Apart from successfully diversifying its economy, Dubai is now evolving into a sports hub of an international importance. That is particularly true for the emirate’s ambitions to establish itself as a top aquatic sports venue. The close partnership between the United Arab Emirates and FINA, the international governing body of water sports, has also helped Dubai to build a name in the field. That is one of the main reasons why the emirate is adding new aquatic events to its sports calendar almost every year. From World Junior Champtionships, Water Polo World Leage Super Finals, Asian Swimming Championships to Swimming World Cups and Diving World Series – the emirate has hosted almost all of the biggest aquatic sports events in the world. Dubai’s world-class Hamdan Sports Complex (HSC) also plays a central role into the city’s positive reputation among global sports leaders. The AED 1.1 billion facility recently enjoyed a real torrent of praises from some of the most respected names in the world of aquatic sports.
Just before the start of the FINA/NVC Diving World Series 2015, Dubai’s swimming facilities received recognitions by Cornel Marculescu, the executive director of FINA. During a press conference in the UAE, Marculescu praised both Dubai’s progress in diving sports, as well as its diving facilities. According to him, the city offers one of the best sports venues in the world. Marculescu highlighted that Hamdan Sports Complex was a world-class facility and its organization was unmatched. Moreover, FINA’s executive director stated that Dubai’s development in the field of aquatic sports “has become the envy of the world.”
Cornel Marculescu’s opinion is also shared by World Championships silver medalist Roseline Filion and former world champion Tom Daley. During the same conference, Filion expressed her admiration towards Dubai. The athlete referred to Hamdan Sports Complex as a “brilliant facility” that successfully lures the world’s best swimmers. Daley, on the other hand, was stunned by the warm and welcoming way he was looked after during his stay in Dubai.
That is not the first time when Dubai’s swimming facilities have received recognitions by top names in the sport. Soon after the opening of Hamdan Sports Complex back in 2010, FINA’s presidents Dr. Julia Caesar Maglione referred to the facility as “extraordinary” and its pools as “one of the most beautiful in the world.”
Back in 2013, Bob Bowman, former coach of the U.S. swimming champion Michael Phelps, also joined the long list of Dubai admirers during his visit in the emirate. After a tour at the Hamdan Sports Complex, Bowman exclaimed that he was incredibly impressed with the complex and that both the facility’s quality and score were “amazing.”
In just a few days, the Dubai International Aquatic Championship 2015 will kick off in the emirate. The event will be held in the world-recognized Hamdan Sports Complex between April 1 – 11 and it will welcome more than 1,000 participants from about 30 different countries.
