WAM/ Abu Dhabi sports arenas are poised to host world club champions with the launch of the FIFA Club World Cup hosted by UAE during 6-16 December 2017.

Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi and Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain will host the competition matches as the necessary preparations are made to dazzle the world with a unique organization that reflects the UAE’s image as a leading sporting destination to host the world’s most prestigious sports competitions.

Through this report, WAM will review the history of Zayed Sports City Stadium and Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium which are considered the most prominent sporting edifices in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi witnessed UAE’s football evolution and the attainment of numerous sport achievements.

Throughout its long history of more than three decades since its establishment in 1980, Zayed Sports City Stadium witnessed the competitions of the most prestigious tournaments, national teams, clubs and top stars around the world.

Zayed Sports City Stadium embodies the beginning of the football evolution in UAE. Upon opening this stadium, it was one of the biggest football stadiums in UAE and the region as a whole with an initial capacity of about 60,000 spectators. This capacity was reduced over the past 30 years as part of the renewal and maintenance works to become nearly more than 43 thousand spectators distributed over 42355 seats dedicated for the fans within two levels, 1056 VIP seats, 380 seats for institutions, 132 seats for the internal platform, 50 seats for royal cabins and 277 seats for the media area.

During the last year, the stadium received around 1.3 million visitors and the largest attendance in the stands reached 43050 spectators during the finals of FIFA Club World Cup “UAE 2009” where the European champion at the time, Barcelona, was crowned of with the title following beating South American champions Estudiantes de La Plata of Argentina by 2-1.

As UAE is hosting 2017 FIFA Club World Cup, Zayed Sports City continues to write the sport history of the UAE hosting the world champions and football magicians from around the globe.

In preparations for 2017 Clubs World Cup, the stadium underwent comprehensive improvements in the hospitality areas, interior and exterior works of the royal cabins, replanting of the playground with the best seeds to provide a smooth and streamlined base consistent with the FIFA World Standards, revamping the VIP seating area, establishment of media seating zone, improving the fans zone, upgrading the stadium public signage, upgrading security equipment, refurbishing public utilities, toilets and other development and improvement works that will ensure that the country will host a new and more successful and impressive version of the FIFA Club World Cup.

Granted the title of the Best Football Stadium in the world in 2014, Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, the social and sports edifice, is a masterpiece of architectural and engineering excellence. It is featured by the finest and latest design specifications that made it one of the most developed and advanced stadiums in the region and the world.

It was officially opened in May 2014 by hosting a festive match between Al Ain and Manchester City, Champs of the English Premier League, after completing its construction works in a record period of 17 months. It is the main stadium of Al Ainawi Boss, Al Ain First Football Team.

The stadium is constructed on an area of 45 thousand square meters and at a height of 50 meters. It can accommodate 25 thousand seats distributed thoughtful to provide the best vision to the fans on three floors where 3000 premium-category seats as well as seats for “people of determination”. The record of fan attendance was seen in the game between Al Ain and Al Hilal of Saudi as 24,204 have attended the game.

Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium is the first stadium in the world to be designed to provide full shade to all fans in accordance with its advanced construction design and using a movable roof umbrella to cover the stadium and seats when needed.

Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium witnessed several development and advancement works to ensure the venue’s reediness to host the 2017 FIFA Club World Cup, including the installation of new advanced connections to support the ultra-high definition 4K television which is used for the first time in this state-of-the-art stadium, installing new LED lightening systems to comply with the FIFA grade-6 lightening standards, and implementing “Hutaf” initiative which allows the fans to listen to live commentary on matches through FM radio broadcasting.

UAE has been honored to host the 2017 and 2018 FIFA World Cups. Indeed, this affirms the State’s outstanding sporting image and FIFA’s confidence in the UAE’s ability to impress the world by organizing a unique version of the FIFA World Cup considering the integrated infrastructure and the best sport equipment in the world.

H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has launched The National Geographic Kids Channel Abu Dhabi, the first Arabic language real channel targeting children from 8 to 13 years old which will be broadcasting from the UAE capital to the world. It is a leading initiative that will enrich the content of science, research and exploration for the Arab public at the regional level. Launching the channel coincided with the celebrations of the World Child’s Day which corresponds to November 20th, 2017.

The launch of the new channel took place during a ceremony held for this occasion attended by H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Monday 20th November 2017 at Manart Al Saadiyat in the UAE Capital Abu Dhabi in the presence of Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development and Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Abu Dhabi Media and Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Media. The ceremony was organized by Abu Dhabi Media and the National Geographic Abu Dhabi.

Al Ain Men’s Volleyball Team lost to Hatta by 3-2 in the match held at the court of Al Dahra School in Hatta in matchweek 2 of the Men’s Premier Volleyball League.

Al Ain players ended the first half in their favor by 25-21, but the home team leveled the result in the second half to finish it by 25-18. The third half ended to the advantage of the Ainawi team by 30-28 but Hatta Team were able to draw again in the fourth round and ended it by 25-23. The two teams went to the fifth round and the home team were lucky to finish the round in their advantage by 16-14 to win the match in total by 3-2.

