From padel and pickleball to kids’ camps and coffee, here’s what to expect from Dubai Sports World 2025.
Summer in Dubai brings a slow, languid rhythm. The streets grow quiet, the beaches empty, and the idea of walking outside – let alone playing sports outdoors – becomes almost laughable. For many people, the biggest challenge of the season is staying active. When it’s 45°C and the sea is quite literally as warm as bathwater, getting the recommended ten thousand steps can feel impossible. But, just when it feels like the city has hit pause, Dubai Sports World flips the switch. Now in its 16th year, this annual event returns to transform the cavernous halls of Dubai World Trade Centre into a full-scale indoor sports arena, complete with tournament-ready courts, purpose-built training zones, and a stacked calendar of camps and classes for all ages. Whether you’re a dedicated CrossFitter or have football-mad kids to keep entertained over the summer, there’s something here for just about every kind of athlete.
What To Expect This Year – Good Sport, Good Food, Great Company
Last year, Dubai Sports World hit record attendance, with courts booked out daily and camps selling fast. Reflecting on the success of the event, His Excellency Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council, described it as “an essential event in the city’s annual sporting calendar, creating a positive impact on sports, physical fitness, and community participation.” He added, “We have worked tirelessly to make Dubai Sports World inclusive and accessible – a place for people of all ages and all abilities.”
Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice President of Dubai World Trade Centre, echoed that sentiment, noting that the event “complements the Dubai Government’s agenda to empower all community segments from all fitness levels and age groups including the children, the elderly, and people of determination to lead a healthy lifestyle, while promoting the Emirate as a fitness destination.”
This year’s event will run from August 3 to September 2 in DWTC’s Za’abeel Halls 3, 4, 5 and 6. It returns with some timely upgrades, building on feedback from last year.
Pickleball, the fast-growing American racquet sport often described as a cross between tennis, badminton and ping pong, makes its official debut in 2025 – not just tacked onto a tennis court, but with its own purpose-built indoor setup. If you haven’t played yet, chances are someone in your circle has and won’t stop talking about it. It’s fast-paced, addictive and easier on the joints than most racquet sports. Padel (predictably) remains one of the biggest draws, with more courts and better availability this year, including women-only sessions. Meanwhile, those with a competitive streak can jump into team tournaments and sponsored leagues, where prizes – and bragging rights – provide all the motivation needed.
Parents will rejoice at the upgrades to the kids’ and teen summer camps, which now include full-day options and expanded soft play zones. New partnerships with LaLiga Academy, IFA, and Star Basketball also mean the coaching is more structured and sport-specific, going beyond just babysitting in sportswear. For children who prefer colour and creativity over competition, Dubai Sports World also has a well-equipped arts and crafts corner, alongside a retro arcade packed with old-school games. Kids might spend the morning on the basketball court and the afternoon lost in paint and paper – either way, it’s a smart alternative to screen time and a gentle nudge toward a healthier summer routine.
The food offerings at Dubai Sports World also get a generous glow-up this year. You won’t find any sad sandwiches or chalky vending-machine protein bars here: this year’s setup includes a handful of homegrown cafés and grab-and-go counters serving proper coffee, smoothies, wraps, and post-workout fuel that doesn’t feel like a punishment. Grab a cold brew before an early match, refuel after a circuit class, or perhaps more realistically – bribe your child to finish football camp with a sweet treat.
How to Make the Most of Dubai Sports World 2025
With flexible bookings and no membership required, Dubai Sports World is designed to be laid-back and accessible. Getting there is straightforward, especially for those living near Downtown Dubai. The Dubai World Trade Centre is directly accessible via the metro (DWTC station), and there’s parking available at Za’abeel Plaza and Exhibition Street for those driving in.
Early mornings and mid-afternoons are the quietest times to train, especially if you’re looking to avoid crowds or sneak in a session before the day begins. Evenings, particularly midweek, tend to be busier, so it’s worth booking courts or group classes in advance through the app. You can rent equipment on-site, join a drop-in session, or try something entirely new (boxing, pickleball, teqball), without needing to fully commit. It’s a setup that encourages experimentation and stepping outside of your comfort zone. With seating for spectators and plenty of food and coffee on-site, it’s easy for a workout to turn into a half-day hangout.
For regulars, Dubai Sports World becomes part of the summer rhythm – something that’s genuinely missed once it’s over. Whether it’s a weekly padel match with friends or a competitive post-work game of football, it’s these high-reward routines that help the season feel more manageable, keeping you in check both mentally and physically ahead of the cooler months.
It’s simple, social, and easy to build into your week, which is exactly the point.
