Final touches to Hazza bin Zayed Stadium ahead of inauguration in January 2014

Abu Dhabi: Efforts are currently underway for the official launch of the new Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain city in January, as the final touches are being put to the project following the completion of all construction works in accordance with international standards, in a record time of 17 months. This will place the stadium among the international sports stadiums enabling the attraction of regional and international sports as well as entertainment activities and making it a genuine addition the country's infrastructure and a source of pride for UAE football. The new stadium in Al Ain is expected to become the main football stadium of Al Ain football Club for all its upcoming matches. It has a unique architectural design that integrates the originality of UAE culture and heritage with the aesthetics of modern concepts. The building process adopted the international best practice and in accordance with FIFA requirements, the facility is now considered to be the most advanced and equipped in the region and the world. The stadium is built on 45,000 square metres. The height is 50 metres and it accommodates 25,000 spectators, divided in a well-studied manner to provide optimal visibility in their spectator segments. The First Class stand accommodates 3,000 seats. The stadium, after its launch, will be one of the largest international stadiums that have a large number of premium seating capacities. The design has also been made to allocate seats and equipment for spectators of special needs. The stadium also has gates and areas dedicated to ladies and families, as well as spacious parking facilities for the convenience of the public. The stadium's first row of public seats is close to the playground (5.4 m only), and this is the FIFA-approved distance, making Hazza bin Zayed stadium one of few stadiums in the world giving maximum excitement to spectators while watching the games and their favourite stars at close range. The stadium is ready to receive major spots, arts and social events in the UAE and the region, in addition to hosting local, regional and international football matches as it enjoys best integrated logistics and artistic equipment. Hazza bin Zayed Stadium is the first of its kind providing shade to all spectators through an advanced constructional form and the use of a moving-ceiling umbrella that can cover the whole stadium when necessary. This has been realised through unique engineering and technical advancements in accordance with latest world technologies to enhance the aerodynamic nature of the structure through the ceiling design that covers the stadium and the seating areas during the hot season, during the matches. The creative engineering aspects of the stadium are derived from a design vision inspired by the form of the palm tree that has an exceptional standing in the local heritage of the UAE. This links the identity of the stadium with the UAE's rich heritage. Besides, modern lighting systems have been used to illuminate 600 panels that form the external shape of the design, reflecting the style and uniqueness of the stadium with white colour during the day and purple and yellow colours at night (the colours of Al Ain Club). The external façade can be decorated and designed during national events, like the 42nd UAE Day celebrations marked recently at the stadium, with special lighting reflecting the colours of the UAE flag. Hazza bin Zayed Stadium is the cornerstone of a large, mixed-use development project that is being completed in several phases to become a new landmark in Al Ain on a plot of half a million square metres. This includes the development of residential, commercial and entertainment units as well as a luxury hotel and sports and social facilities. The buildings will be linked to a chain of restaurants, cafes and retail outlets giving shape to the new downtown of Al Ain City. – Emirates News Agency, WAM