Dubai, the sports megalomaniac (photos and videos)

It’s almost seven in the morning on a Sunday in November. The sun has just risen but the temperature is already in the thirties. The “Sheikh Zayed Road”, this motorway axis (which in some sections reaches eight lanes) which crosses the city in the heart of Dubai, is saturated. Not from the thousands of vehicles that pass through it every day, but from tens of thousands of runners. This year, for the fifth edition of the Dubai Run, 226,000 people are taking part in the largest (but registration required) free running race in the world. Megalomaniacal city without limits, Dubai does not deviate from its principles when it comes to organizing its “jogging”. He too will have to adorn himself with all the superlatives, to become “the greatest”, therefore. Open to runners of all ages and levels, the event offers two distances: 5 and 10 km in the city centre. “We are delighted to witness the resounding success of this year’s Dubai Run,” said Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retailestablishment (DFRE). “The participation of hundreds of thousands of people from diverse backgrounds truly reflects the spirit of unity and inclusiveness that Dubai embodies. Transforming Sheikh Zayed Road into a giant racing track and showcasing Dubai’s most iconic landmarks has added a unprecedented appeal to the event. We are proud to see the Dubai Run cement its position as the world’s largest community fun run,” he says.

Two distances to choose from: 5 or 10 km. ©-EdA GB

The concept is simple: choose between the 5km or 10km route and enjoy the view of the city’s iconic skyscrapers and structures as you race towards the finish line at your own pace. The 5km run, which starts right in front of the famous Museum of the Future, offers a fantastic route and takes in the Dubai Mall (the largest shopping center in the world with more than 1,200 shops), the Dubai Opera and of course the Burj Khalifa. As for the 10km route, it also starts near the Museum of the Future, runs along Sheikh Zayed Road to the Dubai Canal, then returns towards the World Trade Center before ending on Al Mustaqbal, near the financial center Dubai International. It doesn’t matter if you don’t feel like an experienced and successful runner, that’s not the main thing. This is demonstrated by the tens of thousands of participants who walk along Sheikh Zayed Road in complete relaxation. “The Dubai Run has once again demonstrated the power of sport to bring people together and create a sense of unity and camaraderie. The massive participation and enthusiasm shown by hundreds of thousands of runners is testament to Dubai’s commitment to promoting a run active and health-conscious lifestyle for all. Events such as the Dubai Run play a vital role in promoting a strong sporting environment in the emirate, offering residents and visitors various opportunities to engage in physical activities and experience wellbeing,” says Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council. Because far beyond the show, it is this spirit that the organizers seek to promote and establish through an event that brings together a large number of communities and nationalities. For a few tens of minutes, this is a unique opportunity to discover skyscrapers and other emblematic buildings from an unusual point of view. A panorama that we enjoy almost forgetting the few kilometers (5 or 10) to be swallowed up in the heat that is starting to make itself felt. And to add a little more importance to this event and its symbolism, it was the Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, who himself covered one of the distances in front of the huge crowd.

Dubai, destination for almost 14 million visitors a year

Ranked as the fourth most visited city in the world, Dubai attracted just under 14 million visitors from January to October 2023, a number that is constantly growing. The aim is clearly to strengthen its position as a global destination for sports fans. She also tries to shake off this image (but above all a reality) linked to luxury that often sticks to her skin. “Dubai is a destination that ticks all the boxes, whether you are looking for a luxury holiday, a nature and outdoor holiday, a shopping holiday, a family holiday, a food and wine or cultural holiday, but you can also go to Dubai if you want” are looking for an affordable holiday destination. Dubai offers something to suit the tastes of tourists from all over the world, whatever their budget,” assures Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism.

And sport is an integral part of the possibilities that the city allows. “Dubai has made a name for itself for its world-class sporting action, from marathons and golf to football, e-sports, cricket, horse racing, tennis, golf, the city offers many fantastic sporting experiences. With its weather conditions ideals, adequate infrastructure and world-class hospitality, Dubai aims to continue to promote the city as an ideal destination for sports and nature.Whether you are looking for family activities, a competitive challenge or adventure sports in Dubai, there is something for everyone,” adds Issam Kazim.

Escape to the mountains

The lake (Hatta Dam) offers a peaceful moment on the turquoise waters to admire the surrounding mountains. ©-EdA GB

Less than 2 hours from Dubai, Hatta village offers a multitude of activities in a mountainous landscape.

Located around 130km south-east of central Dubai (and almost a two-hour drive), Hatta offers a real breath of fresh air away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Bordering the Sultanate of Oman and once known for its small desert farms, the mountain village has grown significantly in recent years. Allow Dubai residents and tourists to escape, for a few hours or a few days, to a place dedicated to adventure. Among the very wide choice of activities, we remember the possibility of mountain biking on various trails that extend for over 52 km (for beginners or experts). Or follow one of the hiking trails in the Hajar Mountains. “Hatta plays an important role in the future development of Dubai as a leading tourist destination worldwide. The village reopened in 2001 to bring Dubai’s heritage back to life, with reconstructed huts and traditional artefacts. Hatta is the ideal destination for those thrill seekers of nature lovers of mountain biking, hiking and camping. Apart from that, tourists can also experience the rich history and heritage of Hatta. The area was once called Al Hajerin, or Al Hajeran, in reference to the two mountain peaks that guard the northern part and the southern borders. The climate, the fertile lands and the ancient irrigation systems once nourished thriving agricultural communities. Today, agriculture continues to be a highly developing activity in Hatta. While local heritage survives through the village’s small farms, the future is protected in new bird and animal conservation areas. The Hatta Heritage Village has been preserved and rebuilt by the government to showcase rural life dating back centuries, ” comments Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. In this same area, the Hatta Dam is a water reservoir and was created in the middle of the mountains to control and supply water to the plantations and homes in the region. There is a great opportunity to enjoy the turquoise waters of the lake, in stark contrast to the desert surrounding the region. The place offers rental of kayaks, canoes, pedal boats (starting from 15 euros) for an unlimited duration depending of the available offer. An ideal activity, even with children, in winter so as not to suffer too much from the heat during the day.

