Latest news with #MahmoudEl-Khatib
Al-Ahram Weekly
15-02-2025
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Ahly unveil new stadium in historic ceremony at Hatshepsut temple - Egyptian Football
Egyptian powerhouse Ahly have taken a monumental leap toward realizing their long-awaited vision with the official launch of the "Project of the Century", a sprawling sports city in Sheikh Zayed, west of Cairo, during Friday's FIFA Club World Cup trophy ceremony. Backed by a consortium of local and international partners, the landmark project aims to transform Egypt's sports infrastructure and cement Al Ahly's status as a continental powerhouse. A 42,000-seat stadium: Designed without a running track to maximize fan proximity to the pitch, aligning with global standards. Specialized facilities: A sports hospital, museum chronicling the club's 120-year legacy, a sports university, a youth academy, and a hotel. Phased construction: Phase one will prioritize the stadium and hotel, while phase two introduces the university, hospital, and auxiliary training pitches. Egyptian financial heavyweight Beltone Leasing & Factoring has committed EGP 4 billion (USD 80 million) to the project, with developer Al Qalaa Al Hamraa for Facilities Management securing additional funding to meet the total estimated cost of EGP 8–9 billion. Beltone's role as exclusive financial advisor highlights the initiative's strategic importance to Egypt's economic and sporting ambitions. The collaboration includes 15 global and regional firms, such as Hilton International, UAE-based Palm Sport, and leading engineering consultancies, ensuring world-class execution. Design Reveal & Timeline The stadium's final design was unveiled at a high-profile ceremony in Luxor's Hatshepsut Temple, attended by club dignitaries and partners. The event also served as a prelude to Ahly's upcoming participation in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Construction is set to begin immediately, with completion targeted within 200 weeks (approximately four years). Ahly President Mahmoud El-Khatib hailed the project as a 'historic milestone,' emphasizing its role in diversifying the club's revenue streams and elevating Egypt's global sports profile. Mohamed Kamel, CEO of Al Qalaa Al Hamraa, added: 'This isn't just a stadium – it's a holistic hub for health, education, and athletic excellence.' During his address, Kamel unveiled the stadium's closely guarded design via a video showcasing its standout features, including stands emblazoned with the club's iconic name and logo, a suspended circular screen beneath the roof, premium changing rooms, and adjacent restaurants and cafés. The sports city is poised to boost tourism, generate employment, and inspire future athletes. By integrating cutting-edge medical, educational, and training facilities, the project aims to nurture homegrown talent and position Egypt as a regional sports leader. With groundwork now underway, Ahly's legion of supporters eagerly anticipates a new era for the club and Egyptian sport. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
14-02-2025
- Sport
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Ahly celebrate FIFA Club World Cup trophy, El-Khatib steps aside temporarily - Egyptian Football
In a historic dual celebration, Egyptian giants Ahly unveiled the design of its "Project of the Century" stadium at the Temple of Hatshepsut while hosting the FIFA Club World Cup trophy during a ceremony held at the ancient Hatshepsut Temple in Luxor on Friday. The event, attended by Egyptian officials, FIFA delegates, and club legends, also saw an emotional announcement from club president Mahmoud El-Khatib, who revealed a temporary departure to address health concerns. The ceremony marked the first public display of the FIFA Club World Cup trophy in Egypt, part of its global tour ahead of the 2025 tournament. Adding an unexpected twist to the festivities, Egypt's celebrated antiquities expert, Zahi Hawass, took to the stage. In a playful yet stirring moment, Hawass recalled a long-standing joke: 'I once joked that the pharaohs were Ahly fans—a quip that spread far and wide. Today, we've discovered a new papyrus that suggests Queen Hatshepsut was the biggest Ahly supporter 3,000 years ago.' His humorous remark resonated with the audience, perfectly encapsulating the club's legendary status and the merging of past and present. El-Khatib reflected on the club's 118-year legacy, 'Today is one of the happiest days of my life. To stand here, where history was made millennia ago, and present our future home—this is what we've dreamed of since 1907.' His speech took a personal turn as he acknowledged ongoing health struggles: 'Since 2023, I've faced medical challenges. Now, after securing January transfers and this stadium announcement, I must step aside briefly for treatment.' The declaration drew a standing ovation, underscoring his iconic status The 42,000-seat stadium in Sheikh Zayed City, designed by Gensler and Al Qalaa Al Hamraa, features groundbreaking solutions to height restrictions near Sphinx International Airport. A partially submerged pitch and asymmetrical upper stands—necessitated by aviation regulations—create a distinctive silhouette visible from miles away. The venue's solar-powered roof and sunken cooling bowl address Egypt's climate challenges, while VIP lounges with tunnel access and a club museum honor Al Ahly's storied past 913. Mohamed Kamel, CEO of Al Qalaa Al Hamraa, emphasized the broader vision: 'This isn't just a stadium; it's a sports city with a university, hospital, and commercial hub. An EGP 8 billion investment redefining Egyptian infrastructure.' He recounted the challenging journey that began after a heartbreaking loss to Sundowns in 2019—a day that sparked a collective resolve to reclaim lost glory. 'Imagine if, on that very day, someone had told you that Ahly would go on to win 19 championships, secure three global bronze medals, and compete in the new Club World Cup—would you have believed it?' he mused. He acknowledged the complex obstacles faced in obtaining permits, securing financing, and navigating regulatory hurdles. 'Thanks to the new sports investment law, many of these challenges have been overcome, marking the beginning of a transformative era in Egyptian sports,' he added. Russell Gilchrist, Gensler's design lead, explained the unique architectural challenges faced due to the stadium's proximity to the new airport runway. 'While the lower tier of the stadium remains uniform, the upper tier is designed asymmetrically to meet strict engineering constraints. This innovative approach is set to make Ahly's stadium one of the most distinctive in the world,' Gilchrist said. The project, set for completion in 2029, faced delays due to bureaucratic hurdles, but state support ensured its progression. The global dimension of the event was further highlighted by remarks from FIFA representatives. Jeremy Theim expressed his honor at being in Luxor: 'It is a great privilege to be here in Luxor. Tonight, we celebrate the arrival of the Club World Cup trophy in Egypt—a testament to Ahly's role as a global symbol of resilience, excellence, and unyielding ambition.' Similarly, Italian football icon Christian Vieri recounted a personal anecdote about his invitation to serve as an ambassador for the trophy, emphasizing the pride he felt representing the sport in Egypt—even as he noted the absence of Infantino due to scheduling conflicts. In a heartfelt moment, President El-Khatib also addressed his upcoming temporary departure due to health concerns. 'This day stands as one of the happiest in my life, yet it is also a moment of personal transition. I must take a brief step back for medical examinations and treatments. I am confident that the team and our dedicated staff will continue to uphold the legacy of Ahly—a legacy built on patriotism, hard work, and unwavering support since 1907,' he said. El-Khatib's announcement was met with an outpouring of support from fans and dignitaries alike. Even as he steps aside temporarily, his commitment to Ahly's enduring greatness remains clear. He also paid tribute to national leadership, acknowledging President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's resolute stance against injustices affecting our people, including his strong position on the issue of displacement in Gaza. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Short link:
