9 great sports clubs in Dubai to join to make friends (and burn calories)
From dragon boat racing to netball, cycling, running and more…
Wondering why people join sports clubs in Dubai? Well, it’s one of the best ways to get active (and stay active) but you also get to meet new people. Thankfully, there are plenty to pick from spanning rugby, football, cycling and much more…
Here are 9 sports clubs in Dubai to join
Dragon Boating
Dragon boating is one of the UAE’s most popular watersports and attracts people from all walks of life. It’s enjoyed by many as a really social, teamworking sport, and is a great way of making new friends. Ladies-only club Dragonfire, which has been running since 2016, trains on the water around JBR and in the gym three days a week, but can up it to four if they’re preparing for big, often international, competitions. Look out for regular recruitment drives on their Instagram.
Running
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Join the Creek Striders as they pound the pavements around Dubai throughout the week. The non-profit club holds morning sessions for beginners and improvers every Sunday, setting off from Dubai Offshore Sailing Club (DOSC) from 6am. Otherwise, there’s a Saturday club run in the morning in Zabeel Park, speed sessions on Tuesday mornings at DOSC and Dubai Hills, and track sessions on Wednesdays at 6.45pm at the Dubai American Academy.
Cycling
Been a while since you’ve taken your bike out for a spin? Local legends Dubai Roadsters holds relaxed group rides on Sunday morning at 5.30am from Nad Al Sheba Cycle Park. The ride is a steady 75km loop at an approximate average speed of 37km/h. It’s ideal for rusty riders looking to build up their fitness – and sessions are gratis.
Netball
Haven’t put on a goal attack bib since school? Reignite an old flame with Active Netball. Run by Susanne Skelding, Active Netball runs a series of leagues throughout the week. There’s a social league on Monday nights, competitive league on Wednesday nights, and a premier league with 24 teams battling it out on the court every Tuesday. But if all that sounds a bit too intimidating, why not start off with ‘walking netball,’ a new Super Sundays initiative designed to make sure that everyone can play the game regardless of age, fitness level, or previous netball experience. Drop-in sessions cost just Dhs60 and take place at 10am at JESS Ranches. Keen to join? Drop them a message on Instagram.
Softball
Know your foul balls from your fly balls? You soon will after stepping onto the home plate for your first game of softball. The Emirates Softball League is a non-profit dedicated to the development of adult softball throughout the UAE with both serious and social leagues taking place weekly. Drop them a message on Instagram to get signed up.
Women’s football
Ladies inspired by the recent World Cup spectacle should consider joining Onyx FC. The UAE’s first fully female-owned football club has a number of women’s football programmes to suit women of all abilities. The club prides itself on providing football for all women, whether they want to play at the highest level, socially or for just to get the blood pumping. Social training sessions take place every Monday from 7pm to 8pm, with games day on Saturdays from 9am to 10am.
Men’s football
Bend it like Beckham with Dubai’s footie collective Expat Football Association, which offers both a social and competitive space for men and women to play The Beautiful Game. There are over 4,000 active players, several leagues from 5-a-side to 11-a-side, as well as pay-and-play drop-in sessions for those who can’t commit to a season. Don’t have a team? Call the EFA via (055) 301 2865, and they’ll help get you placed in one.
Rugby
Fancy adding some scrum action to your social life? According to their club motto, the Dubai Sharks RFC is a seriously social club… but they’re also very serious about rugby. This season, the club has unveiled its new home ground at Al Habtoor Polo Resort complete with clubhouse and fantastic pitches for the men’s, women’s, and youth teams to train on. Interested in joining? Email joinus@dubaisharks.com.
Triathlon
Open to everyone from novices to hardcore fitness fiends, TriDubai is a non-profit organisation that hosts various running, swimming and cycling sessions throughout the week. Join the group for an early morning swim in the sea off Kite Beach or a run along the Palm, all for free. You must be a TriDubai member to take part – joining is free too.
Images: Supplied