Abu Dhabi's Zayed Sports City through the years - in pictures

  • Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi, 2008. The stadium is the work of French architects Henri Colboc, Pierre Dalidet and George Philippe.
    Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi, 2008. The stadium is the work of French architects Henri Colboc, Pierre Dalidet and George Philippe.
  • The Founding President, Sheikh Zayed, looks at future Abu Dhabi projects, including a model of Zayed Sports City Stadium visible at bottom. Courtesy: Al Ittihad
    The Founding President, Sheikh Zayed, looks at future Abu Dhabi projects, including a model of Zayed Sports City Stadium visible at bottom. Courtesy: Al Ittihad
  • The stadium is an architectural gem of striking arches and curves.
    The stadium is an architectural gem of striking arches and curves.
  • The venue has hosted many concerts over the years, such as that by British pop legend George Michael in 2008. Carl Abrams / AP Photo
    The venue has hosted many concerts over the years, such as that by British pop legend George Michael in 2008. Carl Abrams / AP Photo
  • Liam McGrath works on stage ahead of the George Michael concert, with the distinctive architecture visible in the background.
    Liam McGrath works on stage ahead of the George Michael concert, with the distinctive architecture visible in the background.
  • The stadium was the setting when the UAE beat Oman to claim the 2007 Arabian Gulf Cup. Here UAE captain Mohammed Omar lifts the cup after the victory. Rabih Moghrabi / AFP
    The stadium was the setting when the UAE beat Oman to claim the 2007 Arabian Gulf Cup. Here UAE captain Mohammed Omar lifts the cup after the victory. Rabih Moghrabi / AFP
  • Football fans at Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi for the UAE against Manchester City friendly in 2009, which the UAE won. Stephen Lock / The National
    Football fans at Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi for the UAE against Manchester City friendly in 2009, which the UAE won. Stephen Lock / The National
  • The venue has been the setting for annual National Day celebrations, such as these in 2015.
    The venue has been the setting for annual National Day celebrations, such as these in 2015.
  • Players from Spain's Real Madrid train at Zayed Sports City Stadium for the Fifa Club World Cup in 2018.
    Players from Spain's Real Madrid train at Zayed Sports City Stadium for the Fifa Club World Cup in 2018.
  • The spectacular opening ceremony of the Special Olympics World Games attracted people from around the world.
    The spectacular opening ceremony of the Special Olympics World Games attracted people from around the world.
  • It has also hosted global events such as the Special Olympics World Games in 2019.
    It has also hosted global events such as the Special Olympics World Games in 2019.
  • The closing ceremony showcases the stadium's architecture.
    The closing ceremony showcases the stadium's architecture.
  • Zayed Sports City Stadium hosted Pope Francis for an open air mass in 2019. The Pontiff was on his first trip to the UAE.
    Zayed Sports City Stadium hosted Pope Francis for an open air mass in 2019. The Pontiff was on his first trip to the UAE.
  • Pope Francis blesses a child before the mass at Zayed Sports City Stadium.
    Pope Francis blesses a child before the mass at Zayed Sports City Stadium.
  • Pope Francis celebrates mass at the stadium. Pawan Singh / The National
    Pope Francis celebrates mass at the stadium. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The stadium is part of a complex with an ice rink. It has its own distinctive architecture.
    The stadium is part of a complex with an ice rink. It has its own distinctive architecture.
  • The UAE beat Thailand during their Challenge Cup Cup of Asia game at the Zayed Sports City Ice Rink in 2014.
    The UAE beat Thailand during their Challenge Cup Cup of Asia game at the Zayed Sports City Ice Rink in 2014.
  • The stadium was renovated in 2009. it remains the largest and premier stadium in the UAE.
    The stadium was renovated in 2009. it remains the largest and premier stadium in the UAE.