All about the Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium
Football, without a doubt, is one of the most popular sports in the UAE. Whilst the European leagues dominate television viewership, local club matches also attract plenty of attention throughout the country. Over the years, the country’s footballing infrastructure has improved greatly, and venues like the Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium have continued to successfully host international and club matches.
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE MAKTOUM BIN RASHID AL MAKTOUM STADIUM DUBAI
Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium is part of Al Shabab Sports Club. As for training facilities, there are three football pitches, an indoor sports hall, as well as basketball and tennis courts. Located in Deira, the stadium can accommodate 12,000 fans and has hosted some memorable club and international football matches.
CLUB FOOTBALL AT MAKTOUM BIN RASHID AL MAKTOUM STADIUM
Keen followers of the UAE football league will recall that the stadium was home to Al Shabab Football Club until 2017. After the club merged with Al-Ahli, the newly formed team started playing their home games at the Rashid Stadium. However, Al Maktoum Stadium is still the second home for the club.
In 2019, Shabab Al-Ahli Club won the Arabian Gulf Cup and UAE President’s Cup. However, since the formation of the new club, the league title has remained elusive. Whilst Emirati nationals make up the majority of the first team squad, the club have also added overseas signings from Brazil, Italy and Uzbekistan.
The head coach Mahdi Ali Hassan is a UAE national, while one of his assistant coaches, Jose Alomar Serra, hails from Spain.
INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL AT MAKTOUM BIN RASHID AL MAKTOUM STADIUM
The stadium not only hosts local club matches but international matches have also taken place at the venue, including youth tournaments. In March 2021, the stadium hosted an international friendly match between Oman and India.
While Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium is not the most glamorous stadium, but its rich in history and that means a lot, especially to Al Shabab FC’s fans. That’s not to say the stadium is some kind of ancient relic from a bygone era, it’s still very much above and beyond international standards. The recent international friendly fixture held between India and Oman is proof of the stadium’s viability.
It wouldn’t be the biggest surprise to see the stadium redeveloped in future years and for it to become home to another top club.
FAQS
WHAT IS THE CAPACITY OF MAKTOUM BIN RASHID AL MAKTOUM STADIUM?
The stadium can easily accommodate 12,000 people. However, the public isn’t currently allowed to attend matches at the stadium due to COVID-19 restrictions.
ARE THERE OTHER TOP FOOTBALL STADIUMS IN DUBAI?
You can find many well-maintained and well-developed football stadiums in Dubai, including Zabeel Stadium, Al Rashid Stadium, Al Maktoum Stadium, Dubai Police Officer’s Club Stadium and Humaid Al Tayer Stadium.
WHERE CAN I WATCH FOOTBALL IN DUBAI?
Besides getting a TV subscription or going to a stadium, you can watch football in Dubai at numerous clubs, pubs and restaurants.
This wraps up our overview of the Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium, an iconic football stadium in Dubai that will always have a special place in the hearts of football fans.
Football in the UAE is developing rapidly. If your kid(s) have football talent, it might be a good idea to enrol them in one of the best football academies in Dubai. Alternatively, if you fancy organising a match with your friends, you can book these football pitches in Dubai.
To know more about sporting facilities in Dubai visit MyBayut.
