“Where Dubai comes to play'' is the motto through which the team behind Duplays.com built their rapidly growing network of sports and activity enthusiasts.
It was around seven months ago when Davinder Rao, co-founder of Duplays.com first came through Dubai during a globe trekking tour and realised that nationals and expatriates had limited opportunity for sport within fun surroundings.
Having met him, I realised that Rao was the reason behind all that talk in the office - of joining football leagues, of scoring the best goal, of who's the fittest - which always entertaining to listen to.
Many of my colleagues have registered on the website and joined various leagues from basketball, football, street hockey (a favourite sport for Rao who grew up in Canada) to kickboxing, ultimate frisbee and rugby.
As for me, I think I'll start with some of the dancing classes, preferably the Cuban Salsa Classes.
Early beginnings
The idea was formed around the company's website which acts as a platform connecting UAE residents through sport, and those who register can also post their events.
“All we wanted to do was play and be able to unite people of different backgrounds. In September 2007, we found a field, got some people together and that's really when it hit us and Duplays.com took off from there,'' said Rao.
After working in the pharmaceutical industry and spending six years with Johnson & Johnson, Rao decided it was time to travel and make a change from the routine life that started to become mundane.
“I've played soccer and other sports my whole life and so making Duplays.com a centre for sporting activity in Dubai just seemed like a natural process,'' he said “We have even received a lot of feedback from other emirates like Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.''
Within just a few months Duplays.com has grown to a several thousands and the number continues to grow by an average of 10 new members everyday.
And that's just a start.
Bridging gaps
“One thing sport manages to do well is bridge the gap between nationalities and it allows people to interact and more importantly make new friends,'' said Rao.
The busiest leagues are currently football and touch rugby where six teams were completely filled in less than two days.
So if you want to make sure you are involved, keep checking the website for event and league updates.
“We feel so good about what we do and we are learning as we go along. We have had great cooperation from residents and the government and we have big things planned in the very near future,'' he said.
These “plans,'' he said, promise to boost the sports, fitness and healthcare culture across the UAE.
Although the company is based online, Rao never rests. He constantly checks his Blackberry (which he once swore he'd never need) and often checks in on the sporting events taking place in the city.
Either that or he gets his gear on and joins in the games
himself.
“You have to admit the job although demanding, is also a lot of fun, never routine and we cannot complain!''
And for all you ladies out there, some of the leagues such as volleyball, football and touch rugby are mixed.
Other team sport include, cricket, water polo, softball,
netball and flag football.
Moreover, Duplays.com is committed to supporting charitable organisations so if you are interested — get in touch.
