New stadiums set to boost Dubai's image as a sports hotspot

With decades of experience in hosting international contests, Dubai is looking to increase its repertoire of sporting events by investing in new facilities and expanding existing sites. In 2014, plans were announced for the construction of new stadiums, but Dubai Sports Council is also keen to see smaller sports facilities built to serve new and existing communities.

Seating Capacity

Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens attracts at least 50,000 spectators for each of the three days of the event. The Sevens Stadium has a permanent seating capacity of 5000, with temporary stands erected to seat another 45,000 people during the event and for special fixtures such as the Dubai Football Challenge, which saw Real Madrid and AC Milan play a friendly match in December 2014. When the temporary and permanent stands combine to provide a capacity of 50,000, the Sevens Stadium matches Dubai’s other major sporting venue, the Meydan Racecourse, where the Grandstand accommodates 50,000 people for the annual Dubai World Cup horse race in March. The Sevens Stadium has also hosted prominent concerts, like Rod Stewart, Duran Duran and Justin Bieber among previous attractions.

From 2018 however, Dubai could have a permanent arena with a greater seating capacity than either Meydan or The Sevens. In March 2014, plans were announced to build a multi-purpose stadium with permanent seating for 60,000 sports fans adjacent to Dubai Sports City. According to local press reports, the development will be funded by Dubai Sports Council as part of UAE Football Association’s bid to host the 2019 Asian Cup. Dubai Sports City’s original plans, which were scaled back following the property slump, had originally been due to include a 60,000-seater stadium, along with a 10,000-capacity indoor arena, a hockey stadium with 5000 seats and the 25,000-seat Dubai International Cricket Stadium, which has hosted international matches since 2009.

Focal Points

Dubai has seen the potential for developing communities near these attractions. Dubai Sports City was originally conceived as a self-contained city with schools, residential complexes and other amenities built around its stadiums. Although some of these facilities are already completed, including schools and the Els Club golf centre, work is continuing on other aspects of the sports city. Arena Mall, a 176,000-sq-metre shopping destination, is due to open in 2018 and work on Canal Promenade, a mixed-use residential complex is due for completion in 2016.

Mini City

In April 2014, Meydan Racecourse announced plans to develop a “mini-city” around its star attraction, and according to Alpen Capital in June 2014, Meydan Group signed a Dh700m ($190.5m) financing deal with Commercial Bank International to go towards the development of 1500 villas for Emirates Group to provide four-bedroom homes for the airline’s pilots in Meydan City. The Meydan Hotel offers five-star accommodation for business and leisure travellers, who can take advantage of sports facilities including Meydan Golf and Meydan Tennis Academy.

Sports Training

The offering for tourists and residents interested in participating in sport is also being improved with the development of coaching facilities such as Meydan Tennis Academy. At Dubai Sports City, there is a Spanish Soccer Schools centre, an International Cricket Council cricket academy, the Butch Harmon School of Golf, rugby and swimming academies, and a David Lloyd tennis coaching centre. Newer developments are also providing organised sports coaching at these facilities. By the end of 2015, the $1.4bn Habtoor Palace complex on the site of the old Metropolitan Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road should include a tennis academy.

These new facilities are designed to help Dubai attract a broader range of visitors and to give its tourists more opportunities and options during their stay in the emirate. Improved facilities for those who enjoy sports are expected to play a role in enhancing the family holiday experience, while mega-projects help Dubai remain competitive with its Gulf neighbours.