Dubai Sports City – the cornerstone project of Dubailand – has announced that 2008 will see completion of several key facilities within the USD 4 billion mega project.

“The Dubai Sports City vision of creating one of the world’s premier sporting destinations is now becoming a reality,” said Khalid Al Zarooni, President, Dubai Sports City.

The first facility at Dubai Sports City that has been completed and fully operational is The Els Club, a 72-Par, 18 hole championship golf course, which is now open for play.

Cricket is also set to receive a major boost, with the opening of the 25,000 seat cricket stadium later this year, with an international cricket event being scheduled for the grand opening. The 5,000 seat hockey stadium will also be completed in 2008, and plans are afoot to stage an international tournament.

By the end of 2008, Dubai Sports City will be the centre point for world-renowned sporting academies including the first purpose-built Manchester United Soccer Schools facility anywhere in the world (which will be housed within the Dubai Sports City Football Academy), the International Cricket Council’s own ICC Global Cricket Academy, followed soon after by the first Butch Harmon School of Golf outside the United States, the first of its kind WorldHockey Academy, and a David Lloyd Tennis Academy.

“We are confident that our facilities will create a lifestyle that encourages people to live, work, and play in an environment that is dedicated to healthy living,” Zarooni added.

The multi-purpose venues and sports academies are a key part of the strategic plan for Dubai Sports City to firmly establish itself as a “must-visit” destination for resident and international visitors.