivers and visitors, the event has hugely expanded to include family entertainment, live music concerts, and cultural tours.
There’s minimal accommodation out here in the desert, so be sure to be prepared for desert camping if you’re staying late into the night to enjoy this unique UAE sporting experience.
The event is free to attend, but certain VIP areas and shows will have additonal charges
- When: December 12, 2025, to January 3, 2026
- Where: Tal moreeb Liwa Village, Al Dhafra Region
- Learn More: liwainternationalfestival.ae
Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open
Held at the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City, the WTA500 tournament will feature 28 singles players and 16 doubles teams over 8 days of action.
- When: January 31 – February 7, 2026
- Where: Zayed Sports City
- Learn More: mubadalabudhabiopen.com
Abu Dhabi’s Biggest Sports Events to Participate In
For those eager to stay active, Abu Dhabi offers a wide range of sports you can participate in, whether you’re competing for fun or testing your limits. These are some of the significant events announced so far to keep your fitness goals in sight:
Hudayriyat Women’s Cycling Series
A series of races for female cyclists, starting with a 37km race on Hudayriyat Island, offering over AED 50,000 in prize money over the 4-week event!
- When: October 19, , November 2, November 16, & December 7, 2025 from 6:00 am
- Entry Fee: From AED 65 for community rides up to AED 315 for an all-races competitive entry
- Learn More: gulfmultisport.com
ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon
Returning for its seventh year, this marathon in Abu Dhabi includes shorter race options (2.5km, 5km & 10km) and a marathon relay. The marathon village offers entertainment, food, and beverages.
- When: Saturday, December 13, 2025
- Entry Fee: From AED 65
- Learn More: adnocabudhabimarathon.com
Hudayriyat Corporate Games
A 3-day festival of fitness, teamwork, and camaraderie, this is the ultimate multi-disciplinary sporting showdown in the capital! This year’s event will feature over 20 sports, ranging from team sports to obstacle courses and e-sports!
- When: January 16-18, 2026
- Entry Fee: TBC
- Learn More: register at hudayriyatcorporategames.ae
TriYAS
A day-to-night triathlon event at Yas Marina Circuit, with segments for swimming, cycling, and running. The event is open to participants of all ages and fitness levels.
- When: February 14, 2026
- Entry Fee: From AED125 kids to teams AED490
- Learn More: yasmarinacircuit.com
Abu Dhabi Summer of Sports (ADSS)
Round out the year with a summer of indoor sports at ADNEC (Halls 4 to 11). This fully indoor and air-conditioned space ensures that sports in the capital don’t need to stop over summer.
Enjoy a variety of sports, including football, padel, basketball, badminton, cricket, table tennis, and many more, both team and individual activities. Plus, take part in summer camps and mini tournaments throughout the summer.
Last year also saw some events held at Space42 Arena in August, including padel, 3×3 basketball, and skateboarding—glow-in-the-dark sessions from 4:00 pm (Thursday reserved for ladies).
- When: TBC – expect early June until late August, 6:00 am to 1:00 am
- Entry Fee: TBC
- Learn More: adsummersports.ae
You May Also Be Interested In
- Where to go biking in Abu Dhabi
- The best parks and outdoor recreation spaces in the capital
- Complete Abu Dhabi events calendar for 2025 and a preview of 2026 events
Before you go… Important things to consider when planning a trip to Abu Dhabi
- Pop into our essential planning information page; it includes everything you need to know about getting around Abu Dhabi, a handy guide on what to pack and top tips for first-timers on the dos and don’ts, laws, and customs in the UAE.
- Start planning your itinerary around the 60+ top places to visit in Abu Dhabi.
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!
- Discover the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi.
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