An outdoor Dubai sport, shooting and archery has been in existence for over 20 years. Thanks to “the keen eye” of Sheikh Ahmed bin Hasher Al Maktoum who won the gold medal at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens for the double trap event, shotgun shooting as a Dubai sport was highlighted and made popular. Travel to Dubai for this ideal family outdoor sport for all ages where men and women can compete as hunters or non hunters. This is a great way to expend energy in a quiet and restful setting under the trained eye of expert professional instructors.
Jebel Ali Shooting Club:
If you travel to Dubai, a pleasant drive of about 35 minutes from the City center brings you straight to this Club which has an imposing fortress like resemblance. The indoor and outdoor facilities are of international standards and open to all ages. Instructors make individuals or groups aware of all the safety precautions before they start practicing. Careful gun handling is of the utmost criteria and shooting safety is stressed here. The Pistol Range is spread over 25 meters with full bullet proof paneled 5 lanes.
The Archery Range can accommodate 12 participants at one time in Jebel Ali Club which has over 5,000 square meters of soft sand range.
Facilities: All the five outdoor clay shooting ranges cater to any or all of the 7 clay shooting disciplines including Pistol, Trapshooting and Olympic Skeet. All are flood-lit. The Cinetronic Firearms Simulator Room is used for practice sessions. An Academy offering tuitions as well as equipment is attached to this Club for those who visit Dubai.
Timings: Tuesdays are holidays. From Wednesday to Monday from 1st January to 31st May and 13th October to 31st December, the Shooting Club will be open from 1 p.m to 10 p.m. In summer, from 1st June to 12th October, Wednesday to Monday, it will open from 3 p.m to 12 midnight. Due to popular demand this Club will remain open throughout the month of August. The Pistol range is open from Wednesday to Monday in September from 3 p.m to 12 midnight.
Contact: Jebel Ali Shooting Club, P.O.Box 9255, Dubai, U.A.E
Tel: 4 8836555
Fax: 4 8835543
Email: jagrs@jaihotels.com
Archery Hatta Fort Hotel:
A visit to Dubai for the adventurous and outdoor sport lovers should include this hotspot destination, which welcomes both visitors as well as non residents of the hotel, to use the facilities of the Club. Travel to Dubai’s mountain retreat which is less than an hour’s drive from Dubai where both archery as well as clay-pigeon shooting ranges are available including use of their sophisticated equipment.
Facilities: A 5 minute walk from the Hotel which spreads over 80 acres and you are at the clay shooting range. Professional instructors give you an introductory lesson on safety precautions before handling the gun and bows. In addition, the hotel also has other indoor games, a swimming pool and excellent wine and dine facilities.
Rules: For Archery, the minimum age is 10. For shooting, the minimum age is 13 and according to the age, the size or speed of the gun is determined. A 21 year is allowed use of a 9mm gun while a 16 year old will be allowed to handle only a .22 caliber. Arm bands are provided by the club and these have to be worn as a safety precaution for arrows whizzing past as you practice. It is imperative not to run to the target area to see if the arrow has made its mark. This could be dangerous as you could cross someone’s line of fire.
Contact: Archery Hatta Fort Hotel
Tel: 4 8523211
Email: hfh@jaihotels.com
Timings: Daily 9a.m to sunset.
The Dubai Archery Group:
This is a very professional and dedicated group who are willing to spread awareness of the game and teach anyone who is interested in learning the art. The team have been in existence for over 20 years and recently hosted coaching classes for Level 1 and Level 2 players. Experienced in hunting and skilled archery, they encourage parents to enroll their children for coaching classes by holding inter college competitions at the end of the course.
Rules: The minimum age requirement is 10+ and both boys and girls can enlist for this Dubai sport. Safety is taught followed by use, care and preparation of the equipment. Target shooting on the range is followed by field practice for the better skilled. Arm bands are used as a safety precaution.
Contact: Simon Linton, P.O.Box 80492, Dubai, U.A.E
Tel: 4 2215839
Fax: 4 2283176
Email: info@dubaiarchers.com
These are the main centers for shooting and archery activities encapsulated under Dubai sports. Visit Dubai for a memorable holiday filled with cherished memories of “Guns and poses” as you shoot at the clubs mentioned above.