Al Ain FC to face Western Region rivals to mark launch of Hazza bin Zayed Stadium

Al Ain Football Club is to play Al Dhafra January 24 in the opening match to mark the opening of the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium.

AL AIN // Al Ain FC will help launch their new stadium this month with a match against Al Dhafra.

The opening of Hazza bin Zayed Stadium was meant to be marked with a game against Manchester City on January 16, but a scheduling clash forced the English Premier League club to cancel.

Instead, defending Arabian Gulf League champs Al Ain will face the Western Region side on January 24.

The state-of-the-art stadium will also be inaugurated with a three-day family festival, the Big Kick Off, from January 23.

Described by developers as “the region’s most advanced sporting arena”, the ground can accommodate 25,000 fans.

Mohammed Obaid Hamad, supervisor of Al Ain’s senior squad, said his players were looking forward to the opening match.

“The players have seen this amazing structure come to life over the past months and want desperately to play their first game here,” he said.

“Al Ain is the most successful club in the Gulf and the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium will ensure that run continues.

“We understand that not only is the club being given a new home, it also has the chance to change the face of football as we know it in the UAE.”

The Big Kick Off is free and activities will include juggling, BMX biking, bungee runs, stamina training, tennis, basketball, table tennis and swingball.

A gaming area will feature giant chess, hopscotch and giant jenga, while wall-climbing, bag jumps and a trampoline will also be available.

A major theme of the stadium project is healthy living.

Nutritionists and physiotherapists will educate visitors to the festival about healthy diets and nutritious meals will be served.

The stadium is part of a larger mixed-use, 500,000 square-metre development project that will include an international hotel, restaurants and cafes, residential units, office space and Abu Dhabi’s largest gym.

Several authorities collaborated to organise the event, including Al Ain Municipality, Al Ain Police, the Department of Transport, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Abu Dhabi Authority for Tourism and Culture, and Abu Dhabi Media Company, which publishes The National.