Old Bastakia

Al Maktoum Stadium Opening in
Dubai as it used to be: 26th May 1978

Al Nasr Sports Club is one of Dubai's founding Sports Clubs and first to build a modern sporting complex. Their Al Maktoum Stadium opened in 1978 with HH Sheikh Rashid attending. Opening was celebrated with a soccer match between Al Nasr Sports Club and Liverpool 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 Sportscasts. 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

Al Maktoum Stadium was full. Dubai Defence Force Skydiving Team parachuted into the floodlit Stadium landing on the centre spot. Next Dubai Police Band marched into the arena followed by two camels with their 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 and Al Maktoum Stadium declared open.

Doves of Peace

Camel Riders began to release Doves of Peace from their sacks. These Doves had been spray painted in Team colours! At least they tried to release them. Paint had glued the Doves' feathers together. They couldn't fly!

Unable to use their wings, the Doves somersaulted through the air to land bemused on the Pitch! Camel Riders began throwing the Doves out of their sacks at an ever faster rate. Eventually their sacks were emptied. Police Band and Camels left the Stadium. Time for the game to start except the pitch was now covered in Red and Blue Doves!

Groundsmen tried to collect the Doves. The Doves just ran away creating a sea of red and blue flowing across the Pitch. One by one the Doves were caught until the Pitch was cleared and the game could start. What happened to the Doves? Who knows! They were last seen being handed to the watching crowd. Doves of Peace may have become pieces of Dove in a post match feast! But that was Dubai as it used to be.

Footnote

"I was recently contacted by someone involved in the organisation of this event. He confirmed the problem with the doves. Said animal safe dyes were purchased to colour the doves but someone decided spray paint would be better! Sounds like Dubai!"

Sheikh Rashid