
Calling all sports fans: Eight must-see sporting events in Abu Dhabi this year
With world-class venues, record-breaking crowds and a year-round calendar of elite events, the emirate continues to raise the bar for sports fans across the globe.
There's never been a better time to experience sport in the UAE capital, so here's a look at some of the biggest sporting events you won't want to miss in 2025 – all available to book, explore and learn more via Abu Dhabi Calendar .
UFC Fight Night
July 26 | Etihad Arena, Yas Island
Abu Dhabi has , and this year's Fight Night promises another stacked card of global MMA talent. Fans can expect thrilling finishes, breakout performances, and the signature electric atmosphere of Yas Island.
NBA Abu Dhabi Games
October 2-4 | Etihad Arena, Yas Island
The NBA returns to the capital for another electrifying showdown at Etihad Arena. Expect sold-out crowds, star-studded line-ups, and courtside action as two top-tier teams go head-to-head in the Middle East's premier basketball showcase.
UFC 308
October 25 | Etihad Arena, Yas Island
Another thrilling Abu Dhabi Showdown Week is set for the UAE capital, with a championship bout and full roster set to be announced. Stay tuned for announcements nearer the time, but it's sure to be another electirifying night of elite MMA action.
Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship
November 6-9 | Yas Links Abu Dhabi
Part of the prestigiousthis golf tournament attracts the sport's biggest names for four days of fierce competition at Yas Links Abu Dhabi. With dramatic fairways and picturesque greens, it's the perfect blend of skill and spectacle.
Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship
November 6-16 | Mubadala Arena
Hosted at the state-of-the-art Mubadala Arena, this flagship event draws the world's top Jiu-Jitsu athletes. With thousands of competitors and a global audience, it's a celebration of discipline, strategy, and strength.
Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
December 4-7 | Yas Marina Circuit
The season finale of the F1 calendar returns to Yas Marina Circuit, where championship dreams are made (or broken). From the roar of the engines to the glamour of the after-race concerts, it's a bucket-list experience for motorsport fans.
ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon
December 13 | Abu Dhabi City
Thousands will take to the streets of Abu Dhabi for the annual marathon, with distances for elite runners and casual joggers alike. The route showcases the capital's scenic landmarks, creating a race that's as beautiful as it is competitive.
World Tennis League
December 19-22 | Etihad Arena, Yas Island
Where music meets match point. The World Tennis League returns with a star-studded roster of tennis legends and live performances from global artists, creating one of the most entertaining events on the calendar.
Stay up to date and book your tickets via Abu Dhabi Calendar.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The National
an hour ago
- The National
Robert Whittaker eyes redemption against Reinier de Ridder at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi
Robert Whittaker is out to prove he remains a leading contender in the middleweight division as he takes on Reinier de Ridder in the headline contest of UFC Abu Dhabi Fight Night at Etihad Arena on Saturday. The Australian, 34, suffered a first-round loss in just three minutes and 34 seconds when he was forced to tap out following a face-crank by Khamzat Chimaev in October last year. Whittaker appears to have put that defeat behind him as the former UFC middleweight champion returns to the octagon more determined than ever to earn another title shot in the world's lead MMA promotion. Whittaker arrives with a 26-8 career record. Interestingly, he has never lost twice in a row since his welterweight days in 2013/14. De Ridder, 34, has a 20-2 record and has been on a roll since moving out of One Championship, in which he held two titles. The Dutchman stopped Russian Magomedmurad Khasaev by TKO in the first round at UAE Warriors 51 and has then gone undefeated in three UFC appearances. He's now back in the octagon for the main contest and for his fifth fight in one year. 'He's a well accomplished fighter,' Whittaker said of De Ridder in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. 'He's been around the track many times, fought for titles, had titles, he's got a lot of divisions. It's going to be a hard fight. He's a veteran by himself. And I look forward to the test that comes up.' The Australian believes he has the striking power to tackle De Ridder, a black belt in both judo and jiu-jitsu. 