What’s On has details of Premier League champions Manchester City in Abu Dhabi, including how to get tickets for their match in Al Ain at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium.


English Premier League champions Manchester City will put on a show to rival their recent title celebrations when they turn out against Al Ain at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium.

In one of the most hotly anticipated sporting events to be held in the UAE for some time, the likes of Vincent Kompany, Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero will take to the field against the backdrop of a festival atmosphere and a packed out crowd.

As well as seeing a raft of international superstar footballers, fans inside the stadium will be treated to several extra activities, including the Al Ain Marching Band performing the UAE National Anthem, world record football freestyle Dan Magnus, an Etihad F1 simulator, a giant firework display, and shopping opportunities with the likes of Nike, MCFC Official and even traditional Souks. There will also be confetti canons, face painters, stilt walkers, jugglers, break dancers, drummers, crowd surfing balls, giant zorbs and a Bongo Cam.

Speaking ahead of the match former Premier League player Asamoah Gyan, said: “It will be a very interesting game because Manchester City is one of the best teams in the world and we are delighted to play against some of the best players in the world. The English Premiership is the probably the best League, so it is going to be an exciting game.”

Midfielder Omar Abdulrahman, who has been linked with moves to England to continue his career after a stellar 2012 Olympic campaign, added: “Manchester City is a great football team and we are very proud to be hosting them at the Hazza Bin Zayed stadium. The stadium should be full and that will give it an amazing atmosphere. We will prepare ourselves properly for the match because it is a match we hope to win. We want to win all matches at the Hazza Bin Zayed stadium.”

And defender Fawzi Fayez said: “Playing in the Hazza Bin Zayed stadium for Al Ain is a great honour and we are proud to be playing a big team like Manchester City here. They could be Premier League Champions when they come here and we hope to play a great game of football.”

Stars from Manchester City touched down on Tuesday after claiming their second title in three years on Sunday evening. They have since held an open training session at Al Jazira Football Club’s stadium off Airport Road, as well as been pictured having a casual kickabout on Saadiyat Beach.

“Ending our season in Abu Dhabi is the perfect way to celebrate our double trophy win,” captain Kompany said. “I speak for the whole squad when I say how excited we are to visit the fans who fought right to the end with us. It really has become a home from home for City and we can’t wait to share the title winning experience with all those that supported us.”

Boss Pellegrini, added: “To win two trophies in one season is an honour for me, for the players and for the whole club. Going to Abu Dhabi gives us the opportunity to share this special moment with our fans in a country we always look forward to visiting.”