With a balance of two points, Al Ain will host Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Team in matchweek 4 on next Friday 24th November at the court of Khalifa Bin Zayed at Al Ain Club at 06:00 p.m.

Football fans around the world will be looking in days at the UAE that is getting prepared to receive the global football stars as the FIFA Club World Cup 2017, slated for December 6.
It was not surprising that the UAE has been given the honor to host the tournament in 2017 and 2018 as the Gulf country has impressed the whole world when the FIFA Club World Cup was hosted by the country in 2009 and 2010.
Giving the UAE this honor reflects the country’s outstanding sporting status and the confidence of the FIFA that the UAE, its capabilities and its world-class infrastructure and sporting facilities will impress the world again.
The tournament will be played at Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi, and Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain.
Mentioning Zayed Sports City, we immediately remember the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founding President of the UAE, as the city was named after him.
Since its establishment in 1980, the city’s Stadium hosted the games of the most prominent tournaments, national teams and clubs as well as superstars from around the world. It also hosted largest entertainment, art and national celebrations in the UAE.
Located in the heart of Abu Dhabi, Zayed Sports City Stadium is an iconic landmark in addition to being the largest multi-purpose stadium in the Gulf. It has developed a great history and heritage, and has cemented its place in the country’s history by being featured on the AED 200 banknote.
The stadium was opened in 1979 and has recently been renovated, with many of the facilities and amenities upgraded to ensure that it complies with international standards and can be used for a wide range of events.
The stadium hosted the 1996 AFC Asian Cup including the final. The stadium also hosted the 2007 Gulf Cup of Nations final between the United Arab Emirates and Oman. The semi-finals and finals of 2009 and 2010 FIFA Club World Cup were also held at the stadium.
Zayed Sports City Stadium was the crux of the first project phase, and a 60,000 seat stadium was constructed. This phase also included perimeter fencing, utility services and an internal road network. It was completed in 1979 and the stadium was inaugurated in January 1980.
Renovations throughout years reduced the capacity to more than 43,000 seats.
There are 42,355 general entry seats on two levels plus 1,056 VIP seats, 380 seats for institutions, 132 seats for internal platforms, 50 seats for royal cabins and 277 media seats.
In 2016, the stadium received 1,3 million people and the record of fan attendance was seen in the final match of the 2009 FIFA Club World Cup as 43,050 people attended the Barcelona- Estudiantes game.
Hosting the 2017 tournament by the UAE, the city’s stadium will make history again as it will host a group of global superstars.
The FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2017 will feature the world’s top club sides including CF Pachuca, Auckland City FC, Real Madrid and Al Jazira plus the winning teams of the CAF Champions League, AFC Champions League and the Copa Libertadores

Comprehensive Preparations for the Club World Cup
Throughout the years, the stadium has undergone significant renovations to ensure that it can accommodate the high-quality international events it was designed for. Hospitality areas, including the Royal Box interior and exterior, VIP seating and media seating were created to get the stadium prepared for the 2017 tournament.
In preparation for the 2009 FIFA Club World Cup, Populous led renovations including brand new team locker rooms, way-finding updates, refurbishments to the public facilities, updates to the Royal Box and installation of a new pitch lighting system. Two scoreboards at either end zone were added in 2003.
Three LED scoreboards are present in the venue as well as a sound system for spectators. The venue is fully lit to the standard required for HDTV broadcasts.
Surrounding the stadium is a pre-event plaza, then a series of fountains. Beyond this is the ring road, parking lots, training pitches and the rest of the Zayed Sports City facilities.

Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Stadium of the Year in 2014
Inspired by the palm trees that are such a distinctive feature of life in the United Arab Emirates, the façade is a truly unique aspect of a stadium that was built in a record time of 17 months and which opened in early 2014.
The Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium holds 25,000 spectators, who are sheltered from the sun by its iconic roof, which also helps create a very special atmosphere during matches.
Comprising of 3,000 premium-category seats, the Hazza Bin Zayed is a superbly equipped stadium and an unmistakable landmark when night falls in Al Ain, thanks to the LED lights that top its roof and create strikingly colorful patterns.
The 45,000sqm stadium is hailed as one of the most modern and unique sporting venues in the Middle East. It is one of the most sophisticated sports venues in the region and is poised to become a central destination for citizens and residents in the United Arab Emirates, as well as tourists visiting from all over the world. The stadium was also named as the 2014’s Stadium of the Year.
One of the most characteristic elements of the stadium is the external facade which consists of fabric elements resembling the trunk of a palm tree that also can be lighted by LED lights.
The record of fan attendance was seen in the game between Al Ain and Al Hilal of Saudi as 24,204 have attended the game.
Over the past few years, the stadium has hosted numerous community events, national celebrations and several international and Arab football teams such as Manchester City, Hamburg, Roma, Frankfurt, Al Ahly and Zamalek of Egypt, and Al Hilal and Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia.
It has also hosted a number of international matches in the Asian Cup qualifiers and a number of friendly matches for national teams such as Japan, UAE and Saudi Arabia.
The stadium is part of another further development that covers 500,000 square meters and includes 700 apartments, green spaces, two office buildings, 50 restaurants, shops and a 172-room hotel.

