Liverpool FC Legend Sir Kenny Dalglish Unveils Vision for New Abu Dhabi Sports City in Exclusive Interview.
Liverpool FC legend Sir Kenny Dalglish has welcomed plans for a major sports city in Abu Dhabi, describing the proposed development as a “fantastic opportunity for the local community.” In an exclusive interview with Gulf News, the former football star explained how the ambitious project aims to nurture young sporting talent and provide opportunities for aspiring athletes to achieve their potential.
Dalglish, widely regarded as one of English football’s most celebrated figures, is representing JT Seven Group Ltd (JT7Group), which is collaborating with Abu Dhabi National Investment and Development (ADID) to develop ‘ZPTM’ Abu Dhabi. The proposed integrated destination will bring together sports, education, advanced technology and residential facilities.
The former Liverpool player and manager emphasised that the project is designed to serve the wider community, rather than focusing exclusively on professional athletes.
“I think what we’re building offers a fantastic opportunity for the local community here in Abu Dhabi,” Dalglish said.
“Of course, it will be an incredible sports destination but it’s not just for sports, it’s going to be for everybody.
“There is going to be a boarding school, residential accommodation, world-class sports facilities, training centres and much more, so I think it’s going to be huge for the community.”
Dalglish also expressed admiration for Abu Dhabi’s remarkable development over the past decade, sharing his enthusiasm about contributing to an initiative that could have a long-term positive impact on the emirate.
“What a place it is, I haven’t been here for 10 years, and it feels like so much has changed and developed for the better in that time,” said Dalglish.
“It’s just so impressive and I’m feeling extremely excited that I get to help the country and it’s community with what we’re launching here with ADID.”
The ambitious project was unveiled in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, October 7, with Dalglish appearing alongside ADID Chief Executive Officer Shamsa Alfahim to present the vision for the development. The sports city is expected to be fully completed by 2032.
ZPTM Abu Dhabi aims to establish a comprehensive sports and lifestyle destination by bringing together world-class athletic facilities, professional training, education, sports healthcare and advanced performance technology within a single development. The proposed facilities include multi-sport training centres, a dedicated campus for professional athletes, rehabilitation and medical centres, performance testing and analytics facilities, an esports and mind sports hub, a sports and wellness hotel, and residential communities.
One of the project’s major highlights is a specialised elite sports boarding school that will integrate academic learning with professional coaching, advanced athletic training and student wellbeing programmes. Scheduled to open in 2029, the institution is envisioned as the Middle East’s first international elite sports boarding school of this magnitude.
The residential component of the development is expected to feature approximately 1,700 housing units, including apartments, semi-detached villas and standalone villas, catering to both local and international property buyers. In addition, a separate housing initiative is planned to provide around 2,000 residences for Emirati families, complemented by recreational amenities, community facilities and landscaped green spaces.
Combined, these residential initiatives are projected to deliver approximately 3,700 homes, creating an integrated neighbourhood that promotes sports participation, quality education, healthcare, wellness and an active lifestyle.
Looking ahead, future development phases may introduce a large-scale stadium and a versatile multi-purpose dome capable of accommodating major sporting tournaments, live entertainment, technology exhibitions and immersive experiences.
The ambitious development is moving forward with backing from international institutional investment partners. Riverside Management Group (RMG) is overseeing investor relations, financial planning and strategic coordination to support the project’s progress.
Abu Dhabi National Investment and Development (ADID), JT Seven Group Ltd (JT7Group) and RMG will collaborate on finalising the development framework, preparing the masterplan, arranging financing, engaging key stakeholders and securing the necessary regulatory approvals.
Construction is expected to commence in early 2027, subject to obtaining the required approvals and completing final agreements. The project is planned to be delivered in multiple phases over an estimated three to five years.
Liverpool FC legend Sir Kenny Dalglish, whose achievements as both a player and manager have made him one of the club’s most respected figures, will play an important role in shaping the development’s sporting strategy. He will also help establish international partnerships with football clubs, professional athletes and educational institutions.
ADID envisions the project as a major destination that will benefit Abu Dhabi’s local population while drawing sporting professionals, emerging athletes and international expertise to the emirate.
Shamsa Alfahim, Chief Executive Officer of ADID, highlighted the project’s potential to deliver long-term benefits to Abu Dhabi through a combination of sporting excellence, educational opportunities and residential development.
“This is an opportunity to create a sports city with international reach and lasting value for Abu Dhabi. Alongside the sports and education facilities, we want to provide quality homes for Emirati families. Bringing the plans forward in phases, with the right partners around the table, can create a destination that serves the community and attracts talent from around the world,” Alfahim said.
Dalglish emphasised the transformative impact sport can have on young people when supported by access to quality education, professional coaching and modern facilities.
“Sport can change lives when young people have the right place to learn and grow. We want to bring education, coaching, facilities and support together, and make the wider community part of it. I’m proud to represent JT7Group alongside ADID as we work towards a destination that could set a new standard for sport in Abu Dhabi and beyond,” he said.
Jim Carpenter, Chief Executive Officer of RMG, expressed confidence in the project’s long-term prospects, citing its ambitious sporting objectives, strong local partnerships and carefully planned development approach.
“Over the last decade, we have always looked for exciting new initiatives in sport, and this project truly fits the bill. The combination of an ambitious sporting vision, a strong Abu Dhabi partner and a phased development plan gives it real long-term potential. We look forward to working with ADID and JT7Group on the project structure and development,” Carpenter said.
