Dubai Sports City tees up and kicks off in 2008

The plan will support the roll-out of new attractions to a local, regional and international audience, aiming to capitalise on the excitement generated by the inauguration of the world's first city dedicated to sport.

'A new year always brings with it new challenges, new opportunities and a sense of excitement about the coming months ahead. Whereas many people often use this season as an opportunity to reflect on times past, Dubai Sports City is firmly fixed on the future' said Khalid Al Zarooni, President, Dubai Sports City.

One of the first attractions to open will be the 72-par, 18-hole championship golf course designed by South African star Ernie Els, scheduled to host a series of inaugural events in January 2008. A key part of the strategic plan is to firmly establish the course as a 'must-visit' destination for resident and international golf enthusiasts.

The year will also see the first sets of keys handed over to homeowners at Victory Heights, the exclusive villa community which features the Ernie Els-designed championship golf course as its centrepiece.

Local cricket is also set to receive a major boost, with the opening of the 25,000 seat cricket stadium. An international cricket event is scheduled for the grand opening, which will provide the Middle East with one of the most advanced cricket stadiums ever built. The hockey stadium will also be completed in 2008 and plans are well advanced to stage an international tournament.

A third signature district within Dubai Sports City, due to open in 2008, will be the Academies campus. The famous Manchester United Soccer Schools will move to a permanent home in the Academies campus in 2008, as are the ICC Global Cricket Academy, WorldHockey Academy, the Butch Harmon School of Golf and David Lloyd Tennis Academy. The Bradenton Preparatory Academy, an American college preparatory school that will offer a flexible curriculum to develop sporting talent, will also open its doors to students in 2008.

Working in coordination, the academies will provide integrated infrastructure for training across a range of core sports.

Dubai Sports City's sponsorship program is also set to be extended in 2008, beginning with its support along with National Bonds for the Mohammed Bin Rashid International Football Championship, which will kick off in Dubai on January 5, 2007. As a presenting sponsor, Dubai Sports City will use the opportunity to introduce competition rivals AFC Ajax, Sport Club International, Inter Milan and VfB Stuttgart to its wider mission to promote sport in the region.

Under the strategic development plan, Dubai Sports City will emphasise the comprehensive nature of its offering. In the long-term, the development is set to host 'flagship events' in each of the six major sporting disciplines - football, rugby, cricket, hockey, golf and tennis - supported by a programme of local events and the daily activities at each of the sports academies, creating a year-round calendar.

'This year has been one of constant evolution at Dubai Sports City, as the development continues to rise and elements near completion. The new year will present even greater opportunities, in particular set to galvanise international and regional attention,' concluded Khalid Al Zarooni.