Hatta and its mountains. ©

A trip to the Palm Jumeirah

A jump at an altitude of 4000 meters with a breathtaking view of La Palma. ©

In Dubai nothing is done by halves. Even more so when it comes to impressing tourists. “Skydive Dubai”, located along the Marina, is no exception to the rule. All advantages for extreme sports enthusiasts, who will not be disappointed by the experience. Considered one of the most beautiful places in the world by professionals in the skydiving industry, the place is obviously worth a detour. If you’re looking for a small structure to attempt your first jump, follow your own path. Because with more than 35,000 launches per year, Skydive Dubai is one big spinning machine. And which can remind us, in some aspects, of a real factory. But once you digest this information, hold your stomach before you get on the plane that will take you to 4,000 meters altitude. Once up there, we do a free fall (about a minute) at almost 200 km/h, in tandem before the slow descent (between four and five minutes) with the parachute. And there, we observe the complete vision. The panorama of Dubai is incredible, with breathtaking views of the Palm Jumeirah archipelago, Atlantis Hotel, Burj al Arab, desert dunes, skyscrapers, etc. The business is often taken by storm. To benefit from it it is essential to book at least 48 hours in advance. Also allow three to four hours for the entire experience. Small inconvenience, the price: it costs around 450 euros for the “simple” tandem launch. And if you want to benefit from a souvenir (photos and videos of your experience), you will have to pay an extra hundred euros.

Stand up paddle, an easy to access and fun nautical activity. ©

With this in mind to discover Dubai differently by combining sport and nature and not far from there, stand up paddle (SUP) is another possibility. And there is no shortage of places along Dubai’s beaches, particularly on Palm Jumeirah. For those who don’t know, stand up paddling is an easy to access and fun nautical activity that involves moving in an upright position on a large board using a paddle. It allows you to stroll along the shoreline and gently tone your body in a natural position. Little practiced a few years ago, this activity is all the rage in Dubai, summer and winter. “The most important period is February, March, April. The best is at sunrise or sunset”, explains Guillaume Mariole, a Mauritian who has lived in Dubai since 2002, owner of a water sports rental whose business has grown significantly in recent years. “I started in 2013 with ups and downs in a period in which there was nothing. Little by little I added activities and now it works really well”, he underlines. “After Covid, people understood that they wanted to go out, to do outdoor activities. Stand up paddling allows you to move while enjoying exceptional views”, comments Guillaume. Initially intended for Dubai residents, its offer has gradually expanded to tourists. “Dubai is expensive. I wanted to allow residents to practice a water activity without too many costs. For an hour of paddling you can spend from 60 to 75 Dirhams (editor’s note: between approximately 15 and 20 euros) and I “practice the same prices for tourists. While in other places the same thing costs around 160 dirhams,” he says.

Explore the desert on the Al Qudra Cycle Route

Kilometers of asphalt in the middle of the desert. ©

Less than an hour from the city centre, the Al Qudra cycle path offers the opportunity to discover the Dubai desert: reserved exclusively for bicycles, it offers a rather unusual panorama for tens of kilometres. A strip of bitumen (in excellent condition and maintained) was built in the middle of the desert to allow the two wheels to circulate in complete tranquility along one of the imagined routes. Four rings are thus proposed: 18, 22, 28 and 49 km. Apart from a few false flats, the route is obviously ultra-flat. Don’t panic if you don’t have a bike with you, the infrastructure at the beginning of the route allows you to rent a bike. Once we have filled the bottle well (because on the largest of the routes there is only one possible water point), we set off for a desert crossing that is unusual to say the least. On the programme: sand dunes as far as the eye can see, but also the possibility of seeing some Arabian oryx. Be careful though, it is very hot, even in winter. The ideal is therefore to go very early in the morning or at the end of the day but before it gets dark, since the route is not illuminated. On the other hand, it is completely free and perfectly suitable for amateurs or more experienced users.

Practically

Go

From Zaventem airport (Brussels), several companies offer flights to Dubai. Emirates has the great advantage of offering two flights a day, non-stop. At the moment the return flight costs starting from 682 euros. Brussels Airlines, through its partners, also offers flights, but often with at least one stopover, starting from 431 euros. With direct flight, it takes about 6.5 hours between the two cities.

On site

To get around once in Dubai, in the city center or in the surrounding areas, the easiest way is to call a taxi or Uber, which have very affordable prices.

Stay there

Obviously there are countless luxury hotels in Dubai. But if you don’t have an XXL budget, it is possible to find less expensive alternatives.

2024-01-01 18:56:00
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