Soccer great Costa unveils FOOTLAB Dubai

FOOTLAB Dubai, the world’s first indoor football, entertainment and performance park, was officially inaugurated on Tuesday at a Grand Opening event at ISD Dubai Sports City (DSC) with Portuguese football legend Rui Costa, Dubai Sports Council Assistant Secretary General Nasser Aman Al Rahma, Dubai Sports City President Khaled Zarooni, Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) and Hussein Murad, CEO of ISD and Managing Director of FOOTLAB Dubai.

The Grand Opening was attended by senior government officials and business leaders, UAE football clubs directors, executives from FOOTLAB’s partners, Adidas and LG, distinguished guests and members of the media.

In its first international location outside of Europe, FOOTLAB Dubai offers a brand-new, fully immersive, tech powered football experience for football fans of all ages and the whole community.

Founded by football legend Rui Costa, FOOTLAB will elevate the level of football in the UAE with non-stop, cutting-edge, supercharged action and skills developments for football enthusiasts and athletes alike.  

Speaking at the event, Rui Costa, said: “I am very happy to be here in Dubai, in a city that shares my love and passion for football. Dubai is the ideal venue for our first international FOOTLAB. Football is my life and FOOTLAB reflects my vision to bring a one-of-a-kind football experience to all football fans.”

Hussein Murad, Managing Director of FOOTLAB Dubai, said: “FOOTLAB is Dubai’s new entertainment destination, where all football fans can play, for the first time, like professionals, while having fun. Athletes will also be able to advance their most important football skills, powered by world-unique technology and AI.  

“We invite the whole community and football fans from across the UAE and the region to the ultimate football experience at FOOTLAB, where they can also host their next celebration, and have a great time!”

Nasser Aman Al Rahma, DSC Assistant Secretary General said: “We are pleased that Dubai was selected as the first international location for FOOTLAB outside of Portugal. FOOTLAB blends modern technology and artificial intelligence to support the development of sports and talents of different ages.

“FOOTLAB also reinforces Dubai’s role as a sports investments hub aligned with the vision of the wise UAE leadership and the presence of a community of over 200 nationalities comprising football talents, adults and children all looking for an opportunity to develop their football abilities and capabilities.”

Open to adults, children, teenagers, friends, groups or families, FOOTLAB Dubai is Dubai’s new destination dedicated to the world´s most popular sport, and offers the ideal performance and training hub, built on the lifetime professional experience of Rui Costa, and powered by innovation and technology from 7Legend.