Key 2024 Middle East sporting events to watch

As we approach 2024, it's time to gear up for a new season of sports. By booking early, you can take advantage of early bird benefits and secure the best seats.

The Middle East offers a year-round calendar packed with exciting events, kicking off with the AlUla Tour, which will feature international cyclists.

From golf and F1 to falconry, there's something for every sports enthusiast. Here's a preview of the thrilling events you can look forward to:

Middle East Sporting Events 2024: Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix

Mark your calendars for the inaugural Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix on the second weekend of January.

Watch national teams compete in identical hydrofoiling F50 catamarans, reaching speeds of up to 100 km/h at Mina Port.

• Dates: Sat Jan 13-Sun Jan 14, 2024
  
  
• Tickets: From Dhs145
  
  

Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open

This WTA500 event features 28 of the world's top players in singles and doubles matches.

• Dates: Sat Feb 3-Sun Feb 11, 2024
  
  
• Tickets:
  
  Free (Feb 3-Feb 4)
  
  From Dhs25 (upper bowl seating)
  
  From Dhs50 (lower bowl seating)
  
  From Dhs95 (courtside)
  
  
• Location: International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City
  
  

Abu Dhabi Championship 2024

The Abu Dhabi Championship will be held in November at Yas Links, featuring the top 70 players on the Race to Dubai Rankings.

• Dates: Thu Nov 7-Sun Nov 10, 2024
  
  

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2024

Next year's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be held at Yas Marina Circuit, concluding the 24-race F1 season.

• Dates:
  
  Fri Dec 6-Sun Dec 8, 2024
  
  Main Event on Sun Dec 8
  
  
• Location: Yas Marina Circuit
  
  

Middle East Sporting Events 2024: Dubai

Dubai Marathon

You can still register until December 20 or simply come and cheer on the runners.

The race starts and ends at Umm Suqeim Road and offers three distances—4km, 10km, and the full marathon.

• Date: Sun Jan 7, 2024, starting at 7 am
  
  
• Tickets:
  
  Dhs184 (4km)
  
  Dhs313 (10km)
  
  Dhs552 (marathon)
  
  
• Location: Umm Suqeim
  
  

Burj2Burj

This half-marathon for participants over the age of 16 offers breathtaking views as you run from the Burj Al Arab to the Burj Khalifa.

• Date: Sun Jan 21, 2024, starting at 6 am
  
  
• Tickets: Dhs200
  
  
• Location: Burj Al Arab, Umm Suqeim
  
  

DP World Tour Championship

The championship will take place at its traditional location, the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates, and will feature the top 50 golfers competing for a massive prize pool.

• Dates: Thu Nov 14-Sun Nov 17, 2024
  
  
• Location: Jumeirah Golf Estates
  
  
• Admission: Free
  
  

Middle East Sporting Events 2024: Bahrain

Bahrain Grand Prix 2024

The Bahrain Grand Prix will kick off the 2024 F1 season at Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir.

• Dates: Thu Feb 29-Sun Mar 2, 2024
  
  
• Tickets: From BHD65
  
  
• Location: Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir
  
  

Bahrain Championship 2024

The DP World Tour returns to Bahrain after 13 years, with the tournament taking place at the Royal Golf Club.

Admission is free, and renowned golfer Thomas Bjørn will be competing.

• Dates: Thu Feb 1-Sun Feb 4, 2024
  
  
• Location: Royal Golf Club, Al Mazrowiah
  
  

Get ready for an action-packed year of sports!

Middle East Sporting Events 2024: Qatar

AFC Asian Cup 2023

If you thought the football excitement ended with the World Cup, think again! Doha is set to host the AFC Asian Cup 2023.

The Lusail Stadium will be the venue for both the opening match and the final.

Other World Cup venues such as Al Janoub, Al Bayt, Ahmad bin Ali, Al Thumama, Education City, Khalifa International, along with Jassim bin Hamad Stadium and Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, will also host matches.

• Dates: Fri, Jan 12 - Sat, Feb 10, 2024
  
  
• Tickets: From QR25
  
  

FINA World Championships 2024

Swimming enthusiasts, get ready! The FINA World Championships are coming to Doha in February.

Aspire Dome will be converted into the largest indoor aquatics venue globally, hosting swimming, artistic swimming, and water polo events.

The Hamad Aquatic Centre will host the diving competitions, while open water swimming and high diving events will take place near the Museum of Islamic Art.

• Dates: Fri, Feb 2 - Sun, Feb 18, 2024
  
  

Qatar TotalEnergies Open 2024

The WTA 1000 tennis tournament will stop in Qatar for the Qatar TotalEnergies Open 2024. Last year, Iga Świątek defeated Jessica Pegula in the final, and this year promises more exciting matches.

• Dates: Sun, Feb 11 - Sat, Feb 17, 2024
  
  
• Venue: Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, Al Khuwair
  
  
• Tickets: TBC
  
  

Qatar Grand Prix 2024

Now in its third edition, the Qatar Grand Prix 2024 is the penultimate race in the 2024 F1 calendar.

Drivers will complete 57 laps of the 5.419 km Lusail International Circuit. Off-track activities will include fan zones and concerts featuring international superstars.

• Dates: Fri, Nov 29 - Sun, Dec 1, 2024
  
  
• Venue: Lusail International Circuit
  
  
• Tickets: TBC
  
  

Middle East Sporting Events 2024: Saudi Arabia

AlUla Falcon Cup

Watch as falcons and falconers compete for a substantial prize of about SAR 60 million. This nine-day event will feature a racing competition and a 'Falcon Mazayen' or best-of-breed show.

• Dates: Thu, Dec 28, 2023 - Fri, Jan 5, 2024
  
  
• Venue: Mughayra Heritage Sports Village
  
  

Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo

Enjoy polo in the sands of AlUla, with the stunning Equestrian Village and Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra, as the backdrop.

Some of the best polo players will gather for this unique event.

• Dates: Wed, Jan 17 - Sat, Jan 20, 2024
  
  
• Venue: AlUla
  
  

AlUla Tour

AlUla, known for its dramatic landscapes, will host Saudi Arabia's only UCI World Tour event, the AlUla Tour (formerly the Saudi Tour).

Organized by the Ministry of Sport and the Royal Commission for AlUla, along with the Saudi Cycling Federation and the International Cycling Union, this event is not to be missed.

• Dates: Tue, Jan 30 - Sat, Feb 3, 2024
  
  
• Venue: AlUla
  
  

Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup

Riders from around the world will tackle 120km of AlUla's rugged terrain in this challenging endurance race.

The route includes four laps through the mountains and dunes along the ancient Incense Route.

• Dates: Feb 2024 (TBC)
  
  
• Venue: AlUla
  
  

AlUla Desert Blaze

Whether you're running or cheering from the sidelines, the AlUla Desert Blaze offers a tough marathon through AlUla's iconic sites, including Hegra and Maraya.

Runners can choose from four distances—5km, 10km, 21km, or 42km—with varying age limits.

• Dates: Aug 2024 (TBC)
  
  
• Venue: AlUla
  
  

Source: timeoutdubai

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