Sharjah ruler approves location for new sports city, personally sketches designs

Sharjah's Ruler, Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, has approved the designs and location for a new 'Sports City' in the emirate. The city will feature four sports complexes catering to both team and individual sports, marking a significant development in Sharjah’s sports infrastructure.

Ali bin Shaheen Al Suwaidi, member of the Executive Council and Head of The Sharjah Department of Public Works (SDPW), announced the news during an interview on the 'Direct Line' programme, broadcast on Sharjah Radio and Television. He highlighted that the Ruler personally sketched the design for the city, which will have a central square intersected by four main roads leading to the complex from Al Madam, Al Badayer, Mahafiz, Al Bataeh and Sharjah Sports City.

At the heart of the city will be the 'Sports City Stadium,' described as the "first nucleus" of the project. Al Suwaidi explained that the stadium's design is an architectural marvel, symbolizing a bird soaring over the surrounding sand dunes. The stadium consists of two parts: the platform and grandstand, which mimic the undulating dunes, and a large cover in the shape of a bird with wings outstretched. The cover's colour changes with the time of day, reflecting silver in the morning and a golden-red hue at night.

The environmentally conscious design harmonizes with the natural surroundings and represents an athlete’s attributes, akin to the falcon’s speed, strength, and vision. The stadium has been designed to meet all requirements for hosting local, regional and global sports events.

Al Suwaidi added, "In accordance with the directives of Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, we will immediately proceed with completing the detailed designs for the Sports City Stadium and commence its construction to ensure it is ready to serve athletes, all clubs in the emirate, and the sports sector as soon as possible."