Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium is one of the most impressive sports venues in the UAE. Located in Al Ain, it’s known for its modern design and strong local presence. It’s home to Al Ain FC and regularly hosts top-level football matches.
From matchday excitement to guided tours, it offers a great experience for football fans and curious visitors. Let’s explore everything about this stadium, from facilities and seating to tips for getting there and what to expect on arrival.
Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium – Overview
Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, located in Al Ain, is a modern football venue with a capacity of approximately 25,000 spectators. Opened in 2014, it serves as the home ground for Al Ain Football Club, one of the country’s most successful football clubs.
The stadium’s design features a distinctive roof structure that provides shade, enhancing spectator comfort during matches. Its façade is inspired by palm tree trunks, which incorporate adjustable panels that aid in ventilation and can be illuminated in various colours.
Since its inauguration in 2014, the stadium has hosted significant events, including matches in the AFC Asian Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
Location
Al Tiwayya, Jafeer Obaid, Abu Dhabi
How to Get There
Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium is situated in Al Ain and is accessible via various transportation options.
By Bus (Within Al Ain)
Several local bus routes serve the stadium area:
- Bus 390: Connects Al Ain Central Bus Station to Al Jimi Mall, with a stop near the stadium.
- Bus 360: Runs from Al Ain Central Bus Station to Sweihan Souq, passing close to the stadium.
- Bus 380: Operates between Al Ain Central Bus Station and Al Rahman Mosque, with stops near the stadium.
- Bus 970: Connects Souq Extra to areas near the stadium.
Nearby bus stops include:
- Hamdan Ibn Mohammed St 127 / Al Ain Club: Approximately a 6-minute walk to the stadium.
- Zayed Al Awwal St 130 / Al Qalaa Petrol Station: Around a 7-minute walk to the stadium.
By Taxi or Ride-Hailing Services
Taxis are readily available throughout Al Ain. A taxi ride from Al Ain Central Bus Station to the stadium typically takes 10 minutes and costs between AED 17 and AED 21.
Driving Directions
- From Abu Dhabi: Take the Al Ain–Abu Dhabi highway, pass through the Al Maqam area, cross the Tawam Roundabout and proceed straight to Al Daiwan Roundabout No. 178. Continue straight, and the stadium entrance will be on your right.
- From Dubai: Drive to Al Ain via the Dubai–Al Ain Road, pass through the Al-Hayer area and continue until you reach Al Ain Dairy Farms on the right. Turn left at the next exit, continue straight and follow signs to UAE University and Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium.
From Al Ain International Airport
The stadium is approximately a 15-minute drive from Al Ain International Airport. Consider using navigation apps like Google Maps for real-time directions and traffic updates.
Architecture and Design
Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium is a 25,000-seat venue designed by Pattern Design spanning 45,000 square metres. Its architecture draws inspiration from the date palm, a regional symbol. It is evident in the façade’s steel diagrid structure with 612 adjustable membrane panels that provide shade and ventilation.
The stadium features a unique parasol roof, the first of its kind globally. This roof offers full shade to spectators while allowing sunlight for natural grass growth. These design elements contribute to its recognition as a modern and sustainable sports facility in the Middle East.
Matches Held at The Stadium
Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium has hosted various notable football matches and events since its opening. For instance:
- It hosted eight matches during the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, including a Round of 16, Quarter-final and Semi-final match.
- The stadium has also hosted several editions of the Egyptian Super Cup, including the 2015 match between Zamalek and Al Ahly and the 2018 match between Al Ahly and Al Masry.
- In 2023, it hosted the inaugural Supercopa Internacional match.
- Additionally, the stadium hosted the 2019 Arab Club Champions Cup Finals.
Other Features of Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium
- The stadium includes VIP boxes, corporate suites, media facilities and dedicated areas for families and disabled fans.
- It also has advanced pitch cooling technology to maintain playing conditions during hot weather.
- Beneath the stands, there’s a sports complex with training pitches, a gym and medical centres.
- Retail spaces and food outlets are also integrated into the venue.
- The surrounding development, known as Al Ain Square, features hotels, restaurants and residential units, making it a wider leisure and lifestyle hub rather than just a football ground.
Nearby Attractions
The following are some of the best places to visit in Al Ain, near the stadium:
- Al Ain Palace Museum – 8 minutes away
- Al Jahili Fort – 9 minutes away
- Al Ain Oasis – 11 minutes away
- Al Ain Mall – 13 minutes away
- Al Ain Zoo – 14 minutes away
FAQs
Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium has a natural grass pitch, maintained with modern cooling and drainage systems to suit the UAE climate.
The biggest stadium in the UAE is Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi, with a seating capacity of around 45,000.
Al Ain’s main stadium is called Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium. It serves as the home ground for Al Ain Football Club.
Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium isn’t just a football venue—it’s a modern landmark in Al Ain with world-class design and facilities. Whether you’re a football fan or a curious visitor, it offers a well-rounded experience worth exploring.
Other than that, you can also explore these top football courts in Dubai on the Property Finder blog.
