This isn't really inkeeping with the prevailing theme of this blog, which so far seems largely centered on food, art and travel, but the newly opened Bin Rashid Sports Complex just behind Arabian Ranches is so impressive that I just had to dedicate a blog post to it.
As an ex-competitive swimmer, there's something very reassuring about the nostalgia of walking through the echoey, chlorine-infused corridors of a swimming pool. The fit smell of exercise and healthiness hits you as soon as you walk into the complex, and follows you all the way up to the stands.
Photos taken with a Canon 200IS
Driving up to the complex it looks like a large, metallic wave, just about to break, which I guess is in keeping with the aquatic theme of the centre. As you can see from the above pictures, the centre is enormous.
This pool hosted the FINA World Cup 2012 Swimming Championships, and will host the 2013 FINA World Junior Championships. The pool is also open to schools and swimming clubs for galas.
You don't need to be a swimmer to know that the swimming pools of the Bin Rashid Complex are spectacular. The Olympic sized pool comes complete with functioning timepads, and a large clock that hangs over the centre of the pool. Everything is in place according to regulation, and the gala I was watching ran smoothly from start to finish.
The diving boards in the adjacent pool are equally well-structured, and the diving class that was taking place during the gala looked so much fun, I was desperate to get in and join them, despite being about 10 years older than the average person in it.
The complex boasts the use of solar energy to power all external lights and in maintaining the pool temperature.
Behind the main pools is a training swimming pool and more diving platforms. The immaculate, state-of-the-art complex is one of a kind in Dubai, and one that will definitely be put to good use with future sporting events, so keep your eyes peeled, people!
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