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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
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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
David Rockwell creates immersive magic destination, The Hand and The Eye
A US$50 million (£44.2 million, €51.2 million) transformation of Chicago's historic McCormick Mansion has created a new destination that combines live magic, immersive theatre, dining and private membership under one roof.
Montana Heritage Center opens with immersive exhibits and US$107 million investment
The Montana Historical Society has officially celebrated the opening of its new Montana Heritage Center, a US$107 million (£79 million, €92 million) destination that combines immersive storytelling with cutting-edge audiovisual technology to bring the sta
Universal launches new theme park model with Kids Resort
Universal Destinations and Experiences has launched a new regional theme park model with the opening of Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas.
San Antonio Zoo reports $283 million economic impact as expansion plans progress
San Antonio Zoo has reported a US$283 million economic impact for 2025, following a decade- long transformation programme that has seen almost US$200 million invested into the Texas attraction.
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+ More news   
 
COMPANY PROFILES
Polin Waterparks

Polin was founded in Istanbul in 1976. Polin has since grown into a leading company in the waterpa [more...]
ProSlide Technology, Inc.

A former national ski team racer, ProSlide® CEO Rick Hunter’s goal has been to integrate the smoot [more...]
Vekoma Rides Manufacturing B.V.

Vekoma Rides has a large variety of coasters and attractions. [more...]
Simworx Ltd

The company was initially established in 1997. Terry Monkton and Andrew Roberts are the key stakeh [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
29 Sep - 02 Oct 2026

Synergy - The Retreat Show

Pical Resort, Valamar Collection, Porec, Croatia
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT NEWS
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