Below, we detail five things on offer for the UAE sports fan to take advantage of this week, as Rafael Nadal comes to town for the Mubadala World Tennis Championship, the Premier League offers midweek action and registration closes for the Dubai Marathon, the US NCAA football play-offs begin and Real Madrid are in early midweek action.
Mubadala World Tennis Championship
Thursday, Friday, Saturday – Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi; gates open at noon
Catch the quarter-finals, between the bottom four seeds David Ferrer and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga; and Kevin Anderson and Milos Raonic, on Thursday. On Friday the semi-finals feature top seed Stan Wawrinka against the Raonic-Anderson winner and Rafael Nadal against the Ferrer-Tsonga winner. The final and third place matches are on Saturday.
And before that, visit Yas Mall on Wednesday where David Ferrer will be appearing for fans from 12.45pm.
For a full guide to the action see Ahmed Rizvi's breakdown. For ticketing information visit ticketmaster.ae.
The annual pre-season exhibition is a rare chance to see the likes of Nadal and Wawrinka in such an intimate setting, and players take it fairly seriously all things considered, as they want to get in a good test of themselves with this being the first warm-up action ahead of the Australian Open.
Premier League: Manchester United v Chelsea
Monday – 9.30pm, BeIn Sports
One towering figure in Jose Mourinho has already been sacked this season – his old Chelsea team could doom another larger-than-life manager, Louis van Gaal, to the same fate at Manchester United.
It’s always a lazy week between Christmas and New Year’s Day, a night out in front of the football is in order.
The scene, wherever one decides to watch around town, is always the more lively and raucous when two clubs of this size clash.
Read more: Greg Lea on Chelsea, stripped of their aura and now closer to solving their problems after Jose Mourinho exit; and Andy Mitten on Manchester United supporters strengthening their faith in dark times.
Real Madrid v Real Sociedad; Barcelona v Real Betis
Wedensday – 7pm (Madrid); 11.30pm (Barca) BeIn Sports
Another chance for top-class footy on the midweek schedule, as La Liga makes a quick return from the festive-season break.
Both Barca and Madrid have been vulnerable recently, so don’t rule out a shock result – every point is precious from here on out with the Catalan club even atop the table with Atletico Madrid, and Real lurking just two points back.
Real offer the convenient early start, but if you fancy staying up Lionel Messi and Co should make for a good show coming off their fifth title of 2015 at the Club World Cup.
Register for the 2016 Dubai Marathon
Closes Thursday
Act quick! Your last chance to get involved in this one is fast approaching. Visit here for details.
The full 42.195km (26.2 miles) marathon starts at 6.30am on January 22 and costs US$120 (Dh440) to register.
There are still less intense ways to get involved, though, including the 10km road race (Age 15+, US$75 entry) and 4km fun run (All ages, US$30 entry).
If your New Year’s resolution is to get in better shape, hey, why not try training for a marathon?
American football college semi-finals: Clemson University v Oklahoma University; University of Alabama v Michigan State University
Friday – 1am (Clemson-Oklahoma); 5am (Alabama-Michigan State), ESPN Player
If you’ve already been out for New Year’s Eve, why not a nightcap with American sport? Or, conversely, if you weren’t out for New Year’s Eve, how about an early rise with American sport?
This is the second year of the college football play-off, and it’s already proven a massive draw in the US.
Heisman Trophy finalist, quarterback Deshaun Watson leads the last undefeated team, Clemson, in their quest to reach the championship game and win their first national title since 1981.
Perennial power Alabama, meanwhile, are out for their fourth title in seven years and have won 10 straight since their only loss of the season in September. They will ride Heisman-winning running back Derrick Henry against a tough Michigan State team led by NFL QB prospect Connor Cook.
ESPN Player offers an NCAA daily pass for US$14.99 (Dh55).
