The new stadium in Abu Dhabi’s Zayed City will feature a retractable pitch and fully air-conditioned seating for 24,000 spectators/ Image:X
If you’re curious about Abu Dhabi’s latest big sports project, here’s what you need to know: a brand-new, fully air-conditioned stadium is coming for Al Jazira Club. But this isn’t just a new home for the team—it’s designed to be a lively community hub, hosting events all year round. Located in Zayed City, this stadium reflects the UAE’s drive to take sports and public life to the next level.
A vision endorsed at the highest level
Earlier this month, on October 7, 2025, UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan personally reviewed the design and master plan for the new Al Jazira Club Stadium. This event was more than ceremonial—it marked the public unveiling of a highly anticipated project intended to redefine Abu Dhabi’s sporting landscape. The stadium is being built under the direct supervision of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026 and is projected to take three years, with completion expected in 2029.The new stadium isn’t just about football—it ties into the UAE’s bigger goals. It’s part of a national push to get young people more involved in sports, make public spaces more vibrant, and use sports as a key part of the country’s growth. It also fits into wider efforts to support innovation and aim for top-tier standards across the board.
The stadium: Fully air-conditioned, retractable pitch, and more
The upcoming stadium will have a base capacity of 24,000 seats, expandable to 30,000 to accommodate larger events. One of its standout features will be fully air-conditioned seating areas—a crucial consideration in the region’s climate. The stadium will also incorporate a retractable pitch, a dynamic design element that allows the playing surface to slide completely out of the arena when not in use. This ensures flexibility for non-sporting events and maintenance. Additionally, the stadium complex will offer dedicated hospitality services for spectators. These will include premium zones, restaurants, and lounges designed not only for match days but also for year-round use. These venues will remain open outside event times, aiming to convert the facility into a community and lifestyle hub rather than a single-purpose sports venue. While no architectural renderings have been published by the club as of now, images from the October 7 review event show President Sheikh Mohamed examining detailed design plans—signaling that the project has entered a decisive phase of planning.
Location and long-term development: Zayed city and beyond
The stadium is set to rise in Zayed City, a planned development in the southern part of Abu Dhabi that’s being shaped as a key urban centre for the future. The project isn’t just adding a sports venue—it’s expected to help drive growth and activity in the area.Once complete, the new stadium will become the new home of Al Jazira Club, replacing their long-time base at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, where the team has played since 1980. That stadium was expanded in 2009 to hold around 36,000 spectators, and it already includes air-conditioned stands. But this move signals a shift toward a more modern, flexible, and multi-purpose setup.And it’s not just about football. While Al Jazira competes in the UAE Pro League, the club is also active in volleyball, handball, and basketball. The new venue could support these sports too—positioning it as a broader home for top-tier sporting events across disciplines.
Commercial ecosystem: Integration with real estate and community infrastructure
Alongside the stadium build, Al Jazira Club is also thinking bigger—with plans that go beyond just sports. In September 2025, the club partnered with MAIR Group, a strategic investment company that focuses on grocery retail and commercial real estate.As part of the deal, Makani Real Estate, a division of MAIR Group, has been given 80,000 square metres of land right next to the new stadium site. The plan? To turn that space into a fully integrated commercial centre. Over time, it’s expected to include entertainment venues, personal services, and healthcare facilities—essentially building a whole community around the stadium that’s lively, connected, and designed for everyday life. Go to Source