Dubai : Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) launches a citywide programme of sporting events taking place throughout December and January, spanning elite competition, community participation, endurance challenges and outdoor fitness. From professional basketball and baseball fixtures to polo tournaments, half marathons, and horse racing, the festival brings together athletes, families and spectators for a dynamic winter season of sport.
The diverse line-up strengthens DSF’s role in supporting Dubai’s active lifestyle, showcasing world-class sporting venues and encouraging community engagement during the city’s peak outdoor season.
Key sporting events taking place during DSF:
Basketball
Dubai Basketball at Coca-Cola Arena
- Dates: 23 and 26 December
- Location: Coca-Cola Arena
- About: Catch all the action as Dubai Basketball takes on some of the biggest names in the sport during their 2025-2026 season at Coca-Cola Arena. The franchise plays EuroLeague fixtures against EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (23 December), and an ABA League game against KRKA (26 December)
- More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-basketball-club
Horse Racing
Dubai Racing Carnival
- Race days: 19 December (Festive Friday), 2 January, 9 January and continuing dates until 13 March.
- Location: Meydan Racecourse
- About: The flagship winter racing season featuring international horses and top jockeys.
- Event links:
Polo
AHPC Festive League
- Date: Until 20 December
- Location: Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club
- About: This open-invite tournament adds a hearty dose of nail-biting entertainment to the holiday season and makes for a memorable day out.
- Event link: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/ahpc-festive-league
Silver Cup
- Date: Until 24 January
- Location: Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club
- About: Silver Cup, part of Dubai’s prestigious polo calendar, sees six of the world’s best teams go head-to-head in a 20-goal handicap.
- Event link: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/silver-cup
Cycling and Endurance Running
Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge – Build-Up Ride 4
- Date: 4 January
- Location: Al Qudra Cycle Track
- About: The last of the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge Build-Up Rides is designed to help cyclists build their stamina ahead of the ultimate challenge.
- Event link: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/spinneys-dubai-92-cycle-challenge-build-up-ride-4
Hood to Coast Dubai 2026
- Date: 10 January
- Location: Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve
- About: Hood to Coast Dubai challenges teams to conquer a series of relay segments through expansive desert trails, with each runner taking on their leg before passing the baton.
- Event link: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/hood-to-coast
SKECHERS Performance Run – Race 4 (16k/10k/5k/3k)
- Date: 10 January
- Location: Meydan
- About: A fun day out for the whole family, this community race offers various distances where participants can run along the traffic-free roads of Meydan.
- Event link: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/skechers-performance-run
Marina Home Dubai Creek Striders Half Marathon 2026
- Date: 11 January
- Location: Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club
- About: One of the largest races of its kind in the UAE and the Middle East, this half marathon will mark its 23rd edition in 2026.
- Event link: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-creek-striders-half-marathon
A citywide sporting season
With events spanning elite international fixtures, community runs, polo tournaments, multi-distance races, trail challenges and recurring racing nights at Meydan, DSFreinforces Dubai’s winter as a vibrant season for sport, wellbeing and outdoor experiences.
Strategic Partners
DSF 2025-2026 is supported by Key Sponsor Commercial Bank of Dubai, and Strategic Partners, including: Al-Futtaim Malls (Dubai Festival City Mall and Festival Plaza), Al Zarooni Group (Mercato Shopping Mall), AW Rostamani Group, DHAM (Souq Al Seef, Bluewaters, Ibn Battuta Mall, Nad Al Sheba Mall, Palm Jumeirah Mall, and The Outlet Village), Emirates airline, ENOC, e&, Majid Al Futtaim (Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira), Merex Investment (City Walk and The Beach, JBR), talabat plus more to be revealed.
