UAE is a leading sports destination

What makes the UAE a favourite sports destination? Painstaking efforts to put up world class infrastructure, and the organisational acumen of administrators has made the world take the country seriously in sports. Currently, the UAE national soccer team is deep into the final qualifying phases for the Fifa World Cup to be held in Russia in 2018. In the Asian leg, the UAE, after a stunning opening round away win against powerhouse Japan, went down narrowly to Australia at home in the second round of the two-leg system. What makes the UAE stand out is the consistency they have maintained under Emirati coach Mahdi Ali. He has gone to prove for three seasons that there is enough talent among nationals. Qatar is also a big spender in the sports space. The UAE, however, has spent time and money in hosting international and world meets in practically every sport; Abu Dhabi and Dubai lead the way except in motorcycle GP. Most of the disciplines are duplicated here because Abu Dhabi, though a late entrant after Dubai, is now very much part of the world sports calendar — the Abu Dhabi F1 GP being one of the more glamorous events.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi also host a number of smaller events. Sports councils in the two emirates are keen to spot and nurture talent among nationals and expats. Cricket takes the lead among expats and the choice of UAE as Pakistan’s home venue is a big draw for fans. The Sharjah Cricket Stadium has shown the way by hosting the first ever international series two decades ago. Since then, it has earned an entry into the Guinness Book of World Records for hosting the most ODIs. World sports bodies have no hesitation when it comes to choosing the UAE as a venue. The latest events in the UAE sports calendar are in badminton, cycling, jiu jitsu and squash where the best players, jiu jitsukas and riders congregate to prove their mettle.