Clues to City development in Abu Dhabi projects?

Let's face it, trying to predict what may happen at Sportcity is a guessing game. Some guesses, of course, and more informed than others. However, it's struck me that one potentially useful source that could shed some light on what may happen in East Manchester is information concerning developments in Aub Dhabi. Of course the two areas are very different - but the likely approach and possible aspects of the style of the development could be revealed by what's happening in our owner's own backyard.



Anyway, for those who are interested, here are some links which explore the Abu Dhabi angle:

This gives details of the Abu Dhabi property development company Mubadala, listing the company's expertise and experience in the Real Estate and Hospitality Sector -

So why is Mubadala interesting? Well, you may just recognise the company's Mubadala CEO, a familiar face -

This is a list of amenities at Zayed Sports City (a Mubadala project). The complex bears the name of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who happens to be Sheikh Mansour's father -

Here are details of details of a joint venture between MGM Mirage and Mubadala. While this was formed initially to pursue the project detailed in the entry immediately below this one, they also agreed to look at opportunities globally as and when they present themselves -

This gives details of MGM Grand, centrepiece of the Mina Zayed development: note the involvement of Rafael Vinoly, also linked with Sportcity Manchester. Oh, and who do you think it's named after? -

Here's the masterplan for the Mina Zayed large-scale mixed-use waterfront development. This isn't directly relevant to Manchester for obvious reasons, but the statement of priorities may just be of background interest -

Finally, let's remember that Sheikh Mansour also has another club, Al Jazira of Abu Dhabi, who boast on their website of a stadium that's an "architectural masterpiece ... one of the most remarkable works of architectural design in the region possessing such wonderful capabilities" -

But the complex isn't just a football stadium and no more, and here' are some other sports facilities on site -

And there are facilities and activities that would fit with the rumoured focus on Academy, education and family friendly development on or adjacent to the Sportcity site - and