Football has developed a staggering amount in the Middle East in the last decade or so, and one of the early attempts to make a mark in the sport came from the proposed 'Rock Stadium' in the UAE.
Ever since the Qatar World Cup in 2022, football in the Middle East has seen its influence grow enormously with the growth of the Saudi Pro League amplified by the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo.
This hasn't just happened overnight, as the wheels have been in motion for quite some time as Asia attempts to compete with European football on the global stage.
One of the earliest attempts to shock the footballing world came in 2016, as the UAE government devised a plan to construct a one-of-a-kind stadium in the Jebel Hafeet mountains.
The design concept featured a unique structure with three massive trapezoid shapes nested within each other. This arrangement creates a venue with a partially open roof, allowing natural light and fresh air to stream in while still containing the atmosphere from the crowd.
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The stadium would have been able to accommodate up to 40,000 supporters, which may be considered too small, however, many World Cup venues have had a smaller capacity.
The design was reportedly influenced by the ancient architecture of Rome, Greece, and Egypt. The concept was to create a ground that perfectly mixed both modern and ancient building styles.
However, despite the wealth of the region, the proposed stadium was eventually deemed too big of an ask due to the ambition of the project.
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The founder, Mr. Zgheib, wanted the stadium to be completed using only locally sourced materials, which complicated the construction process. This approach led to scaling and timing challenges, causing significant delays and budget overruns.
As a result, the project faced significant setbacks, and there has been little to no news regarding its continuation or completion but it is yet to be officially canceled.
One thing is for sure, if the magnificent structure is ever completed, a game under the lights would be some spectacle.
Topics: Football, Cristiano Ronaldo, Saudi Pro League
Tom Jenkins