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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
Brain plasticity could be improved by manipulating the gut microbiome
Manipulating the gut microbiome could become a powerful tool for preserving brain health and resilience as people age, according to research led by Professor Paola Tognini, a neuroscientist at the Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies in Pisa, Italy.
Jessica Sloyan establishes UK Academy of Sound and Therapeutic Arts
Jessica Sloyan, a wellness operations and training expert, has established an independent private training academy to provide professional qualifications for practitioners looking to offer immersive wellness experiences.
ISPA releases full 2026 US Spa Industry Study as annual industry revenue rises by US$1bn
The International Spa Association (ISPA) has published its full 2026 US Spa Industry Study, providing further insights into the region’s total US$1 billion (€855 million, £780 million) industry revenue increase from 2024 to 2025.
Hot spring wellness community Ameyalli sells residences and breaks ground on resort and spa
Ameyalli, the 78-acre wellbeing resort and residential community in Midway in Utah, US, has broken ground on phase two of the hot spring development – the Ameyalli Resort and Spa – which is due to open in 2028.
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Contrast therapy, based on the alternation of hot and cold rituals, has become one of the most valued practices in the fields of wellness and recovery. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers  
COMPANY PROFILES
TLEE Spas + Wellness

Founded in 2010 by industry visionary Tracy Lee, TLEE Spas + Wellness is a globally acclaimed spa an [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
31 Aug - 02 Sep 2026

SpaTec North America

Pier Sixty Six, Fort Lauderdale, United States
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ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

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Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

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