As the world’s best supercross riders descend on Yas Island for the FIM World Supercross Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Saturday, November 4, Etihad Arena is set to undergo its transformation into a supercross track for the first time.
Around 7,000 tonnes of dirt, which has been locally sourced in the UAE, will be trucked into the Middle East’s largest indoor entertainment venue via 400 truckloads for a night of adrenaline and thrills.
WSX tracks are designed to deliver high quality racing and allow opportunities for the riders to go faster, push harder and deliver a high level of excitement and competitiveness for fans.
“The success of an event like this, where we are completely transforming a venue, relies on flawless event operations, with every detail from track construction to logistics being carefully orchestrated in collaboration between our local team at Ethara and the track design team at World Supercross from start to finish,” said Salem Al Sulaimani, Event Operations Director at Ethara.
The entire transformation process, from turning a clean venue into a finished racing track, will take approximately four days, involving 16 different forms of earth moving machinery such as excavators, dozers, and street sweepers.
The dirt used is clay-based, carefully selected to adhere to safety regulation while providing the ideal composition for the supercross track.
Spectators can witness the world’s top riders battle it out on a track that promises nothing short of jaw-dropping action and excitement. Limited WSX Abu Dhabi GP tickets are still available, starting at 110 AED for the day.
Key highlights of the Etihad Arena Supercross track include:
Unique two row start gate
The start of a supercross race is a pivotal moment. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will see a dual row start, with ten riders on the front and ten on the rear, a departure from the standard 20-wide configuration.
A rider’s start will be of paramount importance, making qualifying and gate picks more critical than ever. The top ten riders at the front will enjoy a distinct advantage over those behind them.
In a sport where every inch matters, the Abu Dhabi race and its unique two row start gate promises extreme action.
Rhythms
The Etihad Arena track will boast several rhythm sections, composed of multiple jumps strung together, allowing riders various line choices based on personal preference, experience, split-second decision making, and strategic moves inspired by their competitors on the day.
Triple jump
The most significant jump on the track at Etihad Arena, known as the “Triple”, comprises three jumps that riders must clear in a single leap, covering an approximate distance of 70 feet. A miscalculation here could make or break a rider’s performance.
Whoops
The whoops section presents a long stretch of small, evenly spaced bumps, creating a rolling sensation.
Fans will watch on nervously as the WSX riders navigate this section at breakneck speeds, testing their balance, control, and timing. Success here can lead to valuable seconds gained, but even a slight error can result in a significant loss of speed and control.
Outside section
A distinctive part of the track, looping outside of the Etihad Arena in a first for the venue, the outside section offers two tight rhythm sections with corners that promise exciting passing opportunities, but also pose high risks for errors.
Upon re-entering the arena, riders face a challenging wall jump, followed by a split s-bend that presents two distinct line choices. The riders then tackle the rhythm section once more before crossing the finish line.
Finish line double
Serving as the finish line at Etihad Arena, the “finish line double” is a critical part of the track. While it may seem straightforward, it offers passing opportunities in the corners before and after, rewarding riders with exceptional skill and precision.
If you’re driving around Abu Dhabi this weekend, you might want to plan, because several key roads are set to close.
The Run for the Nation 5km race is taking over Wahat Al Karama this Saturday, bringing together the community for a morning of fitness and fun.
But it also means temporary traffic disruptions you should know about.
Here’s what’s happening Organised by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in partnership with the Zayed Charity Run, the event kicks off at 8am, and it’s completely free to join.
To keep runners safe, road closures will be in place from 5am to 10am around the area. There are additional lane closures on E20 due to ongoing infrastructure works:
• Right lane towards Abu Dhabi closed from April 17 (2pm)- April 20 (5am) • Entry & exit from Al Fursan Street closed from April 18-April 19
Expect delays around Al Fursan Street and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (E20).
What should motorists do • Leave earlier than usual • Follow diversion signs • Avoid the area if possible during peak hours
While traffic may slow things down, the event is all about community, fitness, and bringing people together, a big win for Abu Dhabi’s active lifestyle push.
So whether you’re running or just commuting, be ready, plan smart, and stay moving.
What started as a struggling fight night in Dubai turned into one of the city’s most talked-about sports events, and it’s all thanks to Tristan Hamm.
At a time when live events were taking a hit, this Canadian boxer and social media personality stepped up with his “Spirit of Dubai” initiative, completely changing the game.
From 98 per cent refunds to a packed arena The event was on the brink of cancellation after nearly all tickets were refunded, leaving the venue almost empty.
But Hamm wasn’t having it.
He went all in, leveraging social media, personal outreach, and community connections to bring people back.
The result? • More than 1,400 attendees • Over 400 influencers and business leaders • A buzzing, high-energy fight night atmosphere
The $200,000 move that changed everything In a bold move, Hamm donated $200,000 in tickets to UAE residents, giving many their first-ever live boxing experience.
Within just 2 weeks, the event flipped from near-cancelled to completely sold out.
Then came the knockout The fight night delivered serious action with multiple KOs, but the highlight? Hamm’s own explosive knockout win, which has now gone mega viral with over 500 million views on Instagram
More than just a fight night With nearly 2 million followers, Hamm turned this into a global moment—showcasing Dubai’s energy, community spirit, and ability to bounce back.
His words summed it up perfectly: “Dubai didn’t need saving. It needed people to show up.”
This wasn’t just about boxing, it became a symbol of: • Community power
• Resilience during uncertainty
• The comeback of Dubai’s live events scene
From empty seats to a viral global success, the “Spirit of Dubai” proves one thing: when people come together, the city comes alive.
Football fans in Dubai could be in for a big night this weekend as Cristiano Ronaldo and his Riyadh-based club, Al Nassr, prepare to take on Al Wasl in the first leg of the AFC Champions League Two quarter-finals.
The match will be played at Zabeel Stadium on Sunday, with kick-off scheduled for 6pm. The fixture was earlier postponed by the Asian Football Confederation and is now finally set to take place.
Back from injury
The main question on everyone’s mind is whether Ronaldo will feature. The Portuguese star has recently returned from injury and is in good form, scoring three goals in his last two matches. However, he has played only once in this competition so far, with the club managing his workload and focusing on the Saudi Pro League title race.
There are signs that this could change. With Ronaldo regaining fitness and the season entering a crucial phase, this match could offer him a chance to build rhythm and match sharpness. While his participation is not confirmed, fans remain hopeful.
Even if Ronaldo does not play, the match still promises top-level action. Players like João Felix and Sadio Mane are expected to feature, bringing quality and experience to the pitch.
Officials say the game is likely to draw a strong crowd, with or without Ronaldo. For Dubai, it is set to be a major football evening.