Thomas Hein
Sports in the UAE play an important role in the implementation of effective social policies and the promotion of healthy lifestyles. In recent years, the UAE has steadily entered the international sports arena and proved to the world that it is possible to achieve such heights in record time.
Sports in the UAE – prerequisites and success factors
International sports experts have repeatedly noted that the sports sector of the United Arab Emirates is developing at a rapid pace. According to them, a number of objective reasons and factors contribute to this. Among them, the fundamental ones are:
- The perfect and developed tourist infrastructure and the popularity of the resort. The popularity of the UAE as a resort destination is formed by impeccable service, high standards of comfort, and the presence of excellent tourist infrastructure;
- International sporting events – a favorable climate, open water, plenty of lands,s and financial solvency, provide the Emirates the attraction for many international sports cups and competitions;
- Competent social policy of the state – the Emirates authorities seriously think about the sport’s prospects in the state. A perfect system is implemented in the UAE, including the provision of assistance on favorable terms, encouragement and incentives for young athletes, their employment and social assistance, the construction of sports complexes, etc.
Soccer is the national sport of the United Arab Emirates. The soccer clubs of Emirati Al Ain, Al Wasl, Al Shebab ACD, Al Sharjah, Al Wohda, and Al Ahli are the most popular teams and have a reputation as long-time regional champions. The great competition keeps the United Arab Emirates excited, as people fill the streets when their favorite team wins.
The United Arab Emirates Football Association was first established in 1971 and has since devoted its time and effort to promoting the game, organizing youth programs, and improving the abilities of not only its players but also the officials and coaches associated with its regional teams.
The unrivalled liberal and flamboyant emirate of Dubai in the UAE delights its guests with the bright Arabian sun and the warm sea. It also delights with its incredible architecture and plenty of outdoor activities and entertainment opportunities. The most polarizing place to play tennis in Dubai is considered to be the Dubai Tennis Stadium.
Dubai Tennis Stadium
The world-famous resort of Dubai hosts sporting events of a different nature every year. For the most part, these are world-class championships. Open tennis championships are held on the courts of the tennis stadium. This sports ground for tennis is located in the Garoud area, on the territory of the Aviation Club. The stadium was opened in 1996.
According to the design plan, the capacity of this tennis court is just over 5,000 people. All tennis courts in the stadium have a hard surface and are located in the open air. The main court is located in the stadium.
This court is the largest and the final championships are held here. There are also several smaller courts that are used for smaller games and practices. The easiest way to get there is by car, which you can rent. Rental prices are becoming more attractive every year, and for relatively small money you can even get an SUV for rent in Dubai. Moreover, you can rent exotic cars like Ferrari and Lamborghini.
Fans of the game of tennis can get a whole new experience if they spend their training sessions under the clouds. This is also possible in Dubai. At an altitude of 321 meters, there is an open-air tennis court. On the roof of the famous Hotel Sail or Burj Al Arab, which has become the symbol of the United Arab Emirates, the builders created a masterpiece in the form of a round tennis court.
It turns out that this noble sport can also be extreme. The city authorities of the Emirate of Dubai bet heavily on holding various kinds of sports events.
Tennis championships in Dubai are held every year. Tournaments are divided into the following categories and stages: among men, women, and pairs. Association of professional tennis players (ATP World Tour 500) is the men’s championship.
The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA Premier 5) is the women’s championship. Competitions are mostly held from mid-February to early March. The Dubai Tennis Championships is a great opportunity to see some of the world’s best tennis players compete on the tennis courts in Dubai.
Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium
Hazza Bin Zayed, owned by the new club Bauyrzhan Islamkhan, is located in Al Ain, Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the fourth largest city in the UAE. The capacity of the multipurpose arena is 25,000 people. The sports facility is very fresh – it was laid in 2012, built-in 2014. At the same time, it was recognized as the “Stadium of the Year”.
In preparation for the 2017 World Cup, the arena underwent further modernization and reconstruction. It was built using the latest technological advances and is, according to local media, the only one in the Emirates, ready to broadcast matches in ultra-high definition – in 4K resolution.
The announced cost of the construction is 145 million dirhams (39.4 million US dollars).
Al-Maktoum Stadium
There are two stadiums in the emirate of Dubai: Rashed and Al Maktoum. The opening of the Rashed Stadium took place in 1974 and all major soccer matches are held here. The second stadium, Al Maktoum, was founded later, in 1995, and became the home arena for Dubai’s Al Nasr Football Club. Al Nasr Football Club, playing in the UAE Pro League, was founded in 1945. It is the oldest club in the country.
They play their home matches at Al Maktoum stadium. Three times champion of the UAE and as many times winner of the Cup of the country. At the same time, Al Maktoum Stadium can accommodate 18,000 spectators.
Many famous matches attended by soccer teams from around the world, took place in this stadium. The sports arena is located on Al Maktoum Street and becomes a great travel destination, as it’s close to the city center and Dubai Creek.
Conclusion
The home arenas of most UAE Professional League clubs are designed for a capacity of 10,000 to 18,000 spectators, and some do not even reach these figures.
In general, the United Arabian Emirates has little to complain about the lack of excellent stadiums. Both the money and, apparently, the desire to create a modern sports infrastructure on the shores of the Persian Gulf are present.
