Officials from government agencies including Police, RTA, Customs, Fire Service, Civil Defence and Dept of Health and Ambulance Services held meetings to discuss final preparations. 

Under the direction of the tournament’s LOC, the teams are conducting ongoing site inspections of the especially designed 7,000-capacity stadium. As many as 16 beach soccer teams will compete for glory in the shadows of the iconic Burj Al Arab.

According to Dr. Khalid Al Zahed, Deputy Tournament Director, the organisers have worked very hard ensure that the World Cup will be another shining example of the UAE’s ability to stage world class sporting events.

“The eyes of the world will be focused on Dubai with more then 150 countries set to tune in for the World Cup,” said Dr. Khalid.

“Many other countries originally bid to hold this tournament, but Dubai was given the honour because we are one hundred per cent committed to provide the best facilities,” said Dr. Khalid.

The stadium is a fusion of east meets west with state of the art facilities, including a fully equipped media centre, interactive fanzone and food and beverage outlets.

Dr. Khalid said, “This is an event with historic roots in Brazil, but now the World Cup has come to the Dubai shores, so we want to give it a distinct Arab flavour.”

The tournament, which originated from Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is now in its fifteenth year and for this year, the new temporary home will be the Jumeirah, in the heart of new Dubai.

Only once before the tournament was staged outside of Brazil. And that was in Marseille, France in 2008. This will be the first time that an Asian country will be hosting this prestigious event.

Spectators will be entertained and inspired by sixteen of the best Beach Soccer teams in the world, including the UAE, as they take to the sands in an epic battle of skill and stamina. The final two Asia spots will be determined this week as the Asian Qualifiers are currently being played in Dubai.

The FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup will be held under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council.