The UAE is a place where many people from different countries live. They love sports, and there are some sports that many people like. Soccer (football) takes the pride of place as the national sport of the United Arab Emirates. It holds a prominent position in the nation’s cultural and sporting fabric, uniting a diverse population of enthusiastic supporters. Let’s talk about the most popular sports in UAE, where people come together to have fun and show their skills.
Most Popular Sports in UAE
Most Popular Sports in UAE
Most Popular Sports in UAE are as follows…
Soccer in the UAE
- (Approximate) Introduced in the UAE: 1970s
- Most Famous Player from the UAE: Omar Abdulrahman (Emirati)
- Estimated UAE Players: 50,000
Soccer is the UAE’s favorite sport, embraced by enthusiastic fans who enjoy both local and international competitions.
The UAE Arabian Gulf League is the country’s top soccer competition, where clubs compete fiercely for victory. Notably, Omar Abdulrahman, a talented playmaker, stands as the most celebrated Emirati soccer player.
The UAE has seen remarkable soccer moments, including reaching the 2019 Asian Cup semifinals and achieving historic qualification for the 1990 FIFA World Cup. Soccer has a special place in Emirati culture, with a growing fan base.
Cricket in the UAE
- (Approximate) Introduced in the UAE: 1980s
- Most Renowned UAE Player: Rohan Mustafa (Emirati)
- Estimated UAE Players: 30,000
Cricket has gained widespread popularity in the UAE, particularly among the significant South Asian expat community, who bring their passion for the game. The UAE has also become a familiar host for important international cricket events.
The Emirates Cricket Board oversees domestic cricket in the UAE. One of the most renowned Emirati cricketers is the versatile Rohan Mustafa, celebrated for his exceptional performances.
The UAE’s qualification for the 1996 and 2015 ICC Cricket World Cups stands as a remarkable chapter in the nation’s cricket history. Cricket continues to thrive in the UAE, attracting an ever-growing number of local and expat enthusiasts.
Horse Racing in the UAE
- (Approximate) Introduced in the UAE: Ancient Times
- Most Renowned UAE Player: Ahmed Ajtebi (Emirati)
- Estimated UAE Racing Players: 100,000
Horse racing is a time-honored tradition in the UAE, cherished with regal support. The country is home to cutting-edge equestrian facilities and hosts prestigious international racing events.
The Dubai World Cup, taking place at the renowned Meydan Racecourse, stands as one of the world’s most opulent horse races, attracting enthusiasts and horse owners from around the world. Emirati jockey Ahmed Ajtebi is a notable personality in the racing world.
The annual horse racing season in the UAE is a thrilling showcase of high-stakes competition, featuring the finest thoroughbreds from across the globe. It transforms into a glamorous social affair, uniting racing enthusiasts and onlookers in an atmosphere of excitement.
Motorsports in the UAE
- (Approximate) Introduced in the UAE: 1990s
- Most Renowned UAE Driver: Khaled Al Qubaisi (Emirati)
- Estimated UAE Racing Players: 200,000
Motorsports is an exhilarating and rapidly expanding passion in the UAE, transforming the country into a hub for heart-pounding racing events, whether on two or four wheels.
The Yas Marina Circuit and the Dubai Autodrome are iconic racing destinations, hosting prestigious international competitions like the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Emirati endurance driver Khaled Al Qubaisi is a revered figure in the world of motorsports.
The motorsports scene in the UAE is experiencing remarkable growth, driven by consistent success on the track and the development of world-class facilities that cater to both racing enthusiasts and professionals.
Camel Racing in the UAE
- (Approximate) Introduced in the UAE: Ancient Times
- Most Renowned UAE Racing Team: Al Maktoum Camel Racing (Emirati)
- Estimated UAE Racing Players: 50,000
Camel Racing holds a deep-seated place in the UAE’s history, embodying the nation’s heritage and the spirit of Bedouin culture. This traditional sport enjoys widespread popularity and the gracious support of royalty, further enriching the country’s distinctive identity.
The renowned Al Maktoum Camel Racing team is synonymous with accomplished racers and prized camels. Fans gather at various race tracks across the UAE, particularly during the winter season, to witness these incredible races.
Often referred to as the “Sport of the Sheikhs,” Camel Racing stands as a symbol of national pride and the continuity of cherished traditions. The UAE is dedicated to the preservation and nurturing of this ancient sport, ensuring it endures for generations to come.
