2024/06/05

Al Ahly Stadium to rise with 15-company partnership, 10 billion EGP investment

Al Ahly Club President Mahmoud El Khatib announced the launch of the new Al Ahly Stadium project in 6th of October City on Tuesday. Construction work has already begun. A consortium of 15 Egyptian, Arab, and international companies will be responsible for implementing, financing, and designing the project.

El Khatib witnessed the signing of the framework agreement between the participating companies at a grand celebration held on Al Ahly's land in October in the presence of Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, Minister of Youth and Sports.

The project is expected to cost ten billion Egyptian pounds. At its heart lies a state-of-the-art international sports stadium boasting a capacity of 42,000 spectators, which will host Al Ahly's football matches. The project also encompasses a fully integrated sports city with subsidiary courts, a hotel, a shopping center, an educational complex including a school and a university, as well as a hospital and an Al Ahly museum.

The project is slated for completion in five years, with implementation divided into three distinct phases as per the agreement with the consortium.

The initial phase, spanning two years, will prioritize the construction of the stadium itself. This initial iteration will seat approximately 25,000 spectators. Phase two will see the stadium's capacity expand to a staggering 42,000, with the potential to grow further to 60,000 in later phases. Following the trend of some European stadiums, the area behind the goals will be dedicated for standing supporters.

In his speech at the launch ceremony for the project dubbed "Stadium of the Century," El Khatib expressed that constructing a dedicated stadium for Al Ahly had been a dream since the early 1970s. Initial plans involved building the stadium on the club's premises in Nasr City. However, restrictions on high-rise buildings near Cairo International Airport forced them to reconsider. This ultimately led to a breakthrough in 1992 when Al Ahly acquired Sheikh Zayed Land, paving the way for both a branch and building their stadium.

El Khatib acknowledged a further challenge in 6th of October City – height restrictions limited buildings to a mere six meters. However, this obstacle was overcome after obtaining a permit for a height of 30 meters.

The Minister of Youth and Sports expressed his pleasure at witnessing the launch of Al Ahly's construction projects. He highlighted the recent opening of the club's branch in the Fifth Settlement and his keenness to participate in the events held on the club's grounds.

Minister Sobhy lauded Al Ahly's commitment to progress, highlighting how the club's new stadium aligns perfectly with Egypt's national vision. He emphasized the government's strong focus on development and investment in the sports sector.

He further highlighted Egypt's dedication to investing in the sports development. He pointed to the recently enacted Sports Law, which empowers institutions and clubs to establish companies, a reality that Al Ahly has embraced with the creation of multiple companies, including Al Ahly Facilities Company.

The Minister of Sports pointed to the remarkable progress in sports facilities across Egypt, including the Global Olympic City, which encompasses a wide range of sporting activities.

In closing, he offered his heartfelt congratulations to Al Ahly on this historic occasion. He also pledged the Ministry's unwavering support for the development process of all Egyptian clubs.

Notably, the companies participating in the consortium responsible for this project include:

Beltone Company for Promotion and Underwriting Coverage, Palm Sport Emirates, Hilton International, Global expert Stephen Weberink, Alexandria Medical Services Company, Mahram Bakhoum Engineering Consultants, Sons of Sinai Construction and Building Company, Egyptian Construction Company, Distance Studio for Consulting, Engineering Consulting Group, Trojan Group for General Contracting Emirates, Boegertmann Company, and Capital Blue Marketing Company.