Go-karting has emerged as one of the most popular activities to enjoy in the UAE. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, solo karter or looking for a group activity, the go-karting in the UAE is fun for everyone. Some of the best tracks are located in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. These tracks pass by several prominent spots and allow you to enjoy the sights while on an adrenaline-rushing ride.
This detailed guide on go-karting in the UAE will help you find a track best suited to your needs.
Best places for go-karting in Dubai
Dubai boasts some of the best go-karting zones of the Emirates. Some of the most popular spots for go-karting and driving fast in Dubai include:
1. Kartdrome
Located across the famous Dubai Autodrome, Kartdrome offers separate outdoor and indoor karting tracks. The indoor track is 629 m long and accommodates 10 people at a time. It’s located in a large facility near the outdoor circuit.
On the other hand, the comparatively more famous outdoor track is 1.2 km long, featuring a tunnel and 17 corners. The circuits have floodlights for nighttime karting. It’s also worth noting that the Dubai Kartdrome is the only track in the world to feature a bridge and tunnel section.
Some of the famous karting races of the UAE, such as the Dubai Kartdrome Endurance Championship and the DAMC Karting Championship, are also organised here. The tracks are open to anyone aged 7 and above and allow you to practice your karting on the tracks.
Cost: AED 137 for a 15-minute practice session (Outdoor) | AED 105 for a 15-minute session (Indoor) | An annual fee of AED 11 is required to access karting activities
Location: Motor City
Outdoor timings: Sundays to Wednesdays: 09:00 AM to 12:00 AM | Thursdays to Saturdays: 08:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Indoor timings: Sundays to Wednesdays: 02:00 PM to 10:00 PM | Thursdays to Saturdays: 08:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Contact:+971-4-806-2220 or register online
2. Ekart Zabeel
EKart Zabeel offers go-karting at Dubai Mall and is one of the latest additions to the go-karting scene in the UAE. A project of Emaar Entertainment, this karting zone has a lot to offer. Their electric karts have made quite a wave in the world of go-karting.
Cost: AED 95 for a single timed session | AED 175 for a double timed session
Location: Opposite the Food Court, The Dubai Mall, Zabeel, Financial Centre Rd.
Timings: Sunday to Wednesday: 04:00 PM to 10:00 AM | Thursday to Saturday: 04:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Contact: 800-38224-6255 or email at enquiriesekartzabeel@emaar.ae
3. Kart Mania Sports Track
Also a recent addition to the city, Kart Mania Dubai offers arrive and drive sessions on a first-come, first-served basis. You do not have to reserve beforehand unless you want the track for a group event. They have separate karting options for kids and adults. Anyone over 9 is welcome to enjoy their unique go-kart tracks, which will constantly test drivers.
Cost: AED 120 for a 15-minute session
Location: Dubai Festival City
Timings: Monday to Sunday: 04:00 PM to 11:30 AM
Contact: +971-50-486-2250
Best Places for go-karting in Abu Dhabi
When it comes to go-karting in Abu Dhabi, there are many spots where karting-lovers can practice and compete at this adrenaline rushing motorsport. Some of the most famous among these are:
1. Go-karting at Yas Marina Circuit
One of the best places for car lovers in the UAE, the Kartzone at Yas Marina has a 1 km track with three configurations and more than 45 karts. Powered by ADNOC, the karting zone offers various experiences, including the usual arrive and drive, karting academy for training and the thrilling Sodi World Series (SWS) karting.
The overall experience is thrilling yet safe. They have separate karts modified for kids, allowing families to enjoy the track together. The circuit is most visited for the Grand Prix, which is held here annually.
Cost: Standard rates are AED 120/adult and AED 80/junior for an arrive and drive session of 15 minutes | Summer packages offer 95/adult and 65/junior
Location: Car Racing Track in Yas Island, Marina
Timings: Monday to Sunday between 4:00 PM and 12:00 AM
Contact: 800 927 927 or register online
2. Al-Forsan International Kart Circuit
Considered a heaven for the go-kart lovers, Al Forsan International Kart Circuit is a 1.2 km long track. There are four tracks at the karting zone. These are Under Circuit Track, off-road section, CIK track and a drifting track. The best track among these for racing is the off-road track because it offers mirrored loops, making the overall experience a memorable adventure. They have different karts, including the two-seaters. All the karts are equipped with extremely precise timing display systems. Also, the track has cameras throughout its length to monitor the races closely. A tip to the wise – keep your passport, Emirates ID and driving licence with you to enjoy any activity at this club.
