UAE fitness news and events for April and May: Al Gharbia Watersports Festival, Night Howler, and more

A look at the latest UAE happenings to keep you active and healthy over the next month.

Make a splash at this annual event in the Western Region and try rowing, sailing, kitesurfing, beach volleyball, parachute sailing and more at the Al Gharbia Watersports Festival. Silvia Razgova / TheShow more

April 21-30

Al Gharbia Watersports Festival

Make a splash at this annual event in the Western Region and try rowing, sailing, kitesurfing, beach volleyball, parachute sailing and more. There are also heritage and children's activities, a traditional market and theatre competitions. Al Mirfa, Al Gharbia; visit www.abudhabievents.ae.

April 23

Anantara Kayak Race

Enjoy the outdoors and work up a sweat with a 7-kilometre kayak race around Eastern Mangroves in Abu Dhabi. The race is for teams of two, who compete in a double kayak, and starts from Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara. Registration is at the hotel from 6.30am and the race kicks off at 8am. Entry costs Dh400 per person, which includes kayak rental equipment and lunch. Contact 02 656 1152 or [e-mail]

Walk for Autism Dubai

Marking Autism Awareness Month, this walk sets off from Gate 3, Zabeel Park, at 5pm. Registration is free and starts from 3pm. There will also be an art bazaar, health corner, food corner and bouncy castle, and opportunities to learn more about the condition. Visit www.walkforautismdubai.com to register.

April 29

FBMA Ladies Night Run

Sign up now for this ladies' fun run under the lights at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club. It starts at the Westin Hotel and loops 2.5km around the golf course. There is a 1,500-metre driving range dash, 2.5km and 5km runs, as well as a 5km team relay. Entry costs Dh50. Register at www.premieronline.com.

Talise Fitness Sandstorm 7

Test your athleticism in a series of obstacles across a 4km course that covers land, sand and sea. Teams of three will need to climb, crawl, run and jump their way to the finish line. The event runs from 6.30am to 10.30am and starts at Dubai's Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Registration costs Dh600 per team and must be completed by April 28. Visit www.talisefitness.com.

May 6

Night Howler

Bring your pooch for this 5km fun run through the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah. The race is in the evening, so participants will need to bring a torch, and it's no problem if you don't own a dog – you can walk one from K9 dog shelter. Wadi Shawka, 7pm, Dh150, register at www.premieronline.com.

May 8

Wings for Life World Run

This run at Dubai Autodrome raises money for spinal-cord research. The race is open to wheelchair users and runners and is held around the world on the same day. Some of the participating countries include Australia, Brazil, India, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States. In Dubai, the race starts at 3pm and costs Dh195. Proceeds go to the Wings for Life spinal-cord research foundation. Register at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com.

May 18-21

Dubai Tango Festival

Learn the Argentine dance, brush up on your skills and participate in social dances – called milongas – at the 8th annual festival. There's also free yoga classes for participants. Prices vary depending on the type of package and level of experience, however milonga tickets start from Dh100, www.tangodubai.org.