Rashid Abdullah: HBZS is All Set to Receive the Spectators

“The customized design of Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium (HBZS) correspond to the best international security and safety standards in football stadiums worldwide while considering the prestigious style of design of the whole facility,” Mr. Rashid Abdullah, Executive Director of Al Ain Football Club Company, stated in an exclusive interview with “Here is Al Ain” program broadcasted via Al Ain TV Channel.

He pointed out that the stadium’s massive project adopts the concepts of cities and thanks should go to God and then our continued support of UAE Sheikhs.

Rashid indicated that since the breakthrough of the pandemic, the Board of Directors of Al Ain Club Investment Company issued explicit and straightforward instructions to coordinate with the competent official authorities and to enhance the security and safety procedures and “here I do not mean only the stadium but the whole project. Indeed, we are sterilizing the whole project and in and out of the stadium. I could say that we are fully ready to receive the Ainawi Nation and any opponent teams once we receive an official notification to do so.”

In response to a question about the most prominent features on which the entry protocol to Hazza bin Zayed Stadium is based, he said: “As you know, Al Ain is the first Club to form a Medical Committee in UAE. Members of this committee are consultants, and doctors specialized in various fields. Additionally, the Club formed the Security and Safety Committee, whose members are specialized experts as well.”
“Each and everyone in the Club works in the spirit of one team to implement the approved protocol and procedures. There are requirements in place for entering the stadium or employees’ offices, including showing a negative COVID-19 test valid at least for one week, in addition to temperature test and sterilization of everyone,” he said.
He went on to say that the Club conducts a periodic screening test for all employees and workers. “Once the fans are back to attend matches in stadiums, certainly the protocol for entering the stadiums will be consistent with the procedures approved by the official authorities. We are all set to reopen the gates for the spectators, considering that Hazza bin Zayed Stadium has 12 entry gates in addition to the VIP gate, which enhances the chances to adhere to the distancing protocols using the e-tickets booked by phone.”
Regarding the Ainawi seasonal card, he said: “First of all, I would like to extend my appreciation to all the Ainawi cardholders through your program “Here is Al Ain” and would like to assure them that there are exceptional benefits that will be announced in the coming days.”
As for not taking advantage of the card to enter into HBZS, Rashid Abdullah confirmed that the Board of Directors of Al Ain Football Club Investment Company issued their instructions to extend the membership validity for half the season as of its expiration date.

He added: “This is our own way to show our appreciation to the members of the Ainawi card. Members are not using it to get into HBZS at present; however, they could use it is still active to take advantage of other benefits offered by our partners and members.”

Commenting on a question about the Peace Match, he said: “Absolutely, the UAE is a country of tolerance, love, and peace, and because the sport has the most important messages of promoting the language of peace and upholding the principle of sportsmanship, a partnership and memorandum of understanding has been signed that includes several important items between Israel’s Maccabi Haifa and Al Ain Club. The details of this initiative would be announced officially in the upcoming days.”

He also said that the Al Ain Club is preparing for the match and would prepare the players mentally and select the best-skilled ones to play the game consistent with the team’s name and reputation.

As for the match against Sharjah, he said: “I believe it would be exactly like the match against Shabab Al Ahli Dubai. I am sure the match would be balanced, and the team who enjoys a high level of concentration would win the match and snatch its three points.”

He signed off by insisting that the team would play with the spirit of one team over the 90 minutes and win the match points.