Mohammad Khalifa Al Qubasi kindled the ten pin bowling interest nearly 10 years ago when he won the World Cup Bowling Championship held in Mexico. The youth of the Emirates were keen on pursuing this Dubai sport and subsequently many from around Dubai now travel to Dubai to improve their skills in this wonderful fun-filled activity.
Dubai Bowling Centre:
Visit Dubai and opposite Al Shabab Club and Century Mall in Al Mamzar, you see this gigantic bowling and recreation centre which was built in May 2001 and is equipped with the latest state-of-the –art technologies. Unlike the other bowling centers which have 8 or 9 lanes, Dubai Bowling Centre has 36 Brunswick lanes so the noise levels of tenpins being knocked down in so many lanes by boisterous and noisy individuals having fun is worth a visit to Dubai’s largest and brightest centre. Team building activities are fostered here by Corporate Companies and regular tourneys are held towards this end. The Dubai Bowling Centre has played host to the FIQ World Championship in 1999. Many sports enthusiasts traveled to Dubai to witness the first Arab Singles Championship and the GCC All-Filipino Bowling Tour which took place at this Dubai Bowling Center.
Facilities: On Thursday evenings, heralding the weekend, the centre takes on a festive air complete with UV lights as balls that “glow in the dark”, hurtle through the alleys with loud thumping music in the background. It is advisable to book well ahead to ensure a slot for tenpin bowling. Shoes are available on hire for use in this Dubai sport. One can avail of the spacious lounge for relaxing. The parking lot is very spacious. The Little Italy Café, a retail shop, Table Tennis and fuss ball courts are open for all as part of the recreation centre. Travel to Dubai to experience a wonderful Thai massage at leisure after a round of bowling at the Dubai Bowling Center.
Contact: P.O. Box 96096, Al Mamzar, Dubai, U.A.E
Tel: 4 2969222
Fax: 4 2966599
E-mail: dbc1@emirates.net.ae
Timings: 10 a.m to midnight daily
Deira City Center’s City Bowling:
Magic Planet has been the largest center for fun and frolic in the Middle East and a great place to entertain the entire family including little children. Travel to Dubai for a holiday with family and include this vibrant hotspot where there is time for fun and play.
Facilities: From the ages of three upwards, you see children enjoying themselves at the 8 lane alley trying to roll the ball on a flat surface with the intention of knocking down the ten pins at the end of the alley. Gutter guards are provided on request to enable the beginners to get a strike. Video games and theme rides are also available here.
There is a 11-screen Cinestar Cinema for the movie buffs. They also cater to children’s parties. Shoes are available on hire.
Contact: Magic Planet, Deira City Center, P.O.Box 60772, Dubai, U.A.E
Tel: 4 295433
Timings: 10 a.m to 2 a.m daily
Al Nasr Leisureland:
The name Al Nasr means “The Victory”. Built as early as 1979, this bowling center has 8 lanes. The ambience and lighting is not as plush as the Dubai Bowling Center. Various levels of play starting from 5-pins can be played here. The scoring is done electronically with computers.
Facilities: You can hire shoes here. An Ice Rink and plenty of arcade games can be availed off.
Visit Dubai and relax with a cool bottle of beer in Al Nasr Leisureland which is the only licensed place for beer. A lot of tourists and expatriates frequent this Dubai sport especially during the weekend.
Contact: P.O.Box 2652, Near American Hospital, Oud Metha
Tel: 4 3371234
Fax: 4 3374952
E-mail: alnasrll@eim.ae
Timings: 9 a.m to 12 midnight.
A popular sport for Corporate Companies like the Emirates Group, Caltex and National Bank of Dubai who encourage their employees to meet, relax and further their business prospects side by side. Tenpin bowling centers are also located in the King of Games, Millennium Avenue and Siborg Amusement Center, to name a few. These are not as big or as well represented as the Dubai Bowling Center which attracts expatriates residing there throughout the year.
Ladies ranging, from young girls to married, are finding this Dubai sport activity a great way to unwind and it is not uncommon to have tournaments organized by women. This is truly a great game for girls who just want to have fun.