Solar power first for Dubai's Sevens Stadium

The Sevens Stadium in Dubai has been revealed as the Arabian Gulf region’s first sports facility to harness solar energy for its operations - unveiling a solar carport, providing shaded car parking for more than 550 vehicles, including four charging lots for electric cars.

Part of moves throughout the United Arab Emirates to develop clean energy and reducing emissions, the installation will generate power for all of the venue’s operations throughout the year, except in the week of the Emirates Dubai 7s event, where supplementary power will be required.

Overall, the 4,500 solar panels, spanning 10,550 metre², will reduce the Stadium’s carbon emissions by 1,496 metric tonnes annually, powering floodlighting at the venue’s eight grass fields, as well as its 1,042 field lamps, 256 street lamps, 57 water and irrigation pumps, two units of 300-tonne chillers, The Grandstand building, players clubhouse and staff accommodation.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saaed Al Maktoun, Chairman of venue owner and manager the Emirates Group, commented “the Emirates Group already utilises solar-powered clean energy in our operations, including buildings at our Engineering Centre and Emirates Flight Catering. This new solar car park at the Sevens Stadium is our latest commitment to reducing our carbon footprint, in line with Dubai’s vision to transform into a carbon-neutral economy by 2050.

“The Sevens Stadium has established itself at the heart of community sports in Dubai, and as a best-in-class choice for international events and teams looking for world-class facilities in the region. We’ll continue to develop The Sevens to meet the needs and expectations of the sporting communities, and contribute to Dubai’s vibrant sports scene.”

The Sevens Stadium is a purpose-built rugby sevens stadium but also hosts other sports with more than 10,000 people a week attending events during the winter months. It hosted international teams and events such as Olympic preparation training and matches, two editions of the Emirates Dubai 7s tournaments in 2021 and, most recently, the Rugby World Cup qualification tournament.

The venue’s other environmental initiatives include modern watering systems that use non-potable water, waste reduction through landfill recycling, and the use of biodiesel to power events.

Image: The Sevens Stadium. Credit: Emirates Group.