Al Maktoum Stadium Opening: Dubai 1978

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Al Maktoum Stadium Opening: 26th May 1978

Al Nasr Sports Club is one of Dubai's founding Sports Clubs and the first to build a modern sporting complex. Their Al Maktoum Stadium opened in 1978 with HH Sheikh Rashid attending. The opening was celebrated with a soccer match between Al Nasr Sports Club and Liverpool City Football Club. Liverpool FC flew into Dubai for the midweek game. It was the first time a "top class" European Soccer Team had played in Dubai.

Liverpool Football Club

Liverpool FC were at their peak in 1978. UEFA European Cup Holders and FA Division 1 Champions. It was unbelievable! "The Reds" were coming to "unkown" Dubai to play a local Team. These were the days before international TV Newscasts. To be able to see this great Team play was a unique experience for Locals and Expatriates alike. Kick Off was 7pm.

The Opening Ceremony

The Stadium was full. Dubai Defence Force Skydiving Team parachuted into the floodlit Stadium landing on the centre spot. Next the Dubai Police Band marched into the arena followed by two camels with riders. One camel was draped in material of Liverpool's colour red, the other in Al Nasr's colour blue. Each rider carried a large sack. Prayers were said; speeches made; the Stadium declared open.

Doves of Peace

The Camel Riders began to release Doves of Peace from their sacks, The Doves had been spray painted in Team colours! They couldn't fly! Unable to use their wings, the Doves somersaulted through the air to land bemused on the Pitch! The Camel Riders began throwing the Doves out of the sacks at an ever faster rate in an effort to get them to fly. Eventually the sacks were emptied. The Police Band and the Camels left the Stadium. It was time for the game to start except the pitch was now covered in Red and Blue Doves!