“A fantastic opportunity for the local community”: Sir Kenny Dalglish on new Abu Dhabi sports city plans

Sir Kenny Dalglish, a legendary footballer and manager, has expressed his enthusiasm for a new sports city being developed in Abu Dhabi, calling it a "fantastic opportunity" for the local community. Dalglish, who represented Liverpool FC in winning three European Cups, is now representing the JT Seven Group Ltd (JT7Group) as they work alongside Abu Dhabi National Investment and Development (ADID) on the ambitious project, known as 'ZPTM' Abu Dhabi.

Dubbed as a multi-faceted integrated destination, the development aims to combine sport, education, technology, and residential living under one roof. Dalglish emphasized the importance of ensuring the project benefits not only elite athletes but also the local residents, stating, "I think what we’re building offers a fantastic opportunity for the local community here in Abu Dhabi."

The project encompasses a boarding school, residential accommodations, state-of-the-art sports facilities, training centers, and other amenities.

Dalglish praised the transformation Abu Dhabi has undergone in recent years, expressing excitement about being involved in a project that he believes could make a lasting contribution to the emirate. With the project expected to be completed by 2032, it will be divided into seven key areas, bringing together various sectors such as sports, science, education, wellness, hospitality, and residential living.

The centerpiece of the development will be an elite sports boarding school, which is set to open in 2029. This school will combine academic education with specialized coaching, high-performance training, and athlete well-being, making it the first international elite sports boarding school of its scale in the Middle East.