Enabling works on the project are scheduled to begin in mid-April. The developers have also drawn up a list of potential architects to work on the project. They are Germany's Von Gerkan, Marg & Partner (GMP) Architects; Australia's The Cox Group; Palethorpe Architects, also of Australia; and France's Tallibert.

The centrepiece of the development will be four stadiums, with a combined seating capacity of over 80,000 spectators, capable of hosting a mixture of sports ranging from track and field events to football and cricket. In addition to major spectator sports facilities, the development will include the construction of training academies; an 18-hole championship golf course; a dedicated sports free zone; and residential and hotel facilities.

Manchester Unitedof the UK has signed up to operate the soccer academy and negotiations are under way with Germany's Adidas-Salomanto set up a regional office in the free zone. The project will sit alongside the Dubai Autodrome, under construction by the local Union Properties. The 5.5-kilometre track will be licensed to grand prix standards and is expected to host the opening round of the A1 Grand Prix (see Cover Story).