Venue Guide: Al Ain

Dubai: The last of this four-part series exploring the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 host cities takes us to the UAE's 'Garden City', Al Ain.

The smallest of the four host cities, the name of Al Ain is familiar to football fans across the continent largely thanks to the team carrying its name. Al Ain is the UAE's most successful club, but there is more to this tranquile oasis on the UAE-Oman border than the 2003 AFC Champions League winners.

City: Al Ain

Population: 767,000

Local Clubs: Al Ain FC

The Grounds

Hazza bin Zayed Stadium

The UAE's most modern football stadium was opened just five years ago, and has since hosted a plethora of top matches including the FIFA Club World Cup and the Egyptian Super Cup on two occasions each as well as the 2016 AFC Champions League final.

The 25,000-seater stadium has an exterior inspired by Al Ain's heritage as a palm oasis and has white panels that are lit in different colours, often in celebration of national and international events. The stadium hosts the home matches of Al Ain FC.
Standout matches to watch here

Australia v Jordan

January 6, 15:00 UTC+4

Qatar vs Lebanon

January 9, 20:00 UTC+4

UAE vs Thailand

January 14, 20:00 UTC+4

Quarter-final

January 25, 20:00 UTC+4

Semi-final

January 28, 18:00 UTC+4

Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium

Named after the current President of the UAE, Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium is one of the oldest football stadiums in the country, built in 1971 and refurbished in 2002. The ground played host to Al Ain’s home fixtures prior to the opening of Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in 2014. It is now the club’s main training ground and home to its football academy.

One of two host venues in Al Ain, the 12,000-capacity stadium is located less than 5-km from the UAE-Oman border and within walking distance of Al Ain Oasis, the UAE’s first UNESCO World Heritage site.
Standout matches to watch here

DPR Korea vs Qatar

January 13, 15:00 UTC+4

Australia vs Syria

January 16, 17:30 UTC+4

Japan v Uzbekistan

January 17, 17:30 UTC+4 Insider Tip:

Three of the four host cities, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Al Ain form an equilateral triangle, with the fourth host city, Sharjah, just next to Dubai. All cities are connected with world-class highways, and are within two hours driving from one another.

But if you would like to explore the UAE beyond the main roads and see some of the obscure villages, there are tens of combinations of smaller, albeit longer, routes you could take. Fuel up, get your GPS and drive on!

Hidden Gems:

You have not truly been to Al Ain unless you experience fast food the local way. Head to one of the many branches of Emirati fast food chain "Rashed Ali Cafeteria" and indulge in a paratha wrap and a cup of Karak Tea. If you are feeling adventrous, go for the intriguingly named "Hassan Matar" sandwich.

What's a good way to spend a day out in the mild UAE winter? A picnic? A picnic by the lake? How about a picnic by the lake in the middle of the desert? Zakher Lake offers the most picturesque blend of unspoilt sand dunes and blue waters. And it is located just over half an hour away from Al Ain. Just make sure you have the right car for it!


Source: the-afc.com