Following the success of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the Middle East prepares to reinforce its burgeoning reputation in 2024 as a hub for major international sporting events, reflecting the region's growing influence in the global sports arena.
These events, spanning from Abu Dhabi to Saudi Arabia, promise to offer a blend of traditional and modern competitions, set against a backdrop of architectural marvels and rich cultural landscapes.
The anticipation surrounding these events is underpinned by the region's recent investments in infrastructure and sports development, signalling its readiness to host world-class competitions.
While the economic and social impacts of such events are subjects of considerable interest, they also raise questions about the long-term legacy and sustainability practices that will be adopted.
As the international community turns its gaze towards the Middle East, one wonders how these events will unfold and what unforeseen outcomes they might engender for the region and the world of sports at large.
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi continues to solidify its position as a premier destination for international sporting events. With a diverse line-up of 2024 sporting events, the city is set to attract sporting enthusiasts to the United Arab Emirates.
Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix
- Sailing
- Mina Zayed
- Sat Jan 13th - Sun Jan 14th
New to the Middle East Sporting Calendar is the Sail Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi, which positions itself as a premier sailing event, sure to draw competitors and spectators from across the globe to witness high-speed races in the picturesque waters of the Arabian Gulf.
International teams will race hydrofoiling F50 catamarans at speeds of up to to 60 mph, with the site of the colourful sails a visual treat. New Zealand are expected to triumph, but watch out for dark horses Spain.
Abu Dhabi Open
- WTA Tennis
- International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City
- Sat Feb 3 - Sun Feb 11
The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open marks another significant event in the region's sporting calendar, showcasing the city's growing prowess in hosting international tennis competitions with this women's tennis association tour competition.
Tunisian Ons Jabeur is tipped for the win, and will be a crowd favourite as the highest-ranked African and Arab tennis player in WTA and ATP rankings history. Although rumours persist of a potential injury causing problems.
Fans of Emma Raducanu will be pleased to watch her in action again after her second round exit in the Australian Open, but it came o the back on operations on both wrists and an ankle.
Whatever the player line-up, there will be top-ranked athletes, leading to fierce on-court rivalries that become tournament highlights. Prize money distribution is competitive, drawing elite talent and contributing to the event's prestige.
The venue facilities offer state-of-the-art amenities, enhancing the fan experience with comfort and accessibility. Historical winners are celebrated, adding to the tournament's rich legacy, while comprehensive media coverage ensures global outreach.
Abu Dhabi Championship 2024
- Golf
- Yas Links
- Thu Nov 7 - Sun Nov 10
The Abu Dhabi Championship 2024 has been moved back to November to fit a new format of the DP World Tour, and is poised to bring another layer of excitement to the region's sporting landscape, featuring top-tier golfers from around the globe.
The top 70 Golfers in the Road to Dubai rankings will compete in the two-tournament play-off, with the second a week later at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2024
- Formula One
- Yas Marina Circuit
- Fri Dec 6 - Sun Dec 8
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is now the cornerstone of the region's high-octane sporting calendar, drawing racing enthusiasts from across the globe to watch the finale of the season in round 24.
This event will thrill spectators with the speed and roar the motorsport brings, with Max Verstappen expected to be a success again for Red Bull, although George Russell is continuing to impress for Mercedes.
Dubai
In 2024, Dubai continues to build on its reputation as a premier destination for international sporting events in the United Arab Emirates.
Dubai Marathon
- Running
- Umm Suqeim
- Sun Jan 7
While the Burj Khalifa dominates the skyline, the Dubai Marathon offers athletes the unique opportunity to compete on a flat course that winds through the heart of the city, showcasing its modern architecture and vibrant atmosphere.
Runners from Ethiopia are expected to dominate again thanks being fully acclimatised to the hot climate and 25° forecast. Warm weather training is essential for any European runners competing.
Burj2Burj
- Running
- Burj Al Arab to Burj Khalifa
- Sun Jan 21
The Burj2Burj half marathon event presents another opportunity for athletes and enthusiasts to engage with Dubai's dynamic urban landscape, but at a much more manageable distance.
This event amid iconic skylines is still competed in expected 25° heat, so proper training is essential.
DP World Tour Championship
- Golf
- Jumeirah Golf Estates
- Thu Nov 14 - Sun Nov 17
The DP World Tour Championship in Dubai marks the culmination of the European Tour Golf season's new format, with the last 50 golfers battling it out for a place on the prestigious leader board and one of the most iconic sporting trophies in the Middle East with the Harry Vardon Trophy (won by Rory McIlory for the last 2 years).