Preparations of Al Ain-Based Stadium for World Cup
The Hazza bin Zayed Stadium has made infrastructural changes ahead of the December event, designed to enhance the fan experience and comply with FIFA regulations.
The stadium has made major technological advancements and is now the only stadium in the UAE capable of broadcasting matches in 4k ultra High Definition.
New LED lightening systems were installed in the stadium to comply with the FIFA lightening standards. An initiative for cheering “Hitaf” will be applied in the stadium to allow the fans to listen to live commentary on matches through FM radio broadcasting.
During the tournament, the stadium will open 4 main gates for the fans and 18 internal gates to ensure the smooth and secured entry and exits. The media center was moved from the underground basement to the fifth floor of the stadium, doubling its capacity.

Integrated Security System

Zayed Sports City Stadium and Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium have the highest standards of safety and security in line with the standards of the FIFA. They are equipped with integrated techniques to ensure security of matches and achieve the safety of the public present in and out of the stadium.
Zayed Sports City Stadium upgraded its central control room to have the latest equipment and facilities, allowing effective communication with all components and teams within the stadium and to monitor the stadium and the seats of the fans.

More than 500 people will be taking part in process of securing the safety of various stadium facilities, players and the fans. As many as 60 exit paths are provided to evacuate the stadium in record time during emergencies.
Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium has a modern monitoring room that is linked to 500 surveillance cameras that covers the entire stadium. The stadium has 14 fire escapees and 10 public gates. Around 550 people will be taking part in process of securing the safety of various stadium facilities, players and the fans in each game.

Tournament Matches and Venues

Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi, and Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain, will host the games of the tournament which takes place on December 6-16.
On December 6, the Abu Dhabi-based Al Jazira club will kick off the competition against Auckland City at Hazza Bin Zayed stadium in Al Ain
In the Quarter-finals, Pachuca of Mexico will play against Wydad Casablanca of Morocco while the winner of the Al Jazira-Auckland game will play against AFC champions. The two games will be hosted by Zayed Sports City Stadium.
In December 12, Hazza Bin Zayed stadium will host its last two games of the tournament. The first game will define the fifth place team while the second one will be the first semi-finals game between Champions of the Conmebol-Pachuca/Wydad Casablanca.
Zayed Sports City Stadium will host the second Semi-final game between Al-Jazira/Auckland City

The Al Ain Club Ju-Jitsu delegation back home on Monday flying from Brazil following their unbeaten participation in the third round of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Tournament held in Rio de Janeiro during 11-12 November 2017.

Al Ain fighter picked up 7 colored medals during the participation in the third round of Ju-Jitsu tournament raising their balance to be 1400 points and topping the State’s other clubs participating in this round.

Gold medals were won by Yahiya Al Nuaimi 46kg blue belt and Mahra Al Hanaa’i 52kg blue belt. The silver medals were won by Sari Al Ketbi 46 kg blue belt, Wadima Al Yafei’ 48kg blue belt. While the bronze medals were achieved by Hessa Al Shamsi 57 kg blue belt, Maithaa Shraim 52 kg belt blue and Diab Al Nuaimi 55 kg Juniors.

Al Ain swimming squads topped the overall ranking of U-12, U-14 and U-16 in the President’s Cup competitions held on 3rd and 4th November, the men’s category and U-15 and U-11 competitions resumed on 10th and 11th November at the Olympic Swimming Pool at Hamdan Sports Complex in Dubai.

Al Ain swimmers crowned champions in U-14 and U-16, and runners up in U-12 and U-11, while placed third in U-10. Ahmad Al Hashemi won the Cup of Best U-16 Swimmer and won the cup of 50m breaststroke. Hamdan Al Bloushi also won the Best U-14 Swimmer Cup, and Hamad Ahmed Khalfan won the U-11 Best Record Cup and a new record time in the same stage in the 200 meters butterfly.

Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, congratulated Morocco and Tunisia for qualifying to the 2018 FIFA World Cup, due in Russia.

“Distinguished presence of Arabs in the 2018 World Cup, on the foot of Egypt and Saudi, Morocco and Tunisia qualified today… Congratulations and I wish you success and achievement,” Sheikh Hazza tweeted.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces has congratulated Tunisia for the national team qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, due in Russia.
“We do congratulate our brothers in Tunisia for this honorable achievement and qualifying for the 2018 World Cup. high spirit and outstanding performance,” Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed tweeted.

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Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces has congratulated Morocco for the national team qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, due in Russia.
“Our heartfelt congratulations to our brothers in Morocco for qualifying for the 2018 World Cup, an honorable achievement for all of us. an achievement that was supported by King Mohammad VI,” Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed tweeted.

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