Like Most Popular Sports in UAE, you may also like to read about Best Festivals in UAE.
Golf in the UAE
- (Approximate) Introduced in the UAE: 1980s
- Most Renowned UAE Golfer: Ahmed Al Musharrekh (Emirati)
- Estimated UAE Players: 15,000
Golf has experienced a remarkable rise in popularity in the UAE, especially as the country boasts world-class golf courses and hosts prestigious international tournaments.
Among the top-notch events in the UAE are the DP World Tour Championship and the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, drawing elite professional golfers and enthusiasts from across the globe. Emirati golfer Ahmed Al Musharrekh stands out as the UAE’s first professional golfer.
The widespread love for golf in the UAE cements the nation’s status as a prominent international sports destination, fostering a thriving golfing culture.
Tennis in the UAE
- (Approximate) Introduced in the UAE: 1970s
- Most Renowned UAE Player: Omar Behroozian (Emirati)
- Estimated UAE Players: 20,000
Tennis is gaining a strong presence in the UAE, with a growing interest in the sport and top-notch facilities to accommodate both fans and players.
The country proudly hosts various prestigious tennis tournaments, including the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships and the Mubadala World Tennis Championship, which stand out as remarkable events. Emirati player Omar Behroozian holds a special place in the local tennis scene.
Tennis has transitioned from a niche hobby to a well-established sport in the UAE, enriching the country’s diverse sports landscape and offering a platform for local talent to shine.
Basketball in the UAE
- (Approximate) Introduced in the UAE: 1970s
- Most Renowned UAE Player: Qais Al Shabebi (Emirati)
- Estimated UAE Players: 25,000
Basketball is swiftly gaining momentum in the UAE, with a rising number of players and fans from both the local and expat communities.
The UAE National Basketball League stands as the primary domestic basketball competition, featuring teams from across the UAE competing for the championship. Emirati basketball player Qais Al Shabebi is renowned for his skills and contributions to the sport.
As basketball’s popularity continues to surge in the UAE, the sport is expanding its presence and drawing dedicated enthusiasts, enriching the nation’s lively and diverse sports culture.
Rugby Sevens in the UAE
- (Approximate) Introduced in the UAE: 1960s
- Most Renowned UAE Player: Jaen Botes (South African-Emirati)
- Estimated UAE Players: 10,000
Rugby Sevens has been steadily growing in popularity in the UAE, propelled by the increasing expat community and a rising local interest in the sport.
The UAE Rugby Federation plays a pivotal role in nurturing the sport, organizing various domestic leagues and supporting rugby clubs that cater to enthusiasts. Local rugby aficionados closely follow global events like the World Cup and the Six Nations Championship. Jaen Botes, a skilled South African-Emirati rugby player, is a well-known personality within the rugby community.
With a strong commitment to promoting the sport, Rugby Sevens continues to expand its presence in the UAE, appealing to a diverse audience and enriching the nation’s sports culture.
Table Tennis in the UAE
- (Approximate) Introduced in the UAE: 1980s
- Most Renowned UAE Player: Rashid Abdulhameed (Emirati)
- Estimated UAE Players: 15,000
Table tennis is a firmly established sport in the UAE, drawing increasing participation from local and expat players alike.
The UAE Table Tennis Association oversees the sport, hosting domestic tournaments and nurturing young talents. Rashid Abdulhameed, an accomplished Emirati table tennis player, stands out as a prominent figure in the country.
The enthusiasm for table tennis remains robust, with local fans closely following international events such as the ITTF World Championships. Table tennis in the UAE offers both a competitive platform and an enjoyable pastime, enhancing the nation’s vibrant sports landscape.
Swimming in the UAE
- (Approximate) Introduced in the UAE: 1970s
- Most Renowned UAE Player: Nada Al Bedwawi (Emirati)
- Estimated UAE Swimmers: 50,000
Swimming is a beloved sport in the UAE, thanks to its expansive coastline and top-notch facilities that offer residents the opportunity to embrace the sport’s numerous benefits.
The UAE Swimming Federation plays a pivotal role in advancing and popularizing swimming throughout the nation. Emirati swimmer Nada Al Bedwawi holds a significant place in UAE sporting history as the country’s first female Olympic swimmer, serving as an inspiration to many.
In the UAE, swimming is not only a competitive pursuit but also a vital life skill and a recreational pastime. Its popularity continues to soar, nurturing a culture that prioritizes health, fitness, and individual achievement in the realm of sports.