The DP World Tour Championship has become a pivotal golf tournament, cementing Dubai's status in the international golfing community.
Bahrain
Shifting focus to Bahrain, the island nation is set to host significant events in the 2024 sporting calendar, capitalizing on its position as a global sporting destination.
Bahrain Grand Prix 2024
- Formula 1
- Bahrain International Circuit
- Thu Feb 29 - Sun Mar 2
The fact the Bahrain Grand Prix kicks off the F1 season makes it a premier event in the world, not just Middle East's sporting landscape.
The Bahrain Grand Prix 2024 is poised for a thrilling race, with teams meticulously analysing track conditions to optimize their race strategy and Max Verstappen determined to defend his 2023 crown.
For spectators, the experience is enhanced by a blend of pre-race events and entertainment.
Bahrain Championship 2024
- Golf
- Royal Golf Club
- Thu Feb 1 - Sun Feb 4
The DP Tour returns to Bahrain as part of the international swing. Fans can watch for free, with Rasmus Højgaard, Pablo Larrazabal and Romain Langasque are the latest players to confirm their places.
Qatar
Qatar continues to position itself as a pivotal hub for international sports, hosting a selection of prominent events in 2024, starting with the Asian Cup.
AFC Asian Cup 2023
- Football
- Lusail Stadium, Al Janoub, Al Bayt, Ahmad bin Ali, Al Thumama, Education City, Khalifa International, Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, and Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium
- Fri Jan 12 - Sat Feb 10
Making using of those World Cup Stadiums, Qatar again hosts a major football tournament with Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Jordan and Oman all representing the Middle East.
Of course they will have to overcome the likes of Australia, Japan and South Korea but expect a strong showing from the host nations to complete to hold the covetted trophy aloft.
FINA World Championships 2024
- Swimming
- Doha
- Feb 2 - Sun Feb 18
Qatar is set to host the prestigious FINA World Championships in 2024, building on its growing reputation as a global hub for international competitions.
This event will bring together the world's leading aquatic athletes to compete in a range of disciplines, including swimming competitions, diving events, synchronized swimming, water polo tournaments, and open water races.
Qatar Open 2024
- WTA Tennis
- Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex
- Sun Feb 11 - Sat Feb 17
The Qatar TotalEnergies Open 2024 is set to welcome tennis aficionados to witness top-tier athletes battle it out on the hard courts of Doha.
As one of the premier tennis tournaments in the Middle East, the event comes directly after the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, so the line-up and winners are hard to predict.
Qatar Grand Prix 2024
- Formula One
- Lusail International Circuit
- Fri Nov 29 - Sun Dec 1
The high-octane Qatar Grand Prix is the penultimate race in the 2024 F1 calendar, where speed and strategy will converge on the world-class Losail International Circuit.
The track layout promises thrilling turns and high-speed straights, with pre-race events promising to be equally entertaining.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is increasingly positioning itself as a pivotal destination for sporting events in the Middle East. Leveraging its cultural heritage and modern facilities, the country aims to attract global audiences with unique events with celebrate Middle East sports.
Early January saw the 9-day event AlUla Falcon Cup, with ancient desert landscapes hosting a display of falconry excellence. February sees the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup, with international horse riders competing on the desert track. And in April, the AlUla Camel Cup brings together some of the world’s finest racing camels to compete in one of the region’s oldest sports.
Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo
- Polo
- AlUla
- Tue Jan 16 - Thu Jan 18
The Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo event is part of the Winter at Tantora festival, with top international polo players competing in an adrenaline-packed game set against a stunning backdrop of the breath-taking AlUla canyons.
This exclusive event, a result of the Richard Mille partnership, offers an unparalleled desert polo experience set against the backdrop of an awe-inspiring desert oasis setting. The tournament highlights the skill and elegance of both international and local polo players, whose profiles add a personal touch to the competition.
Organized by the Royal Commission for AlUla in partnership with the Saudi Polo Federation, Desert Polo is the first modern polo tournament in the world to be staged in a desert environment, and sure to be a spectacle.
AlUla Tour
- Cycling
- AlUla
- Tue Jan 30 - Sat Feb 3
Saudi Arabia’s only UCI World Tour event, the AlUla Tour was previously known as the Saudi Tour and undertaken in gruelling heat.
The tour showcases the striking Alula architecture, seamlessly blending with the majestic Alula rock formations that have stood as silent witnesses to millennia of history.
