Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium
- Location
- Al Ain, UAE
- Client
- Crown Prince Court, Abu Dhabi, then: BAM International
- Expertise
- Architecture
- Completion
- 2014
- Size
- 25,000 seats
The scope of the Hazza Bin Zayed (HBZ) Stadium was every stage from feasibility to completion. A stadium for a hot and dry climate has very different drivers to one built within a temperate climate. This proposal maximises shade and allows air modulation to reduce the environmental footprint
Additionally, the unique roof generates a fully shaded pitch. Use of glass is minimised and comfortable bowl conditions are achieved through louvres. All of this means that air conditioning can be kept to a minimum. The stadium achieved a 2 Pearl Estidama Rating, which is the UAE’s sustainability system similar to LEED or BREEAM.
A key area of investigation was the audience segmentation, which is very different from a European or American model. The unique, slope-cut lower-tier addresses this by creating more high-value seats. The stadium is part of a wider development of complementary uses that prioritise pedestrian use and reduces the visual and environmental impact of cars.
