Dubai: Dubai Sports World (DSW), the Middle East’s largest indoor summer sports event, returns for its third year at the Shaikh Saeed Halls at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from Friday.

Occupying more than 28,000 square metres of space, DSW will formally open with a Zumbathon charity event at 11am on Friday. The two-month-long event aims to be the ultimate summer sports venue, featuring a host of activities including football, basketball, rugby, tennis, volleyball, futsal, table tennis, cricket, fitness training, running and skateboarding, plus summer camps for children.

And, for the first time, DSW will also feature squash, cycling and badminton and a well-being zone offering activities such as yoga, pilates, body balance, health and nutrition advice, kids’ yoga and more.

With events running daily from June 21 to August 21, from 8am to midnight and until 3am during Ramadan, DSW hopes to encourage Dubai residents and visitors to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle during the hot summer months.

DSW will also offer a range of training camps organised by popular sports and fitness partners such as Duplays and Original Fitness. These will provide an outlet for UAE athletes to develop their talents or learn new skills in their favourite sports, under the guidance of skilled coaches and experienced trainers.

“Dubai Sports World is bigger this year, with even more sports and activities added to the portfolio,” said Ahmad Al Khaja, Senior Vice-President, Venues, DWTC.

Dr Ahmad Sa’ad Al Sharif, General Secretary of Dubai Sports Council (DSC), said: “Dubai Sports World is one of the highlights of the sporting calendar in the UAE. The combination of world-class facilities at DWTC and the UAE’s leading sporting academies all under one roof means that people of all ages and skill sets can participate in their favourite sport.”

DSW includes eight professional-standard playing fields for five or seven-a-side football, rugby, Aussie rules, two basketball courts, two tennis courts, one volleyball court, three badminton courts, one squash court, a state-of-the-art gym, a 660-metre running track, virtual cycling simulators, a bike pump track, a skate and BMX park, plus tiered seating for more than 1,400 spectators.

In addition, the entertainment zone will feature 12 table tennis tables, six pool tables and six table football tables.

Families will also have an opportunity to enjoy the fun activities at Modhesh World, which is located just across from DSW. International professional football stars will also return for the Dubai Indoor Football Championship from July 2 to 6 in Shaikh Rashid Hall.

DSW is organised in partnership with DSC and Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, with support from Dubai Municipality, Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, and Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The event is sponsored by Adventure HQ, Decathlon, Ping Pong Dubai, Police Watches and Accessories, Pepsi, Quanta, Urban Gear (Warrior), VW and Zoom. For more information visit www.dubaisportsworld.ae.