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Revealed: Perkins + Will's elevated bowl-shaped stadium for Dubai
POSTED 15 Aug 2016 . BY Kim Megson
The stadium, which will have an open-tensile roof, will be available for use all year-round Credit: Perkins + Will
The inspiration for the design stems from the desire to create a stadium like no other that draws from regional precedents while providing a sustainable and visionary destination for Dubai
– Perkins + Will
Architecture practice Perkins + Will have revealed new details about the stadium they’re building in Al Aweer, Dubai, which will be the largest in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The Mohammed bin Rashid Stadium was approved earlier this year by UAE prime minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, but detailed images and information about the project have only just been released.

Currently in the planning and design phase, the FIFA-compliant 60,000 capacity stadium will take the form of an elevated structure encased in a diagrid bowl, with the playing field elevated 60ft (18m) above an entry plaza below.

The stadium, which will have an open-tensile roof, will be available for use all year-round. It will have an architectural skin that allows for airflow while blocking out unwanted sand and sun. Meanwhile courtyard water elements beneath the stadium will create a natural thermal sink that cools the air, and a landscape design that uses trees and vegetation to block hot wind while providing shade.

According to the architects “the inspiration for the design stems from the desire to create a stadium like no other that draws from regional precedents while providing a sustainable and visionary destination for Dubai.”

Perkins + Will are designing the stadium as part of a wider mixed-use development that will include training facilities, a practice pitch and warm up areas, a museum, a multi-purpose sports hall, shops, restaurants, a public plaza and a 5,000-space car park. The total site will cover an area of 120,000sq m (1.3 million sq ft).

The project is part of Dubai’s “Sports Innovation Lab” initiative and a government-backed policy to increase the emirate’s profile as a global sports destination. The reported cost of the project is AED3bn (US$817m €731m, £631.5m). Dar Al-Handasah is lead consultant.
The stadium will be elevated 60ft above the ground Credit: Perkins + Will
The stadium is part of a wider multi-use complex which will cost some AED3bn Credit: Perkins + Will
Training pitches will surround the main stadium Credit: Perkins + Will
The FIFA-compliant ground will be the largest in the UAE Credit: Perkins + Will
Can you spot Manchester United's Zlatan Ibrahimovic? Credit: Perkins + Will
A new public plaza is part of the design plans Credit: Perkins + Will
Perkins + Will were announced as the architects earlier this year Credit: Perkins + Will
The stadium will have an architectural skin that allows for airflow while blocking out unwanted sand and sun Credit: Perkins + Will
The stadium is shaped like a giant bowl Credit: Perkins + Will
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NEWS
Revealed: Perkins + Will's elevated bowl-shaped stadium for Dubai
POSTED 15 Aug 2016 . BY Kim Megson
The stadium, which will have an open-tensile roof, will be available for use all year-round Credit: Perkins + Will
The inspiration for the design stems from the desire to create a stadium like no other that draws from regional precedents while providing a sustainable and visionary destination for Dubai
– Perkins + Will
Architecture practice Perkins + Will have revealed new details about the stadium they’re building in Al Aweer, Dubai, which will be the largest in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The Mohammed bin Rashid Stadium was approved earlier this year by UAE prime minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, but detailed images and information about the project have only just been released.

Currently in the planning and design phase, the FIFA-compliant 60,000 capacity stadium will take the form of an elevated structure encased in a diagrid bowl, with the playing field elevated 60ft (18m) above an entry plaza below.

The stadium, which will have an open-tensile roof, will be available for use all year-round. It will have an architectural skin that allows for airflow while blocking out unwanted sand and sun. Meanwhile courtyard water elements beneath the stadium will create a natural thermal sink that cools the air, and a landscape design that uses trees and vegetation to block hot wind while providing shade.

According to the architects “the inspiration for the design stems from the desire to create a stadium like no other that draws from regional precedents while providing a sustainable and visionary destination for Dubai.”

Perkins + Will are designing the stadium as part of a wider mixed-use development that will include training facilities, a practice pitch and warm up areas, a museum, a multi-purpose sports hall, shops, restaurants, a public plaza and a 5,000-space car park. The total site will cover an area of 120,000sq m (1.3 million sq ft).

The project is part of Dubai’s “Sports Innovation Lab” initiative and a government-backed policy to increase the emirate’s profile as a global sports destination. The reported cost of the project is AED3bn (US$817m €731m, £631.5m). Dar Al-Handasah is lead consultant.
The stadium will be elevated 60ft above the ground Credit: Perkins + Will
The stadium is part of a wider multi-use complex which will cost some AED3bn Credit: Perkins + Will
Training pitches will surround the main stadium Credit: Perkins + Will
The FIFA-compliant ground will be the largest in the UAE Credit: Perkins + Will
Can you spot Manchester United's Zlatan Ibrahimovic? Credit: Perkins + Will
A new public plaza is part of the design plans Credit: Perkins + Will
Perkins + Will were announced as the architects earlier this year Credit: Perkins + Will
The stadium will have an architectural skin that allows for airflow while blocking out unwanted sand and sun Credit: Perkins + Will
The stadium is shaped like a giant bowl Credit: Perkins + Will
RELATED STORIES
Ruler of Dubai approves world's first fully air conditioned stadium


The world’s first fully air conditioned stadium has been given the go ahead by the ruler of Dubai, with architecture studio Perkins + Will working on the design of the project.
MORE NEWS
Warner Bros Discovery collaborates on upcoming Pompeii attraction
A new immersive attraction designed to transport visitors into the final hours of ancient Pompeii is preparing to open near the world-famous archaeological site in southern Italy.
Bob Rogers hands BRC to long-serving leadership team
Experience design company, BRC Imagination Arts, has completed a transition that sees founder Bob Rogers pass ownership of the business to four long-serving senior executives, while remaining actively involved with the company.
Rainer Maelzer joins Therme Group as chief entertainment officer
Rainer Maelzer, an experiential entertainment innovator, has been appointed chief entertainment officer by Therme Group.
Movie Park Germany reveals new Paramount attraction as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations
Movie Park Germany has opened a new Paramount Pictures-themed attraction as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, using immersive storytelling and adaptive reuse to reinforce the park’s longstanding “Hollywood in Germany” positioning.
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COMPANY PROFILES
Sally Corporation

Our services include: Dark ride design & build; Redevelopment of existing attractions; High-quality [more...]
instantprint

We’re a Yorkshire-based online printer, founded in 2009 by Adam Carnell and James Kinsella. [more...]
DJW

David & Lynn Willrich started the Company over thirty years ago, from the Audio Visual Department [more...]
IAAPA EMEA

IAAPA Expo Europe was established in 2006 and has grown to the largest international conference and [more...]
+ More profiles  
FEATURED SUPPLIER

Iconic Liverpool attraction opens door to new operators
An opportunity to reimagine one of the UK’s most recognisable towers has been formally opened by Rivington Hark, as St Johns Beacon invites operators and partners to shape its next phase. [more...]
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

09-11 Jun 2026

World Sauna Forum 2026

Savutuvan Apaja, Haapaniemi, Finland
23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
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LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
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