'That's the plan. I'm fast. I'm striking. I'm just going to find holes and openings to close the night. He's a good striker as well. He understands what my strengths are,' he said. 'Well, I think I'm pretty confident. Obviously, I think of my strengths … Well, one of my strengths is the fact that I'm self-orientated. I prefer striking, but if it goes to the ground, I'm more prepared than just the foot. 'If it goes to the ground, it's one of my choices. I'm a striker, I like to strike. My path of victory is to stay in my mix, get my hands on it. You might have it better than before.' Whittaker is returning to Abu Dhabi for his fourth fight, and said he always enjoyed competing in the UAE capital. 'I enjoy fighting here every time I come to put on a show. I've been fortunate enough to fight here, like, four times now. It's always been a good experience,' he added. His challenger De Ridder is competing in a main UFC event for the first time, just 12 months after he appeared at the UAE Warriors. De Ridder feels his experience in judo and jiu-jitsu, combined with his training with Dagestani wrestlers will come in handy against Whittaker. 'I have prepared well, sparred against Dagestani wrestlers and worked with a Dagestani coach to bring in more variety to my ground fighting,' he said. 'I like the Russian style of wrestling, especially Dagestani and Chechen styles which has more judo influences, and I can use them to trip and throw opponents. 'I try to be in the moment as much as possible. It was crazy I was fighting in the UAE Warriors a year ago and I feel it's going through the full circuit returning for the UFC Fight Night. Obviously looking forward for it and hopefully a win.'

The National
4 hours ago
- The National
Guide to Maranello, the city where Ferrari was born
For any enthusiast of automotive greatness, or even a casual admirer of what happens when pure passion meets precision engineering, a trip to Maranello in Italy is less a holiday than a pilgrimage. This unassuming town in Emilia-Romagna is home to Ferrari, the crucible where the legend of the Prancing Horse was forged. Even the most indifferent visitor can sense how deeply the company is embedded in the fabric of the place. A visit to Ferrari Central isn't just a stroll through a museum; it's full immersion into a legacy. It's a living testament to Enzo Ferrari 's relentless pursuit of perfection. The two main attractions are the Museo Ferrari in Maranello and the Museo Casa Enzo Ferrari in nearby Modena. The latter goes beyond motoring, offering a broader look at the life and vision of Ferrari's founder. Even non-car lovers are drawn in. The experience is engrossing and witnessing decades of evolution is deeply emotional. Inside, you're enveloped in an atmosphere charged with the echoes of thundering engines and celebratory podiums. Ferrari's vast collection includes famous Formula 1 cars, sport prototypes and road-going masterpieces that define the apex of performance and luxury. For racing purists, the connection to Grand Prix is the real magnet. The buzz around the new F1 film starring Brad Pitt - which grossed about $300 million in its first month - has only heightened the allure. Unsurprisingly, the museums in both Maranello and Modena lean into this momentum. The Hall of Victories is a shrine to Scuderia Ferrari's unparalleled F1 success. More than 110 trophies glitter beneath the lights, each representing a moment of global triumph. In the centre – championship-winning cars from 1999 to 2008, arranged in a proud semi-circle, all facing inward like predators about to pounce. But Ferrari isn't resting on its heritage laurels, it is looking to reassert dominance in the field. As F1 evolves, thanks to rule changes and real-time analytics, Ferrari has enlisted the help of Amazon Web Services to mine more than a million data points per second from hundreds of sensors. For Scuderia engineers, this data is gold. It fuels simulations, perfects car setups, and identifies issues before they arise. The goal – shaving off tenths of a second that win races. Visitors can get a taste of that pressure in the racing simulator at Museo Ferrari, offering a high-octane glimpse into what it takes to handle an F1 machine. For a hands-on thrill, Ferrari owners can enroll in the two-day Corso Pilota at the Fiorano circuit. From Sport to Evoluzione+ to Race levels, each stage builds toward competing in the Ferrari Challenge - the brand's single-make racing series dedicated to clients. Drivers are coached by