Football pitches in Abu Dhabi do things a little differently.
Instead of the tattered nets, back-breaking concrete pitches and wonky lines that characterise many a ground elsewhere on this blue and green football we call home, facilities here are in the realms of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi – and by that we mean world-class.
Here are the top football pitches in Abu Dhabi you should hire out if you’re a lover of the beautiful game.
Abu Dhabi Cricket
Okay, you might look at the name and think we’ve lost it, but this cricket club is also available to those looking for football pitches in Abu Dhabi. In fact, the venue has an Allianz Arena-worth of pitches – of both artificial and natural variety and in different sizes – so you can find the right fit for a kickabout no matter how big your squad.
From Dhs200 per hour. Times vary. Abu Dhabi Cricket, Khalifa City, www.abudhabicricket.ae.
Al Forsan International Sports Resort
Kick off at this sprawling complex that houses everything from wakeboarding to horse riding. If you mean business (and your wingbacks have the legs) you can hire the 11-a-side full-size pitch, though smaller stretched of carpet are available. With natural and artificial surfaces on offer, players can customise their match depending on footwear preference.
From Dhs600 per hour. Times vary. Al Forsan International Sports Resort, Khalifa City, www.alforsan.com.
Erth Abu Dhabi
Take your pick from an A/C-cooled air dome, outdoor grass pitch, cages and indoor pitches at this mightily impressive sporting complex. There’s something to suit every footballing crowd (though we’ll stick to playing, thanks) and with referee services available as well, you can get help deciding on free-kicks, penalties and all the rest, so you don’t have to argue with your mates. This was formerly known as Armed Forces Officers Club and Hotel.
Times and prices vary. Al Maqta, www.afoc.ae.
Koora Sports
This outdoor venue is great for football pitches in Abu Dhabi, but mainly in the winter months. Still, if you think you can stand the heat, get on-side with two full-sized pitches that can also be split to six-a-side or eight-a-side renditions should anyone fail a late fitness test. The pitch is in good condition and it’s floodlit at night, so you don’t have any excuses for missing a cross or losing your man.
Dhs250 per hour five-a-side, Dhs315 per hour six-a-side, Dhs600 per hour eight-a-side. Times vary. Next to Leaf Tower, Reem Island www.koorasports.ae.
The Dome
If you’ve ever been to The Dome you’ll know that the first thing you notice is that there’s no dome. But what’s in a name? This venue is a regular spot for football tournaments and league matches for amateur teams in the capital and you can hire the pitches for a semi-serious or completely casual game with friends. It is outdoors so if you plan on playing during the day then make sure that you keep hydrated or you might not make it until the end. These football pitches in Abu Dhabi are ready for five-a-side, eight-a-side and 11-a-side matches.
From Dhs160 (off peak), Dhs320 (peak times) for five-a-side. Open daily 7am-1am. Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street (02 447 0754).
The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal
A 20,000 sq m FIFA standard football pitch can be hired out at this plush Abu Dhabi hotel. Complimented by views of The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the facility boasts an exclusive Club House with private gym and recovery room. The venue also has a separate seven-a-side pitch, dedicated goalkeeper practice area, and can transformed into a rugby field for those who prefer their balls egg shaped.
From Dhs500 per hour. The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal Al Maqta Area,
www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/uae/abu-dhabi (971 2 818 8888).
Zayed Sports City
Home to City Football Schools and a number of other clubs from the capital over the years, Zayed Sports City can be tailored to any footballing need. With a staggering 18 pitches that can be used for futsal, five-a-side, seven-a-side and 11-a-side matches, you can’t really go wrong. Plus, with the Zayed Sports City Stadium at the heart of the complex, players can take that as inspiration to push their game to the next level. One of the best for football pitches in Abu Dhabi.
From Dhs578. Times vary. Zayed Sports City, Saif Ghubash Street www.zsc.ae.
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