World’s first indoor football park is in Dubai

By Sheena Amos

DUBAI 12 June 2021: FOOTLAB Dubai, the world’s first indoor football, entertainment and performance park, was officially inaugurated last night at a Grand Opening event at ISD Dubai Sports City with Portuguese football legend Rui Costa, Dubai Sports Council Assistant Secretary General Nasser Aman Al Rahma, Dubai Sports City President Khaled Zarooni, Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) and Hussein Murad, CEO of ISD and Managing Director of FOOTLAB Dubai.

The Grand Opening was attended by senior government officials and business leaders, UAE football clubs directors, executives from FOOTLAB’s partners, Adidas and LG, distinguished guests and members of the media.

In its first international location outside of Europe, FOOTLAB Dubai offers a brand-new, fully immersive, tech powered football experience for football fans of all ages and the whole community.

Founded by football legend Rui Costa, FOOTLAB will elevate the level of football in the UAE with non-stop, cutting-edge, supercharged action and skills developments for football enthusiasts and athletes alike.

Speaking at the event, Rui Costa, said: “I am very happy to be here in Dubai, in a city that shares my love and passion for football. Dubai is the ideal venue for our first international FOOTLAB. Football is my life and FOOTLAB reflects my vision to bring a one-of-a-kind football experience to all football fans.”

Hussein Murad, Managing Director of FOOTLAB Dubai, said: “FOOTLAB is Dubai’s new entertainment destination, where all football fans can play, for the first time, like professionals, while having fun. Athletes will also be able to advance their most important football skills, powered by world-unique technology and AI.  We invite the whole community and football fans from across the UAE and the region to the ultimate football experience at FOOTLAB, where they can also host their next celebration, and have a great time!”

Nasser Aman Al Rahma, Dubai Sports Council Assistant Secretary General said: “We are pleased that Dubai was selected as the first international location for FOOTLAB outside of Portugal. FOOTLAB blends modern technology and artificial intelligence to support the development of sports and talents of different ages. FOOTLAB also reinforces Dubai’s role as a sports investments hub aligned with the vision of the wise UAE leadership and the presence of a community of over 200 nationalities comprising football talents, adults and children all looking for an opportunity to develop their football abilities and capabilities.”

Open to adults, children, teenagers, friends, groups or families, FOOTLAB Dubai is Dubai’s new destination dedicated to the world´s most popular sport, and offers the ideal performance and training hub, built on the lifetime professional experience of Rui Costa, and powered by innovation and technology from 7Legend.

Set on 2,000 square meters, FOOTLAB Dubai is filled with pure, adrenaline-fueled football action. As soon as they walk down the champions’ tunnel, players step into a whole new world of football, filled with innovative and thrilling football experiences.

While boosting their skills at the Individual state-of-the-art stations, featuring highly interactive test and train challenges, players can also compete with their friends or teams at the exciting Challenge, Street Soccer, Footvolley stations and 5-a-side football pitch, equipped with unique F.A.R technology, and offering real-time stats and standings.

With a dedicated and spacious event area, FOOTLAB Dubai provides a new, exciting location for private or business events. It’s an ideal venue to celebrate birthdays for the young and the young at heart in true football style that FOOTLAB calls “Victory Parties.” FOOTLAB also delivers an unforgettable experience for team building, corporate and private events.

FOOTLAB Dubai is centrally located at ISD Dubai Sports City in the heart of new Dubai, within easy access to Dubai’s neighborhoods and provides plenty of free parking.  It is open 7 days a week, Sunday-Wednesday 10am-10pm and Thursday-Saturday 10am to 1am.