Court set up in front of world’s tallest building
By NATHAN CLARKE
The Professional Squash Association (PSA) announced today that the spectacular season-ending PSA Dubai World Series Finals will be staged in Downtown Dubai, with Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and The Dubai Fountain, the world’s tallest performing fountain, in the background.
The tournament will take place from May 24-28 in a state-of-the-art squash court and innovative spectator venue to be constructed in Burj Park, Downtown Dubai.
The ‘PSA Dubai World Series Finals’ will take place in Dubai for the next three years and players competing in this prestigious event will have to rank in the top eight for both men and women on the ‘PSA Road to Dubai Standings’.
Speaking at a press conference to unveil the venue location today Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council, His Excellency Saeed Hareb said: “This venue will provide a fantastic and unique sporting arena for the athletes who have worked so hard to qualify for this event, and for the hundreds of spectators we are expecting to come and witness the best in the world battle it out for this prestigious title.
“Hosting the PSA Dubai World Series Finals further strengthens Dubai’s position as a leading sports destination, and we are delighted to add squash to our already impressive portfolio of world-class sport finals hosted in Dubai.
“Given its multi-cultural population, Dubai has a deep passion for squash as evidenced by over 1000 courts available across the emirate.
“As a city synonymous with innovation, Dubai Sports Council seeks to use the emirate’s state-of-the-art facilities in new and exciting ways to raise the bar of major event delivery and enhance the sporting experience for both athletes and spectators. We look forward to welcoming the world’s very best squash players to compete in the heart of Downtown Dubai.”
The PSA Dubai World Series Finals is yet another example of not only the regional presence of squash but also Dubai’s growing reputation for hosting world-class events, end of season tournaments and its strong position as a home for racquet sports. The World Series Finals comes to Dubai following an agreement between the PSA and Dubai Sports Council, facilitated by Falcon and Associates.
Commenting on the venue announcement, PSA Chairman, Ziad Al-Turki said: “The PSA World Series Finals is the most high-profile stage of the tour and we are delighted to have partnered with Dubai to host the 2016 season-finale in Burj Park. With fantastic views of Burj Khalifa, this tournament is set to be an exhilarating occasion and the perfect close to months of elite competition.”
President of the UAE Squash Association, Major General Abdul Aziz Al Bannai added:
“Over the years Dubai has become a hub for world-class talent across a number of disciplines, we are looking to build on the already strong presence of squash in the country and increase our reputation as an international home for racket sports.
“Working with both the Dubai Sports Council and the PSA means we are in a great position to further promote squash and encourage even more people in the UAE to start playing this fantastic sport.”
Those interested in watching the world’s best players in action live can buy tickets through Ticketmaster online here: https://www.ticketmasteruae.ae/etkinlik-grup/699890/ALL/en.
Pictures by PSA