Al Maryah Sports Center: The Complete Guide to Training at Abu Dhabi’s Premier Sports Destination
If you’ve been searching for the best place to play, train, or develop as an athlete in the capital, the Al Maryah Sports Center should be at the top of your list. Officially known as ACTIVE Al Maryah Island, this world-class sports and recreation destination sits on the north side of Al Maryah Island, just minutes from Abu Dhabi’s business district — and it’s where Dominant Academy runs its elite football and basketball training programs.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Al Maryah Sports Center: its facilities, location, what makes it special, and how your child can train there with one of Abu Dhabi’s leading sports academies.
What Is the Al Maryah Sports Center?
The Al Maryah Sports Center, branded as ACTIVE Al Maryah Island, is a premium sports and recreation hub developed in partnership with Zayed Sports City. Since opening, it has quickly become one of the most sought-after sporting destinations in the UAE, attracting top academies, competitive clubs, and recreational players across multiple sports.
What sets this Al Maryah Island sports center apart is the sheer quality and variety of its facilities. Whether you’re a parent looking for structured youth football training, a basketball enthusiast, or simply someone who wants to stay active in a professional environment, this venue delivers at every level.
World-Class Facilities at the Al Maryah Sports Center
Few sports complexes in the region can match what’s on offer here:
Football Pitches
Football is the heart of the Al Maryah Sports Center. The venue features full-size outdoor pitches, including a meticulously maintained natural grass pitch and FIFA Pro Certified artificial turf fields. Hard courts are also available for 5-a-side football and futsal.
The crown jewel is the Al Maryah Sports Dome — a fully air-conditioned indoor facility housing a full-size FIFA-certified football pitch. This means players can train at the highest level all year round, even during the peak of the Abu Dhabi summer. For young footballers, that consistency is a game-changer: no cancelled sessions, no compromised training quality, just uninterrupted development.
Basketball and Multipurpose Courts
The center includes acrylic multi-sports courts suitable for basketball, handball, netball, and more — perfect for structured academy training as well as casual play.
Tennis, Padel, and More
Beyond football and basketball, the Al Maryah Sports Center offers ATP-standard outdoor tennis courts, indoor and outdoor padel courts, and a range of additional recreation options, making it a true multi-sport destination for the whole family.
Where Is the Al Maryah Sports Center Located?
The center is located on the north side of Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi’s business and lifestyle district. It’s roughly five minutes from the city’s financial center and about 30 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport, with ample free parking on-site. For families living in central Abu Dhabi, Al Reem Island, or the surrounding areas, it’s one of the most accessible elite training venues in the city.
Train at the Al Maryah Sports Center with Dominant Academy
Here’s where it gets exciting for aspiring athletes: Dominant Academy — Abu Dhabi’s first football performance academy — runs its football and basketball programs at the Al Maryah Sports Center.
Training at this venue means your child develops on the same world-class surfaces used by professional-standard clubs and academies. Combine that environment with Dominant Academy’s coaching philosophy, and you get a genuine pathway from grassroots to elite performance.
Football Training at Al Maryah
Our Dominant Football Academy programs at the Al Maryah Sports Center cater to players aged 3 to 17, from fun-based foundational sessions for our youngest Dominant Juniors to high-intensity, competition-focused training for our Elite Squad. Players are grouped by ability rather than age alone, ensuring every athlete trains at the level that pushes them forward.
Our coaching staff includes ex-professional and semi-professional footballers along with strength and conditioning specialists, delivering structured, age-appropriate sessions that build technique, speed, endurance, and game intelligence.
Basketball Training at Al Maryah
Dominant Academy’s basketball academy program brings the same high-performance approach to the court. Through our Progressive Coaching model, players aged 3 to 17 advance based on skill mastery — developing dribbling, shooting, defense, and athleticism in a competitive yet supportive environment.
Why Families Choose the Al Maryah Sports Center for Youth Sports
- Year-round training — The indoor dome means football never stops, regardless of the weather.
- Professional-grade surfaces — FIFA-certified pitches and ATP-standard courts reduce injury risk and elevate performance.
- Central, convenient location — Minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi with free on-site parking.
- Elite academy access — Training with Dominant Academy at this venue connects players to leagues, tournaments, and scouting opportunities.
- A complete family destination — With multiple sports, food options, and recreation spaces, the whole family can enjoy the visit.
How to Join Dominant Academy at the Al Maryah Sports Center
Getting started is simple. Whether your child is taking their first touches of a football or pushing toward an elite pathway, there’s a program for them at the Al Maryah Sports Center.
Visit our contact page, call us at +971 52 109 3130, or email info@dominantacademy.com to book a trial session. Spaces in our ability-based squads are limited, so we recommend registering early.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sports are available at the Al Maryah Sports Center?
The center hosts football, basketball, tennis, padel, handball, netball, futsal, and more, with both indoor and outdoor facilities.
Is there indoor football at the Al Maryah Sports Center?
Yes. The Al Maryah Sports Dome features a full-size, air-conditioned indoor pitch with FIFA-certified turf, allowing year-round play.
What age groups can train with Dominant Academy at Al Maryah?
Dominant Academy offers football and basketball programs for children and teens aged 3 to 17, from beginner to elite level.
Where exactly is the Al Maryah Sports Center?
It’s located on the north side of Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi — about five minutes from the central business district, with free parking available.
Ready to train at Abu Dhabi’s premier sports destination? Join Dominant Academy’s football and basketball programs at the Al Maryah Sports Center and start your journey today. One Path, One Mentality.
Why Choose Dominant Football Academy?
Dominant Academy stands out as a premier institution not only for basketball but also as one of the best football academies in Abu Dhabi with best football training in Abu Dhabi. With its new branch at Zayed Cricket Stadium, the academy brings world-class training and an inspiring environment for young athletes striving for football success.
- Prime Location: Centrally located at Zayed Cricket Stadium, perfect for students and residents seeking convenience and quality.
- Professional Facilities: Modern gymnasiums, expert trainers, and a strong emphasis on personal and team growth.
- Proven Excellence: Consistently recognized as the best football academy in Abu Dhabi for passionate players who want to excel.
- Elite Basketball Training: Structured programs for all ages, focusing on skill and athleticism.
- Personalized Coaching: Ability-based squads boost teamwork and confidence.
- Holistic Growth: Emphasis on discipline, leadership, and resilience.
- Top Reputation: Known for developing standout players in Abu Dhabi.
- Elite Football Programs: Offering the best professional football and basketball training programs across Abu Dhabi, in Kahlifa city and Al Marayah
If you’re ready to train at the elite level, compete among the best and achieve unbelievable football success achievements, now is the time to join the best football programs in Abu Dhabi in Dominant Football Academy in Abu Dhabi.
Investing in your child’s love for football today can pave the way for a lifetime of growth and achievement!
For more details, visit Dominant Football Academy’s website, check our timetable and book a spot today.
