Written by: Samantha Granger, CFW Health Fitness Program Manager

When? Friday March 8-Saturday 9.

Now in its eighth year, the Dubai Corporate Games have been held since 2006. Open to all companies, big and small, participants in the 37 different competitions span a wide range of industries. ‘Typically we have a lot of multinationals and local groups, and some smaller companies too,’ explains organiser Bahi Rifai of High Five Events. Past entrants have included General Electric, HP, Unilever, Pepsi, Nestlé, TECOM, Flydubai, Mars, L’Oréal, Time Out’s own ITP Publishing and more – many of whom return to compete year after year.

Bahi believes the event has helped to establish a corporate sports scene in the city. ‘A lot of the teams now train for most of the year, and companies keep coming back to the Games. Some serious but healthy rivalries have developed between companies, especially within the same industry.’ The most popular categories are football, basketball, cricket, tennis, table tennis and dragon boat racing. While registration for the event is now closed, the weekend offers two full days out for spectators, with activities, food stalls, competitions, music and entertainment to keep the crowds occupied.