Rugby

The DP World Tour Championship . Starting in 2009, the DP World Tour Championship is the final of the European Tour Race to Dubai. The tour's top 60 golfers compete for US$8M at Jumeirah Golf Estates on the 72-par Greg Norman designed Earth course. It's a thrilling end to a season-long competition spanning 47 tournaments and 27 countries. Best of all, entry is free (although many like to make a special day of it and join the hospitality tents on the 18th from AED2200 per day). Jumeirah Golf Estates, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Rd. (E311), Burj Dubai, Dubai, Dubai. 4/340--0066; dpwtc.europeantour.com. Free.

The Dubai Desert Classic. Commencing in 1989 when the European Tour visited the Middle East for the first time, the Dubai Desert Classic has been played almost continuously on The Majlis course at Emirates Golf Club. It's a picturesque course, with a native Emirates theme to contrast the greens. More than 40,000 people attend the classic in February, as well as its associated ladies event, the Dubai Ladies Masters, in December. Emirates Golf Club, Emirates Hills, Burj Dubai, Dubai, Dubai. 4/380--2112; www.dubaidesertclassic.com. From AED175.

Dubai Exiles Rugby Football Club. The Dubai Exiles Rugby Football Club was founded in 1969 for the enjoyment of mainly British and Commonwealth country citizens (Canadian, Australian, New Zealanders, and South Africans) for whom rugby was a favorite game from school years into adulthood. The season runs from September to March, peaking toward the start of December with The Dubai Rugby Sevens. This three-day event is the highlight of the season with more than 150 teams arriving from around the globe to compete in the tournament, and spectators who throw themselves into the fun wholeheartedly, with fancy dress and general raucous behavior. Sevens Stadium, Dubai-Al Ain Rd., E66, Burj Dubai, Dubai, Dubai. 50/459--8603; 4/809--6605; www.dubaiexiles.com. 1-day pass to Dubai Rugby 7s starts at AED300.