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Thankfully for some, sport in the Emirates can be as much about watching - and learning from - the professionals and top class amateurs as about actually picking up a bat, ball or racket yourself. Take golf for example. Dubai's Creek Golf and Yacht Club hosts the PGA Omega Tour Open between 15th-18th October. It is one of the most prestigious events on the Asian PGA tour and is expected to attract a number of the very best Asian golfers. They will come from fifteen countries across the continent to join a select field from the United States, Britain, Australia and South Africa. Between them, these players will take away the total prize money of US$500,000.
If you were one of the thousands of people who got close to 'Cigar,' the winner of the Dubai World Cup at Nadd Al Shiba last year, you will remember only too well the thrill of the whole occasion. The date of the second race is set for March 29th, but before then there is a full season to get you in the mood!
If you have not yet been to the races, do give it a try. Between the sound of the galloping hooves as some of the finest horses and jockeys in the world head towards the finish line, the excitement of the 'Pick Six' competition and the amount you stand to learn about the 'Sport of Kings,' it is an evening well spent. If your preference is for something a little more rough and ready, how about rugby? The Dubai Rugby World Cup Sevens Qualifiers are kicking off over the weekend of November 21st-23rd at the city's Exiles Rugby Football Club.
At the same time, the Dubai Exiles Gulf Seven's Championships are also being held alongside the main event. A chance to shine for local sportsmen - and women; a women's tournament is also held on the same weekend. Dubai offers a fantastic opportunity for watching and learning from the very best sports people the world can boast. You never know; if you watch them long enough this year, you may just be inspired enough to have a go yourself next time the weather gets better! JW
The well-known Emirati businessman Ali Al Bawardi was a member of the second team who played the royal side. Al Bawardi has his own polo team and polo club in Dubai.
The tournament was played at the Yorkshire polo club and coincided with the 40th anniversary of the first vaccination for poliomyelitis. The British Poliomyelitis Association had declared 1996 the year of combatting poliomyelitis.
Although affected with poliomyelitis since childhood, John Bristwick works as an ambulance driver for the polo club.
The tournament was a low key affair, players had been allowed to invite only two guests at the request of the Prince. Mr. Al Bawardi's guests were Najah Hussein, promotions director at Emirates Airline, and Boutros Boutros, media manager of Emirates.
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he temperature is lower, the humidity in the air has almost gone and the sky is clear blue; all the excuses for inactivity are rapidly disappearing at this time of year. If that is a thought that worries you, read on!
Anyone who attended last year's inaugural event will stand witness to the standards and atmosphere of the occasion. The wonderful aspect for Dubaains of the city hosting tournaments of this type is that spectators feel so close to the event and such a part of it. Being able to walk around with the competitors and see things at close hand is a true treat.
They are under starter's orders at the Dubai Racing Club from October 31st and in Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali from mid-November, Sharjah's fields begin running in December. In total there are 59 meetings between now and the end of the season in April.
During the tournament the 24 competing teams are cut down to a final eight who will travel to the finals in Hong Kong in March next year. South Africa, Wales, Fiji, Scotland and the United States are the favourites to qualify from Dubai.
Britain's Prince Charles was part of the British team in a charitable polo tournament held in aid of charity the proceeds of which went to a John Bristwick, who works as an ambulance driver and was on duty during the polo tournament. Julia Wheeler |