(CNN) — Following the collapse of Egypt’s early elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations this summer, Mohamed Salah took a break in Dubai to recover.
The reigning African footballer of the year sampled gourmet cuisine in five-star restaurants, relaxed on beaches, also maintained himself in shape with some light training at the Nad al Sheba (NAS) sports complicated.
This was not Salah trip to the complicated, nor even his earliest this year. His first team booked to get a training camp as did Premier League rivals Manchester United — .
Arsenal were guests in March, including their names to a list that contains AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund, along with Real Madrid. Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo fell in over his winter vacations.
The appeal isn’t limited to footballers.
World number one tennis player Novak Djokovic introduced for a selfie with the Crown Prince of Dubai.
In the Australian cricket team to UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, the cream of global sporting dolls have been flocking to the website.
But why?
‘pretending to be the best’
The NAS complicated, situated close by the planet’s priciest horse racecourse, was created to become one of the world’s greatest.
«We plan to be recognized as an outstanding destination,» says NAS director of sport Robert Wadsworth.
Feedback from star clients — he chooses not to name names — indicates the service is»similar and in some cases better than the facilities they’re utilized to.»
Some clients have been happy to volunteer glowing reviews, for example Djokovic, who wrote a thank you note on Instagram»for allowing me to train at the sports facility in the world.»
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The sprawling site comprises a selection of outdoor and indoor features. There are just two FIFA-standard football pitches as well as an athletics track, in addition to indoor arenas including badminton, volleyball, futsal (similar to five-a-side soccer ) and martial arts.
The complex also has facilities for simulating different altitudes, cryotherapy chambers that aid recovery after exercise, swimming pool and hydrotherapy resources, as well as a sports science lab and medical care teams.
«The Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex is a growing project, increasing by the week, month and year,» says Nasser Aman Al Rahma, assistant secretary general of Dubai Sports Council (DSC).
Tailored usage
Various customers find uses for the complicated.
«From the main it is for training camps both pre-season or mid-season, and trauma rehabilitation and recovery,» says Wadsworth.
«We’ve got a multitude of football teams in the European leagues who will train with us from January to March once (many) leagues have winter breaks. We host groups from Asia from November to February if they are doing pre-season work.»
The website also hosts teams and athletes as they prepare for specific tournaments, Wadsworth adds. «Cricket Australia completed their pre-tour testing in NAS before flying to the UK for the World Cup and also The Ashes.»
Beyond the role, Wadsworth considers privacy is a major region of the attraction for high-profile visitors. NAS is a private facility which takes pride in safeguarding against interruptions.
That Dubai is used to catering to the wealthy and famous also allows a degree of anonymity for clients in their time, who can appreciate a quiet dinner or visit local landmarks without being swarmed by sport lovers.
Commercial value
The presence of star athletes in the NAS complicated may bring advantages for both traffic and hosts.
«Many countries in the Gulf region are utilizing warm weather training teams as part of the sports development strategies,» states Professor Simon Chadwick, a sports business expert in the University of Salford, in the UK.
«They’ve positioned themselves as training and health destinations with the intention of drawing athletes and teams, raising awareness of the centers and, hence, driving long-term company.»
For fostering tourism and awareness A 2015 Deloitte report also noted the possible benefits.
«The usage of Dubai as a place for hot weather training in the winter months is proving increasingly popular for football teams,» the report says. «If promoted properly Dubai could in time become the’go-to’ place for a substantial number of clubs, with consequent opportunities for training (and) exhibition games.»
«Mass participation events also have significant potential in attracting extra sports tourists.»
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Chadwick believes there are for visiting with sportspeople beyond their physical fitness advantages .
«By training at the Gulf athletes and teams can boost their profiles throughout the region, build buff engagement, and establish possibly lucrative relations with company partners,» he states.
The existence of commercial considerations in excursions to Dubai was highlighted by people manager of German football team Hamburg SV, such as Bernd Wehmeyer, who stated the club’s sponsorship by Emirates Airline was a factor in the choice of destination.
Wider ambitions
The growth of connections with international sports celebrities is currently taking place alongside a drive to create sporting involvement and infrastructure .
The 17,000-seat Coca-Cola Arena which will host football, basketball and ice hockey was opened by the Emirate. Dubai updated facilities such as the Al Maktoum Stadium for the 2019 Cup.
«There are quite a few other sports projects under debate,» says Aman Al Rahma, listing plans for new bike paths and golf courses in town.
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The DSC is aiming to improve involvement across all demographics, says Aman Al Rahma,» with the goal of making Dubai»among the most physically active areas on the planet.»
«This is why, when you have a take a look in Dubai’s annual sports calendar, then you will find quite a few of neighborhood sports events together with the star-studded elite athletic extravaganzas,» he states.
Having procured an influx of worldwide talent, Dubai is currently seeking to cultivate its own.
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