Dubai to bid for Olympics

Dubai is drawing up plans to bid for the Olympic Games, Dubai's ruler told ArabianBusiness.com on Tuesday.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, also vice president and prime minister of the UAE, was briefing journalists on a flight from Beijing to Shanghai as part of his state visit to China when he revealed his intention to begin studying an Olympic bid.

He declined to give further details and did not name a target year to host the games.

Dubai Sport City, which is currently under construction, could provide a potential venue for the games. The custom-built complex will feature a 25,000-seater cricket stadium, a 60,000-seater outdoor arena that could hold track and field events, and a 10,000-seater multi-purpose indoor arena.

It will be one of the largest sports complexes in the world.

Dubai has long been associated with major sporting events and global sports sponsorship deals. The emirate already hosts professional tennis, golf and rugby events.

The UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi, will host its first ever Formula 1 Grand Prix next year.

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