Cost: AED 120 for a 15-minute session of ‘arrive and drive.’
Location: Al Forsan International Kart Circuit, Abu Dhabi
Timings: Monday to Sunday between 7:00 AM and 11:00 PM
Contact: +971 2 556 8555 or register online
3. Ferrari World – Karting Academy
If you are looking for entertainment in Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World is your best bet. It is an amusement park offering all kinds of thrilling rides to souls seeking some great adventures. One of their most prominent attractions is karting at their world-famous Karting Academy. You can enjoy an interesting karting experience in their electric-powered go-karts on a 290 m long track.
Cost: AED 40 for karting, Ferrari World pass is AED 295 for adults
Location: Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Timings: Monday to Sunday: 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Contact: 600 511115 / (+971) 2 496 8000 or register online
4. Al-Ain Raceway
Al-Ain Raceway in Abu Dhabi offers an incredible karting experience with its international circuit. It has a 1.6 km-long racing track ideal for outdoor karting. The place is ideal for both beginners and experienced drivers. They also rearrange and merge tracks to offer participants a unique experience. This allows for the creation of unpredictable tracks with twists and turns, doubling the fun.
The karts here are amazing with their excellent performance and easy driving. The karting zone uses the latest SMS timing software to monitor and report lap times accurately. They provide helmets and balaclavas to the driver, ensuring maximum safety.
Cost: AED 120 for a 15-minute arrive and drive session
Location: Khatam Al Shiklah Street, Al Ain
Timings: Monday to Friday: 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Contact: +971 (0)3 768 6662
RAK Track
If you are looking for go-karting at somewhere other than Dubai and Abu Dhabi, then this newest addition to the UAE karting tracks, RAK Track, is the place for you. It is located in Ras Al-Khaimah and offers some of the best speedy competitions. The IAME X30 Racing Challenge is also organised by the RAK track, giving the karting-lovers another reason to visit it.
Cost: AED 115/adult for a 15-minute session
Timings: Mon to Wed: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Thursdays and Saturdays, 3:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Contact: +971-07-2222128
Go-Karting Tips and Tricks
Go-karting sounds like it is about speed and nerves – but if you take the basic safety precautions, the sport is quite safe and fun. Almost all the kart zones offer protective gear such as helmets and race suits. However, make sure you have comfortable and loose clothes on with a pair of sports trainers.
Here are a few tips and tricks to win the race on the kart tracks:
- Always sit correctly
A go-kart is a small, lightweight vehicle. Therefore, your posture can affect its speed and balance. For the optimum acceleration and easy handling, sit comfortably, resting your back on the seat. Avoid the urge to hunch or lean forward, as this is likely to slow the car down.
- Keep a strong grip
Make sure you have a symmetric grip on the wheels for easy controlling and manoeuvring of the kart. If you keep a lazy grip, you will be wasting inertia and time adjusting to the path.
- Keep a high momentum
When karting, keep a look on the track ahead so you can anticipate your next moves. This will keep you from having to slow down for brakes and turns, and instead ensure steady momentum.
- Keep a straight path
Try to stay in a straight path for as long as possible, as this will ensure steadiness and higher speeds. Unnecessary turns and swerves will reduce the speed.
- Keep the engine running
To maintain a smooth drive and fast pace, never apply the accelerator and brake simultaneously. This will stop the engine, slowing you down in the race.
- Avoid Spinning out
Do not apply the brake when you turn, as this may cause the tyres to lose traction. This, in turn, will make you spin out. The best time to apply the brakes is when you are moving in a straight path.
- Follow the fastest drivers
If you end up straying from the track, follow the driver going the fastest. They are more likely to be the more professional ones and closer to the track.
- Focus on doing the fastest lap
While it is very natural to feel the need to get past other racers, it is more important to focus on having the fastest lap time. This will win you the race.
Now you know about all the happening places for go-karting in the UAE, with different ticket prices for go-karting, you can head on to a karting spot that suits you best. Moreover, you can check out these used go-karts for sale to enjoy the sport privately.
Stay tuned to the UAE’s top auto blog for more on car racing and auto sports in the Emirates.
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