If you’re searching for a classic, local-football atmosphere in the city, Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium Dubai 2025 is one of Dubai’s most historically referenced venues. The Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium Dubai is often associated with the former Al Shabab Al Arabi Club, the stadium later became connected to Shabab Al Ahli after the 2017 merger—typically serving as a secondary venue for select fixtures and club activities.

This guide covers the stadium’s background, match-day experience, facilities, and practical access information—plus an important note: it is not the same venue as Al Maktoum Stadium in Oud Metha (Al Nasr’s ground), which hosted matches at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. It’s crucial to recognize this difference if you're planning to visit Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium Dubai.

Quick facts and why this stadium matters

Here’s the simple profile most commonly cited for the venue:

• Name: Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium
• Location: Al Mamzar, Dubai
• Primary use: Football (multi-use in practice)
• Surface: Grass
• Opened: Commonly listed as 1978

A note on capacity figures (why sources differ)

Many references list capacity around 12,000.
However, some stadium directories cite higher (e.g., 18,000) and an official club facilities page has listed different figures for a “Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium” entry (including 8,000 and a different opening year).
For publishing, the safest phrasing is: “commonly reported at ~12,000 capacity” while acknowledging that listings vary.

History: Al Shabab era, the 2017 merger, and today’s role

The Al Shabab Al Arabi era

The stadium is widely documented as the long-time home venue for Al Shabab (Al Shabab Al Arabi) prior to the club merger. Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium Dubai played a significant role during this period.

The 2017 merger and Shabab Al Ahli connection

After the merger that formed Shabab Al Ahli, the stadium is commonly described as a secondary ground used for select matches, youth fixtures, or training activity depending on scheduling.

Facilities: pitch, seating, amenities, and media operations

Pitch and playing conditions

The stadium is generally described as having a grass surface and hosting football activity primarily.
Because Dubai fixtures often avoid peak daytime heat, you’ll typically see evening scheduling patterns around many local venues.

Seating and spectator experience

Expect a more traditional layout and a “classic ground” feel rather than a fully modern bowl. Amenities are usually functional: basic concessions, restrooms, and standard match operations.

Media and match operations

Most summaries reference a press area/operations capability consistent with domestic league requirements, rather than international mega-event standards.

Clubs, competitions, and match-day vibe

The identity of this stadium is closely tied to Dubai’s local football culture—supporters, club history, and community-level rivalry energy.

If you’re attending a fixture here, the experience is typically more local and less “eventized” than larger venues. That’s a plus if you want an authentic match vibe rather than a large-stadium spectacle at Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium Dubai.

Location in Al Mamzar and how to get there

Many references place the stadium in Al Mamzar, Dubai.
Al Mamzar is a mixed residential/coastal area, and the stadium is often described as easiest to reach by car or taxi, especially on match days.

Transport tips (practical)

• Taxi / ride-hailing: Often the simplest option for visitors.
• Driving: Arrive early—match-day traffic and parking congestion are common at mid-sized venues.
• Nearby landmarks: Some listings reference proximity to retail/landmarks in the Al Mamzar area.

Not the same as Al Maktoum Stadium in Oud Metha

This is the #1 confusion point online.

• Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium = commonly referenced in Al Mamzar
• Al Maktoum Stadium (Oud Metha) = home of Al Nasr, upgraded for and hosted matches in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup

This distinction matters for visitors, ticket searches, and map pins.

FAQs About Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium