The world's sporting spotlight turned on the UAE this week as Conor McGregor made his long-awaited return to mixed martial arts in Abu Dhabi
But all certainly did not go to plan for the colourful Irishman at UFC 257 as he suffered the first knockout of his career when Dustin Poirier triumphed in the second round during their rematch at the Etihad Arena.
McGregor, 32, admitted he was "gutted" by the brutal defeat, while American Poirier, also 32, said he could be tempted into a third fight against his battered and bruised opponent.
The cream of golf has also descended on the emirates during the last seven days as the European Tour season teed-off with the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.
In-form Englishman Tyrrell Hatton took the honours winning in convincing fashion by four shots at the National Course to secure a fourth title out of the last 20 tournaments he has entered worldwide.
Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy finished third, despite holding a slender lead going into the final day.
On Thursday, action shifted over to Dubai for the Omega Desert Classic where South African Richard Sterne fired an opening round 64 to secure a one-shot advantage going into Day 2 at Emirates Golf Club.
We have picked out 25 stunning images from the last seven days in the photo gallery above. To move on to the next picture click on the arrows, or if using a mobile device, simply swipe.
