FUJAIRAH // Sports fans and residents in Dibba Al Fujairah are thrilled that plans for a Dh52 million stadium for Dibba football club have been given the go-ahead.
The stadium will be built at the request of Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah, and in accordance with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and Fifa standards.
It is hoped the 300,000 square metre, international standard, 9,000-seater stadium will prove a boost for tourism and community activities.
“It’s a project that we need, as more people will visit Dibba to watch the game and use the services in the area, like hotels and restaurants,” said Dawood Rashid, a 35-year-old Emirati restaurant owner in Dibba.
Dibba football club, the Arabian Gulf League side, currently ground shares with Fujairah SC and fans are delighted they will have a facility closer to home.
“Each time we want to watch a game we have to drive to Fujairah so this will save us time and allow Dibba football team to host games in their own town,” said Hamad Al Danhani, 27. “Young people will also be encouraged to join the team as they will have the opportunity to practise in a place designed to international standards.”
Ahmad Al Ghays, who plays for Dibba football club, said having their own stadium would be a boost for the team.
“It is a great privilege and will give us more self-esteem and allow all our fans to join and cheer for us,” said the 23-year-old.
The stadium will also allow Dibba Sports Club to provide more activities for the community, its manager Ahmad Al Danhani said.
“We train football teams of all ages and provide courses in swimming, table tennis and basketball.
“We need more rooms to provide more activities such as taekwondo, Jiu-Jitsu and volleyball as well as providing rooms for females, as we can’t provide any services to them now.”
Work on the stadium will begin next year at a location close to Dibba Sports Club.
rhaza@thenational.ae