pros, guided by mental trainers, and even fuelled by Scuderia nutritionists. The cars? Ferrari 296 GTBs lined up to greet you. Taking one around Fiorano's twisty track is a visceral, unforgettable experience. Designed with track days in mind, the 296 GTB responds to the lightest touch with breathtaking agility. And with a pro beside you - not to nanny you but to sharpen your technique - you feel at once safe and supersonic. While full factory tours are restricted to clients, media and F1 sponsors, those granted access board shuttles through the Fiorano circuit and Viale Enzo Ferrari. Along the way, you witness each painstaking step of car assembly, still done largely by hand. It's a sharp contrast to the robotic uniformity of mass-market plants. You'll see chunks of raw metal waiting to become part of one of the world's most upmarket vehicles. Even the buildings reflect Ferrari's fusion of art and function, with architecture by greats such as Renzo Piano and Jean Nouvel adding another layer of appreciation to the engineering prowess on display. A visit to Maranello is more than just seeing cars. Local pride in the Ferrari brand is off the scale, but the crowds are a truly international bunch – from aficionados who know exactly what they're after to the less initiated who will soon understand the fuss. Coming to this region and sampling what's on offer involves understanding a philosophy and appreciating a fusion of art and engineering, the relentless pursuit of speed, and witnessing the enduring passion that has made Ferrari a global name.


Al Etihad
19 hours ago
- Al Etihad
Full week of fan activities in the lead-up to UFC FIGHT NIGHT
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD) UFC FIGHT NIGHT will take centre stage at Etihad Arena on Saturday, July 26, with a thrilling middleweight showdown between former champion Robert Whittaker and undefeated Dutch contender Reinier de Ridder taking the headline slot. In the week leading up to the main event inside the Octagon, host city Abu Dhabi has coordinated an action-packed schedule of peripheral entertainment. Fight Week, from Monday, July 21, to Sunday, July 27, is offering fight fans immersive activities and exclusive opportunities, including the chance to meet the UFC athletes. Organised by UFC in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the week-long programme will transform Yas Island into a hotspot of fan engagement and fight week excitement. UFC's Fan Experience opened on Monday to the public at Yas Mall and will remain open throughout the week, providing visitors with the chance to explore interactive UFC activations, take part in UFC-themed challenges, and explore a range of exhibits celebrating the sport's greatest moments and champions. On Wednesday, July 23, Yas Mall will also host the official UFC Open Workouts, where fans can watch their favourite fighters train live in preparation for their upcoming bouts. Two days later, on July 25, fans who head to Etihad Arena for the official UFC Ceremonial Weigh-Ins will see the fighters step onto the scale and face-off one final time before fight night. Meanwhile, a special UFC Meet & Greet taking place on the same day at Yas Mall will give fans the chance to meet UFC stars Gilbert Burns and Gregory Rodrigues; pose for photos and create memories to take home. Burns, ranked No.10 at welterweight and a former title challenger, is known for his world-class Brazilian jiu-jitsu and heavy hands, while Rodrigues is coming off a dominant first-round knockout win over Jack Hermansson at last month's UFC 317, making a statement in his middleweight division. Fight Week will also feature the IMMAF Youth World Championships running from July 20 to 27, bringing together the next generation of MMA talent from around the world, as well as UAE Warriors, returning on July 23 and 24 at Space42 with a thrilling showcase of regional and international fighters. Together, these events reflect the capital's continued commitment to combat sports across all levels, from grassroots development to elite global competition. It all leads to UFC FIGHT NIGHT: Whittaker vs De Ridder on Saturday, July 26, which promises an unforgettable night of top-tier MMA action. Australian Whittaker faces undefeated contender Reinier de Ridder of the Netherlands in the main event. The card also features the return of former bantamweight champion Petr Yan against rising star Marcus McGhee, as well as blockbuster bouts between Bryce Mitchell and Said Nurmagomedov, Shara Magomedov taking on Marc-Andre Barriault, and Nikita Krylov against Bogdan Guskov.