Work on stadium nearing completion

The refurbishment of Khalifa Stadium is nearing completion, as the facility is being prepared for the 2003 FIFA World Youth Cup. A total budget of $18million has been set aside for the project.

The stadium, located next to Al Ain Sports Club on Al Ain Street, has seen development work since last April under the ambitious refurbishment programme, said a spokesman of Al Ain Economic Development and Tourism Promotion Authority.

The stadium has become a state-of-the-art sporting facility, and is almost ready to welcome the teams taking part in the competition which is one of the biggest sporting events in the UAE, he added.

This new development taking place at the stadium includes the construction of a brand new fully equipped grandstand, an electronic scoreboard, new 1200 LUX floodlights, new seating for all spectators and a new public address system.

Preparation of a new grass playing surface and installation of an irrigation system is part of the programme.

The spokesman said that the capacity at the Khalifa Stadium remains at almost 11,000 with separate areas for families and all the facilities expected of a FIFA approved football stadium.

Some 24 teams will be taking part in six groups in the cup, scheduled to be held between March 25 to April 16.

The Al Ain Economic Development and Tourism Promotion Authority also expect that the matches in Al Ain will attract fans and tourists from neighbouring countries. This will lead to the promotion of Al Ain as a tourist destination.