sport
Abu Dhabi Upgrades Sports Venues for Cricket Internationals and Multi-Sport Events
New and expanded venues across the emirate support upcoming cricket internationals, club competitions and multi-sport programmes.
How we reported this
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed inaugurated Abu Dhabi's largest sports facility in Al Bahia, a jiu-jitsu training centre built by UAEJJF and Mubadala Investment Company. The opening adds dedicated training space for the sport in the emirate.
Indoor Dome Expansion Supports Multiple Codes
321 Sports on Hudayriyat Island expanded to include the Middle East's largest indoor sports dome. The dome features FIFA-approved football and rugby pitches, padel courts, tennis courts, and a semi-Olympic pool. These additions allow year-round training and events shielded from summer conditions.
Cricket Venues Receive International Status
Abu Dhabi's Tolerance Oval received full ICC accreditation as a day/night venue. It becomes the fourth international cricket stadium in the UAE for T20 and One-Day Internationals. A 50-metre, eight-lane Olympic swimming pool and a world-standard 400m athletics track are also being built at Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub for public and elite use.
Al Jazira Club Stadium Project Advances
A new 24,000-seat fully air-conditioned stadium with a retractable pitch is under construction in Zayed City for Al Jazira Club, with completion expected in 2029. The venue will serve the club's domestic and continental fixtures once finished.
These projects collectively increase capacity for high-level matches and community programmes. Operators can now schedule more day/night cricket fixtures and indoor sessions across football, rugby, padel and swimming. The developments align with the calendar of regional and international events that draw teams and spectators to Abu Dhabi each season.
Residents and clubs will gain access to the new pool and track at the Cricket & Sports Hub as construction progresses. Al Jazira supporters can follow updates on the Zayed City stadium through official club channels ahead of the 2029 target date. Further programming details will be released by the respective venue operators as facilities come online.