Baniyas Investment and Development Company (BID), the investment and development arm of the Bani Yas Club, has completed the construction of a new stadium in Al Shamkha, Abu Dhabi in a record breaking six months’ time, said a statement.

The state-of-the-art Baniyas Sports Club Stadium is set to open its doors with an inaugural football match tomorrow (February 8) between the Baniyas Club team and the Jordanian team Al Wahadat.

Designed by internationally acclaimed architect Roger Tallibert, a name behind some of the best stadiums in the world, the construction of the stadium begun on August 4 2009 and was completed on February 3.

More than 650 construction workers and 20 engineers worked together on the project, the statement said.

Built to world-class standards specified by FIFA and the UAE Football League (UFL), the stadium accommodates 10,000 spectators and features a grandstand as well as three other spectator stands surrounding the football pitch.

The new stadium also has special enclosures for VVIPs and dignitaries, as well as special parking and drop off points outside the main entrance, special VVIP seating and two private majlis on the uppermost level. In total, there are more than 1,000 parking spaces dedicated for vehicles.

“We are extremely proud to announce the completion of our ambitious Baniyas Sports Club Stadium in Shamkha,” said Wael Tawil, CEO of Baniyas Investment & Development Company.

“We are confident that the stadium will provide the opportunity for local talent in Baniyas City and Abu Dhabi to harness their skills. We look forward to the Stadium becoming a world-class destination for top sporting action in a city that deserves world-class developments,” he added.

“This achievement would not have been possible without team spirit and the concerted efforts by various parties involved with this project. These efforts reflect the company’s project management skills and contractor efficiencies in construction and delivery,” Tawil concluded.

The new Baniyas Sports Club Stadium also has refreshment outlets offering a variety of snacks and beverages, including cafés on the first floor. Also on offer at the stadium are premier services for players such as Jacuzzi, steam room, cold baths, lockers and change rooms. – TradeArabia News Service