Think it’s too hot to get some exercise? A new festival in the capital means you’ve got no excuses when it comes to burning calories and staying fit this summer.

football

The Abu Dhabi Sports Festival kicked off over the weekend at Adnec and runs until August 9. There are football and volleyball tournaments taking place, with prize money of up to Dhs75,000 up for grabs.

BASKETBALL

You can also head down and have a crack at a variety of sports, including boxing, jiu-jitsu, wrestling, crossfit and basketball. Most importantly, all the sports take place indoors at the exhibition centre, so you can keep fit in air-conditioned comfort.

The emirate’s growing passion for cycling is also well represented at the festival. You can have a go at spin classes daily that will be hosted by representives from the Abu Dhabi Tour, the emirate’s professional cycling race that takes place October 20 to 23. Kids can also head to the Art Lab at Adnec and create cycle-inspired works of art that will be displayed on the final day of the Abu Dhabi Tour.

formula 1 cycle

A Ramadan cycle race is also being held at the emirate’s iconic Formula One track, Yas Marina Circuit, on June 21 as part of the festival. On the night, there’ll be a 6km junior race, plus 22km, 33km and 55km races for adults.

Click here for more info on how to enter the Abu Dhabi Cycle Race.

Adnec, Al Safraat, Abu Dhabi, Tel: (02) 4088995. Taxi: Adnec. adnec.ae