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Saturday, August 27, 2011

Flavours of Dubai - Sports



Dubai’s rise to prominence as an international city has radically transformed the sports arena in this city state. Way  back in the 1980’s the  most  popular  sports  in  Dubai  were camel racing and football but with  rising disposable  incomes the tastes  and  preferences of its denizens have undergone a radical  change. Horse racing, tennis, golf and skiing have now taken precedence and camel racing has been relegated to the background. Another reason which can be ascribed to this transformation is the increasing influx of expatriates into the emirate owing   to its sky-rocketing   popularity in the   international business arena. The classic ‘demonstration effect’ seems to be in play here with the local elite   imitating foreigners in terms of fashion, sports and automobiles.

Keeping in mind,  the immense   revenue-earning  potential of  popular  sports like tennis,  golf and horse-racing the Dubai government has initiated the construction of a multi-million dollar Dubai  Sports City  that will host  all major  sports  at   one   central spot. The government is also sponsoring the construction of numerous sports clubs for kids that will tap and nurture young talent. Construction initiatives have also been undertaken to promote niche sports like billiards and ice   hockey.

On your next holiday to Dubai do visit the iconic Sharjah Stadium that is famous the world over for hosting closely contested India –Pakistan cricketing encounters that usually have a star studded audience. Football has of late,   become the passion amongst   Dubai’s residents and quite a   few modern   clubs have also sprung up in Dubai. The UAE Football Association (FA) sponsors over 20 football clubs and is an active member of the FIFA. Even  lawn  tennis, as a sport, has gained momentum in this  city state  which is  best reflected  in the  rising popularity of the Dubai Tennis Championship that  attracts  thousands of  tennis  fans from all over the  Persian Gulf.

Dubai’s   topography and warm weather makes it an ideal destination for golf   and the Emirate of Dubai boasts of some   of the   finest   golf courses   known to man.  The Dubai Desert Classic, an annual PGA event attracts some of the biggest names in the world of Golf. Dubai’s   golfing infrastructure is held   in high regard by professional golfers from all across the world that can be judged by the fact that even Tiger Woods is contemplating   designing a golf course here. So  what are  you waiting  for , book  an exciting holiday deal to Dubai  and  get set to watch some  riveting  sporting action  that  is  sure to knock you  off your senses!

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