State-of-the-art stadia for Dubai top-flights

Article posted by Coliseum, March 7^th, 2024

Image: Dubai Media Office

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai (UAE), has approved the design of two new stadiums for the Shabab Al Ahli and Al Wasl Football Club.

‘thenationalnews.com’ stated that the new grounds will be built in the Al Rawayyah 3 and Al Jaddaf areas of Dubai, each with a capacity of 20,000.

The Shabab Al Ahli Club is an Emirati professional association football club based in Dubai, which currently plays in the UAE ADNOC Pro League, the top professional football league in the United Arab Emirates. The 12,052-capacity Rashid Stadium in Dubai serves as their residence.

The Al Wasl F.C. is an Emirati professional football club based in Dubai, which competes in the United Arab Emirates Football League. It is a part of the multisports club Al Wasl SC. The club is located in Zabeel, where it plays in the 8,439-capacity Zabeel Stadium in Dubai.

‘thenationalnews.com’ further stated that the project is aimed at meeting the future needs of the two clubs, as well as widening their respective fan bases and nurturing the local talent.

Image: Dubai Media Office

The Shabab Al Ahli stadium has an avant-garde design, which features a circular roof supported by columns – depicting the Moon – and it will be surrounded by green spaces and walking areas.

It also features eco-friendly systems and a design that aims to complement the City’s smart requirements.

The Al Wasl stadium is also designed with sustainability in mind and will be surrounded by open green spaces, as well as a number of sports fields nearby.

The stadiums are designed to accommodate over 20,000 spectators each.

The project aims to contribute to the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, a strategy launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the Vice-President and Ruler of Dubai, to raise the Emirate’s profile as a regional and global sporting center.

Dubai’s Economic Agenda ‘D33’ aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy by 2033, making it one of the top three Cities for living, investing and working.

Said Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed, Chairman, Dubai Sports Council, “The project demonstrates the dynamic evolution of Dubai’s sporting sector and the Emirate’s dedication to enhancing sporting achievements and widening the fan base. The project aims to bolster Dubai’s clubs by enhancing their facilities and stadiums, thereby supporting their development strategies and nurturing the local talent.”

Dubai (UAE)-based the Dubai Sports Council (DSC) is the official sports governing body of the Government of Dubai. It was launched in 2005 by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE.

Sheikh Mansour said the new stadiums would meet the future needs of the two football clubs, which are “among the largest and most esteemed in both the country and the region.”

No details have been announced as to when the projects are expected to be completed or the cost.

However, Mattar Al Tayer, Commissioner General of Infrastructure, Urban Planning and Well-being Pillar, and Vice-Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, said that a specialized firm would be chosen to carry out the construction work.

The sports sector contributes Dh4 billion ($1.08 billion) annually to Dubai’s economy, according to 2021 figures released by the Emirate’s Media Office.

The Emirate hosts a number of national and international events each year, which attract visitors from around the world.

Dubai’s advanced sports infrastructure, which includes dedicated cycling and running tracks, and the rise in the number of sports academies and fitness centers, have also played a crucial role in the growth of the sector.

Promoting Sports

‘EMIRATES 24/7’ quoted Sheikh Mansour as stating, “The construction of the two stadiums embodies the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to advance excellence in Dubai’s sports sector. This initiative underscores the strong support Dubai’s sports sector receives from the leadership. The project also reflects the importance of sports in Dubai’s community and the Government’s commitment to raising the community’s participation in sporting activities and upgrading the infrastructure needed to host major sporting events.”

His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer lauded His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of the Executive Council, for approving the designs of the new stadium projects – “The sports sector is privileged to receive the strong support of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. His Highness consistently backs projects that drive the expansion and advancement of the sports sector, attract more participants and facilitate the hosting of major sports events. With this remarkable new project, His Highness has once again demonstrated his commitment to enhancing sports in Dubai and the UAE. This project is set to make a significant contribution to both the sporting community and the society at large and play a crucial role in future sports development plans.

‘EMIRATES 24/7’ stated that His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer announced the setting up of a dedicated team comprising officials of the Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Sports Council, Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club, and the Al Wasl Club to oversee the stadium project.

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