Dubai and Abu Dhabi Welcome Thousands for Asia Cup 2025

The UAE is welcoming thousands of cricket enthusiasts from across the world for the Asia Cup 2025. Eight teams will compete in 19 T20 matches across Dubai and Abu Dhabi from September 9, all the way to September 28, 2025.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi will hold the Asia Cup 2025 matches in Dubai International Cricket Stadium and Zayed Cricket Stadium, respectively. Fans can purchase tickets online or at the offices of both stadiums.

The UAE announced the match schedules, with 18 out of 19 matches scheduled during nighttime and 1 match during daytime. The nighttime matches will start at 6:30 PM (GST), while the single-day match will begin at 04:00 PM (GST) at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi.

Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi earlier said:

“Hosting it in the UAE allows us to bring the excitement to one of the most vibrant cricketing hubs in the world. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are well equipped to deliver a seamless and world-class experience for players, fans, and broadcasters alike.”

Where to Stay in Dubai for the Asia Cup 2025?

Dubai International Cricket Stadium is in the Dubai Sports City community. It is one of the three main cricket stadiums in the UAE, the other two being Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah.

Travelers can choose communities located within or close to Dubai Sports City, such as Jumeirah Village Circle, Motor City, and Al Barsha. Accommodation options include hotels, short-term rentals, Airbnbs, and serviced apartments.

Driven Properties can help you look for the best short-term rentals in Dubai.

Best Areas to Explore Between Asia Cup 2025 Matches

The Asia Cup 2025 will last 25 days, and travelers can comfortably use this time to explore the UAE in between matches.

• Tourist attractions: There are prominent tourist attractions in Dubai located near Dubai Sports City. Ski through artificial snow in Mall of Emirates’ Ski Dubai, explore the world’s largest waterpark at Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark, or grab a 25-minute ride to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.
• Art galleries: If the arts are more of your scene, Dubai also features prominent art galleries in Downtown Dubai, 25 to 30 minutes away from Dubai Sports City.
• Golf Courses: For sports enthusiasts, golfing is also a popular luxury leisure activity in Dubai. There are several iconic golf courses in the city with world-class facilities, abundant greenery, and vistas.
• Beaches: Of course, a day at the beach is a must-do when in Dubai. There are plenty of beaches where you can soak up the summer sun and swim in the sea by yourself, with friends, or with family.

Top Things to Do in Dubai During Asia Cup 2025

1. Iconic Landmarks & City Views

• Burj Khalifa – At The Top: Climb up to the observation decks of the world’s tallest building for breathtaking views across the city, desert, and sea.
• Dubai Frame: Walk across a sky bridge with panoramic views of old and new Dubai framed perfectly in one structure.
• Jumeirah Mosque: One of the few mosques open to non-Muslim visitors, offering cultural tours and insights into Emirati traditions.

2. Shopping & Entertainment Experiences

• The Dubai Mall: Beyond shopping, explore the aquarium, ice rink, virtual reality park, and countless dining options.
• Dubai Fountain Show: Witness the world’s largest choreographed fountain dancing to music at the base of Burj Khalifa.
• Dubai Opera: Enjoy world-class performances from opera and ballet to concerts and musicals in a stunning architectural landmark.
• Global Village (Seasonal): A cultural extravaganza featuring pavilions from around the world, live shows, and street food.

3. Waterfronts & Leisure Walks

• Dubai Marina & JBR Walk: Stroll along the vibrant waterfront, lined with restaurants, shops, and yacht cruises.
• Palm Jumeirah & The Pointe: Admire the man-made island’s luxury resorts, dine with views of Atlantis, and catch nightly fountain shows.
• Dubai Creek & Al Fahidi Historic District: Step back in time with traditional souks, abra (boat) rides, and heritage museums.

4. Adventure & Outdoor Experiences

• Desert Safari: Experience dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, and Bedouin-style dinners under the stars.
• Hot Air Balloon Ride over the Desert: Glide above golden dunes at sunrise, spotting gazelles and camels from the sky.

5. Theme Parks & Indoor Attractions

• Ski Dubai (Mall of the Emirates): Ski, snowboard, or play with penguins inside a massive indoor snow park.
• Aquaventure Waterpark (Atlantis, The Palm): Thrill-seekers can enjoy record-breaking water slides, a lazy river, and marine encounters.
• Museum of the Future: Immerse yourself in futuristic technologies and innovative experiences inside one of Dubai’s most iconic new buildings.

Key Considerations for Visitors During the Asia Cup 2025

As a smart city, Dubai offers many conveniences for its residents and tourists. It’s important to know these conveniences so that you may be able to take advantage of them appropriately.

• Dubai public transport: The Dubai Road and Transport Authority (RTA) provides seamless connectivity for residents in Dubai. The Dubai metro is your friend when it comes to easily accessing most of the city. There are also RTA buses and taxi booking services to choose from. However, make sure to time your travels to avoid peak traffic hours (from 05:00 PM - 08:00 PM).
• Delivery services: One of Dubai’s main conveniences is its delivery services. Companies such as Noon, Careem, and Talabat offer door-to-door deliveries for online shopping, food, and groceries. Most notably, these services offer 15-minute deliveries wherever you are in Dubai.
• Dubai weather: The summers in Dubai are hot, so make sure to pack clothes and accessories accordingly. Sunscreen, light clothing, and shades can go a long way in the Dubai sun.

Securing a Residence Visa in the UAE

Devoted sports lovers may envision themselves traveling to Dubai multiple times every few years to attend a sporting event. This procedure may involve drawn-out steps including requesting entry permissions into the country.

Obtaining a UAE residency visa through property investment can make these frequent visits easier. At Driven Properties, we can support investors in purchasing their ideal properties in Dubai for their goals and also acquire the cove 10-year golden visa in the process.

Conclusion

The UAE Asia Cup 2025 presents the large potential of sports tourism in driving economic growth in the UAE. These sports events attract thousands of international investors, supporting the rest of the Dubai economy, such as airlines, hotels, local transport, and retail sectors.

These sports events allow international fans to combine the experience of live cricket with the opportunity to explore the UAE’s cultural landmarks, shopping districts, luxury experiences, and more.

For further insights and comprehensive real estate advisory services, please contact Driven | Forbes Global Properties at +971800374836.