Images: Government of Dubai
HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, has approved the development of new stadiums for UAE Pro League football clubs Shabab Al Ahli and Al Wasl.
Sheikh Hamdan, who is also Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai and president of Shabab Al Ahli, made the announcement today (Wednesday), backing the architectural designs of facilities that are intended to accommodate over 20,000 spectators each in Al Ruwayyah 3 and Al Jaddaf, respectively.
The projects fall under the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, to enhance the role of sports in both Dubai and the UAE, in line with the goal of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to raise Dubai’s profile as a regional and global sporting hub.
The Shabab Al-Ahli Stadium (below and main image) is described as having an “avant-garde design” featuring a lofty circular roof supported by columns simulating the moon, and an outer space symbolising unity and balance. The stadium also features eco-friendly systems and a design that seeks to align seamlessly with smart city requirements.
Meanwhile, with a ‘city within a city’ design concept, the Al Wasl Club Stadium (below) seeks to reflect Dubai’s “unique urban identity” through its integration of open spaces. The design of the stadium is also aligned with sustainability principles and the requirements of smart cities.
HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, chairman of Dubai Sports Council, said: “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.
“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. It also underscores Dubai’s ambition to solidify its position as a leading global sports hub, in line with its future aspirations.
“Furthermore, the project aims to bolster Dubai’s clubs by enhancing their facilities and stadiums, thereby supporting their development strategies and nurturing local talent. The project is also designed to meet the future needs of the two premier clubs, which are among the largest and most esteemed in both the country and the region.”
A dedicated team comprising officials of the Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Sports Council, Shabab Al Ahli and Al Wasl will be established to oversee the stadium project. Their first task will be to award a construction contract. A budget for the venture, or a timeline for its delivery, has not been disclosed.
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