The very impressive Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Sports Complex in Dubai contains 2 big swimming pools, one 100 metres long. One side has a window so you can watch racers swimming underwater from the viewing window.
Below these 2 pools is a third, underground practice pool which is 100 metres long.
Here’s a shot of the VVIP entrance…
Here’s a shot of the VVIP entrance from the side, so the canopy looks like a flap folding down from the side panels…
Here’s a map of the area…
The lobby area…
…and a design on the wall on the way down to the underground practice pool…
My son Toby swims for the Al Ain Club, and he and the team have competed at 2 tournaments at the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Sports Complex.
If you’re travelling from Al Ain, go past the Outlet Mall and take the exit which takes you on the east-west road to Abu Dhabi. Watch your speed as there are a lot of speed cameras on this road. After about 2 kilometres you will see the complex on your left. There is a sign on the side of the road indicating that you are to come off at the next turning, but it’s very easy to miss it! Come off at the next exit and turn left to travel under the motorway, then head back towards the complex.
Turn right off the motorway as you arrive, and first left towards the security gate. Travel anticlockwise round the grounds and park where you see other visitors.
I wish I could visit this magnanimous sports complex!