Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship
TonDetails: January 19-22, European Travel Network
The first Rolex Series event on the DP World Tour in 2023 will undoubtedly see defending champion Thomas Pieters impress at the Yas Links Abu Dhabi course – but with former champions Shane Lowry and Tommy Fleetwood also in attendance, he Can you keep your title? Despite the strong field, general entry to the HSBC Golf Championships in Abu Dhabi is free on all four days (although you need to book tickets in advance), as players will compete for the $9 million (£7.48 million) prize pool) prize. It takes place every January, and this year’s tournament will be held ahead of the inaugural Heroes Cup in Abu Dhabi from 13-15 January.
Flying high: Look out for meet and greets during NBA games in Abu Dhabi
Credit: Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism
2023 NBA Abu Dhabi Games
Details: date TBD (probably October), nbaexperiences.com/nba-abu-dhabi-games-2023
In Sports Slam Dunk, Abu Dhabi hosts its first NBA game in October 2022 – 2023 will be bigger and better. In addition to two pre-season games at the Etihad Arena, there’s plenty to watch – with player greetings and memorabilia signings, as well as behind-the-scenes tours and the chance to hang out with basketball greats at the NBA Legends Dinner. The participating teams have yet to be announced, but last year’s game featured the Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks.
Battle Island: Get ready to shine at Abu Dhabi Showdown Week
Credit: Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism
Abu Dhabi Showdown Week
Details: date TBD (probably October), ufc.com
UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization, returns to the UAE capital in 2023 with a week-long festival of fights, fitness workshops and fan events. In last year’s headline bout, lightweight champion Makhachev made a dramatic appearance in front of thousands of spectators at the Etihad Arena (known in the sport as “Fight Island”) on Yas Island. Way broke Oliveira’s 11-game winning streak. The 2023 lineup is TBD, but expect fireworks and a chance to meet champions, get pro tips and win official memorabilia at the UFC Fan Experience.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Come for the race, stay for the post-race event
Credit: Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Details: November 23-26, grandprixevents.com/abu-dhabi-grand-prix
The screeching of record-breaking engines, the crackling of champagne corks, epic performances by some of the world’s top performers: not only is the Grand Prix the fittingly glittery finale to the F1 season, it’s a fixture of Abu Dhabi’s entertainment scene, and . In 2022, defending champion Max Verstappen claimed his 15th victory of the year, while Swedish House Mafia, Dave and Def Leppard also competed. A concert was held afterwards. For premium views, guided track tours and all-inclusive hospitality, take advantage of the VIP package (from £1,080).
Star show: Mubadala World Tennis Championships hosts the sport’s greatest players
Credit: Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism
Mubadala World Tennis Championships
Details: Date TBD (probably December), www.mubadalawtc.com
The likes of Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams and Roger Federer face off in the star-studded tournament, which is being held at the state-of-the-art International Tennis Center in Zayed Sports City. Expect three days of exciting action from the world’s top tennis talent, taking place on sunny winter afternoons and evenings – tickets are just AED 95 (£21.50). There’s a real festive spirit here, with food trucks, side entertainment and player activities like memorabilia signings and Q&As.
Abu Dhabi Marathon: Run 26.2 miles or grab some friends for a relay race
Credit: Getty
ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon
Details: Date TBD (probably December), adnocabudhabimarathon.com
The city’s annual marathon attracts some of the world’s fastest amateur runners, all vying for prize money worth up to $50,000 (£41,587) – and you can join them. The course runs right past many of Abu Dhabi’s most famous landmarks, including the Al Batin Palace and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and follows the beach-lined Corniche. Don’t want to run 26.2 miles? There are also marathon relay options in teams of two, as well as 10K, 5K and 2.5K events.