All about the Al Ain Sports and Cultural Club
The Al Ain Sports and Cultural Club (AASCC), also known as Al Ain Club, has an impressive record of achievements in the sporting world. Here is all you need to know about the club’s history, sporting facilities and more.
About Al Ain Sports and Cultural Club
The sporting facility was founded in 1968 in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi. Till then, the activities were only restricted to football, which eventually expanded to other sports. Since its establishment, the club has contributed significantly to the city’s infrastructure in sports. It currently encompasses three entities — the Al Ain Football Club Company, Al Ain Investment Company and Al Ain Club Sports Games Company. It was also the first club in the UAE to turn professional.
Al Ain Sports Game Company
This entity was established on the directive of His Highness Sheikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in 2013. It covers the following sports:
- Volleyball: The first volleyball team in the UAE was formed in 1975 by the AASCC.
- Handball: The AASCC handball team was also formed the same year and included both foreign and Emirati talents.
- Athletics: The first Athletics Team was formed in 1978 in response to the region’s demand for more diversified sports. It has competed individually and has won several medals across the GCC.
Other sports where the club excels include basketball, jiu-jitsu and swimming.
AL AIN FC
The prestigious football club is part of the Al Ain Sports and Cultural Club (AASCC) in Abu Dhabi. It was founded in the 1960s by the Sudanese community in the UAE and a group of exchange students from Bahrain. It rapidly gained recognition by winning the most trophies.
Since its establishment, Al Ain FC has won several local and international championships. This includes the President’s Cup, GCC Clubs Championship, Etisalat Cup. AFC Champion’s League and GCC Champion’s Cup. Al Ain Club is the only UAE team so far to win the AFC Champions League.
Al Ain Football Club has three standard stadiums. Among them is the acclaimed Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, one of the top stadiums in Abu Dhabi. The other two are Tahnoun bin Mohammed Stadium and Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium.
The club’s top scorer is Ahmad Abdulla who has a record 124 goals to his name. He is followed by Laba Kodjo, Asamoah Gyan, Majed Al Aweis, Mohyeddin Habita and Salem Johar.
Al Ain Club Investment Company (AACIC)
The AACIC was first formed in 2013 by His Highness Sheikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, chairman of the Board of Directors at AASCC. The aim was to adopt standards of excellence in line with plans by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council to enhance the emirate’s sporting industry
Stadiums and Facilities
Here are all the stadiums and sports facilities offered by the AASCC.
Stadiums
HAZZA BIN ZAYED STADIUM (HBZS)
This stadium was inaugurated in 2014 and is the most famous as it is designed according to requirements by FIFA. It is often referred to as “The Boss.”
KHALIFA BIN ZAYED STADIUM (KBZS)
The KBZS was established in 1971 and serves as the main headquarters for training sessions of the Al Ain Football Club and Sports Games. It has hosted several international and regional tournaments since then. Current architectural highlights include a main lounge, office space, ballrooms, clinic and a physical therapy unit. The stadium has a capacity of 12,000 spectators.
TAHNOON BIN MOHAMMED STADIUM (TBMS)
Spanning a whopping 91,341 sq. m., the TBMS is capable of accommodating up to 9,000 spectators. It has four levels with VIP sections and suites. Additionally, it includes a jiu-jitsu studio as well as separate swimming pools for men and women.
Facilities
AL HAYER BRANCH
Indoor sports studios and playgrounds are available at this branch for both public and private use. Other facilities in the 25,066 sq. m. space include a cafeteria and swimming pool.
AL MAQAM BRANCH
Apart from sports facilities and playgrounds, this 25,865 sq. m. branch has a ballroom, business centre and gym.
MEZYAD BRANCH
The Mezyad Branch spans 38,687 sq. m. It has several football training spaces and two indoor sports studios.
AL YAHAR BRANCH
With a covered area of 37,831 square meters, this branch has facilities like multiple football training playgrounds, a ballroom and an indoor sports studio.
ZAKHER BRANCH
This 28,094 square meters branch has facilities like multiple football training playgrounds, a ballroom and an indoor sports studio.
Al Ain Football Private Academy
Al Ain Football Private Academy offers training to boys and girls. A chance to hone their football skills under the guidance of experienced coaches.
Al Ain Sports and Cultural Club Tickets and Contact
Tickets to events at the club can be purchased on the AASCC official website or Platinumlist. You can also apply for an AINAWI membership card which was introduced to reward fans. It comes with benefits which can be explored on the club’s website.
The price of tickets at HBZ stadium depends on chosen seats. These include Away Fans area, General Admissions 1 to 3, Football Lounge, Club Lounge, Club Terrace and Premium. Seats for Families, women only spaces and People of Determination are limited and advance booking is preferred. Use the following contact information for more details:
- Contact: +971-800-86-823 | +971-800-246-294 (HBZS call centre)
- HBZS Box Office timings: 04:00 pm to 09:00 pm (open three days prior to matches)
FAQs about Al Ain Club
Can I buy tickets on event day for Al Ain FC?
Yes, depending on availability.
Where can I get the tickets I paid for online?
You will receive an email that contains the PDF version of your ticket after payment is confirmed. You must bring the printout of the PDF to your chosen event.
What is the Al Ain Sports and Cultural Club location?
The AASCC has headquarters in Al Tiwayya, Al Ain.
How can I join Al Ain Club or its youth programs?
The first step is to join the Al Ain Football Private Academy. You can make progress through the ranks thereafter.
Where can I tee off in the capital?
You can do so at the best golf courses in Abu Dhabi like The National Golf Course and The Garden Course. When the weather gets warmer, you can always play your favourite sport at the indoor sports venues in Abu Dhabi like an ice rink among others.
That concludes our guide on the Al Ain Club. Follow UAE’s most successful football club’s social media channels for the latest events and matches!
