Abu Dhabi once again flourished in a sporting sense and we have outlined the best highlights from 2023
The year 2023 is about to come to an end and once again Abu Dhabi was to the fore for sporting events and achievements throughout a jam-packed year.
And 2024 is also set to be another crazy year in the world of sport with major events and stars returning to the capital.
But before we start planning our next move, let’s take a look back at this year and all the sporting highlights which took place, both domestically and internationally.
From humble charity races that captivated the public, to the louder and more illustrious F1, tennis and golf events, Abu Dhabi flourished once more.
January – Tee-rific golf
Abu Dhabi once again played host to the HSBC Championship which provided a festival of entertainment for all concerned. Celebrating its 18th edition, the event brought together the world’s greatest golfers to the capital where Victor Perez reigned supreme after four days of exhilarating golf.
February – Mubadala Abu Dhabi Tennis Championships
The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Tennis Championships were played in Abu Dhabi at the beginning of February and welcomed some of the world’s top players, especially in the women’s tournament. After all was said it done it was Swiss player Belinda Bencic who claimed top honours, defeating Russia’s Liudmila Samsonova in a pulsating final.
March – Zayed Sports City Make A Wish Run
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The 5th edition of the annual event returned to aid Make-A-Wish Foundation UAE’s mission.
Hundreds of participants descended on Zayed Sports City on 11 March and joined the 10km, 5km or the family-friendly 2.5km run, with all starting and finishing inside the iconic Zayed Football Stadium at Zayed Sports City.
April – Lisa Leslie
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Basketball became the focus in April when icon Lisa Leslie popped over to Abu Dhabi to pomote her beloved sport. One of the most recognisable faces in women’s basketball couldn’t get enough of the stunning city. Lisa, an eight-time WNBA All-Star, three-time WNBA MVP, and four-time Olympic gold medallist, was in the UAE capital along with NBA icon Allen Iverson for the culmination of the Jr. NBA Abu Dhabi League.
May – Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship
The Youth MMA Championship sizzled in Abu Dhabi, featuring some of the best young talents in the country. The one-day championships gathered young fighters across different categories competing for the title at the Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City, serving as a tune-up event for the UAE’s top young athletes ahead of the highly anticipated 2023 IMMAF Youth MMA World Championships.
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June – World Bicycle Day Ride
With plenty of places to be riding bikes in Abu Dhabi, this special one celebrated World Bicycle Day! Droved of cyclists headed to Hudayriyat Island with an event that was open to all ages and people of determination; it was the perfect way to celebrate the day.
July – All aboard, matey
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The shores of Abu Dhabi were beckoning with a super fun summer camp for sailing enthusiasts in July. Aiming to get the young people of Abu Dhabi into the waters in style, guests headed for the docks on Abu Dhabi Corniche for a unique way to beat the heat and have some fun. Held in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Maritime, this year’s slogan was Abu Dhabi Marine Summer.
August – USA Basketball
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The USA basketball team performed in Abu Dhabi in August and was led by icon Steve Kerr.
The former basketball great has a unique sub-plot in that the famous coach was actually born in the Middle East and attended school in Beirut and Cairo. He led his star-studded team to victories over Greece and Germany in Abu Dhabi.
September – Ruck the place
Rugby World Cup fever took over in September with a host of ex-pat countries taking part in one of the world’s greatest events. Abu Dhabi venues were adorned with fans from England, Ireland, South Africa, Wales, to name but a few, before South Africa ran out worthy winners in the end.
October – Slam Dunk event
Etihad Arena welcomed NBAs Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks at the beginning of October for two pre-season games which excited basketball fans in the region. Furthermore, an ‘NBA Fan Appreciation Day in Abu Dhabi’ took place with appearances from Mavericks and Timberwolves players, 19-time NBA All-Star and six-time NBA champion Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and two-time NBA champion Kenny Smith. Actor Michael B Jordan also popped by to enjoy the festivities.
November – Start your engines
The Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix took place at the end of the month and even though world champion Max Verstappen had the title sewn up at this point, it didn’t stop all the motor fans from around the world coming to Yas Marina Circuit to party it up for the entire weekend. The concerts were another hit with Tiesto, Shania Twain and Foo Fighters starring throughout!
December – This is Sparta
The Spartan World Championship took place and was a resounding success yet again with founder Joe de Sena appearing at the popular three-day event in Al Wathba in Abu Dhabi. Runners and obstacle course enthusiasts across the UAE signed up to compete in what is widely regarded as the world’s leading endurance challenge.
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