Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub (ADCSH) has unveiled ‘Sports Hub Cares,’ a bold new community initiative designed to make sport accessible to all by opening its world-class facilities free of charge for all during specific hours.
The six-week programme, running until 31 May 2026, marks a major step forward in ADCSH’s refreshed 2026 community strategy placing accessibility, participation, and wellbeing at the heart of its offering. Under a single, unifying umbrella, ‘Sports Hub Cares’ brings together a wide range of programmes and partnerships aimed at delivering meaningful, long-term impact across Abu Dhabi’s diverse population.
Phase 1 of the initiative, which runs until April 29, invites individuals and families to enjoy complimentary access to a variety of premium sporting facilities, removing traditional barriers to participation and encouraging more active, connected lifestyles.
- Complimentary swim sessions daily from 9 am – 12 noon
- Complimentary padel sessions on weekdays from 9 am – 12 noon, with rental rackets available
- Complimentary tennis sessions on weekdays from 9 am – 12 noon
- Complimentary squash sessions on weekdays from 9 am – 12 noon
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Complimentary weekend junior and senior cricket sessions from 0930 – 1030 am, every Saturday, in partnership with Zayed Cricket Academy and led by an ICC-accredited coach.
As part of ‘Sports Hub Cares’, ADCSH will host the 2026 Playfest Carnival on Friday, 24 April at the iconic Zayed Cricket Stadium – a one-day, multi-sport junior community event for children aged 4-11, bringing together participants from across the emirate.
Delivered in a festival-style format, the Playfest Carnival will feature football, rugby and netball alongside additional activations from ADCSH community partners and operators, with a focus on participation, inclusion and enjoyment.
Matthew Boucher, CEO, ADCSH, commented: “Sports Hub Cares is about stepping up for our community when it matters most. At its heart, the initiative is about connection – bringing people together, fostering wellbeing, and reinforcing sport’s role as a powerful social driver. By opening our facilities – for free – during off-peak hours, we are creating real opportunities for families and individuals to engage with sport in a meaningful way, strengthening our commitment to using sport as a force for good and amplifying its impact while setting a new benchmark for how sports venues can serve their communities.”
Boucher added; “This initiative represents a defining shift in how ADCSH engages with the Abu Dhabi community, uniting our efforts under one cohesive platform to maximise reach and simplify access. From aspiring athletes to casual participants, the message is clear: sport is for everyone.”
Looking ahead, future phases of ‘Sports Hub Cares’ will expand to include standalone carnival days for juniors, specific school partnerships, enhanced programming, and greater integration with the Hub’s year-round calendar of events ensuring the platform evolves into a sustained driver of community engagement and wellbeing. Organisations wanting to collaborate with ‘Sports Hub Cares’ can contact enquiries@sportshub.
To book complimentary sessions, users can visit www.sportshub.abudhabi, select ‘Book a Facility,’ and choose their preferred time slot at no cost.
ABOUT ABU DHABI CRICKET & SPORTS HUB:
Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub (ADCSH) stands as the pinnacle of sports excellence in the Middle East, merging world-class facilities with an unparalleled commitment to fostering community participation. Originally known as Abu Dhabi Cricket (ADC), ADCSH is a vibrant, multi-purpose destination in the UAE capital, offering exceptional sporting opportunities for both elite and community athletes. Hosting over 700,000 athletes annually the expansive hub caters to 28 sports, including cricket, football, rugby, netball, racket sports and a 50-metre 10-lane swimming pool.
Supported by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Bin Mubarak Al Nahayan, ADCSH is home to the globally renowned Zayed Cricket Stadium, which has hosted premier international cricket events. ADCSH is the first and only facility in the world to have 2 ovals with ICC day / night T20 and ODI accreditation. The hub successfully hosts flagship events such as the Abu Dhabi T10, which features over 120 of the world’s top cricket players in the fastest format of the game.
ADCSH facilities are designed to inspire and develop athletes of all ages and abilities, fostering a strong culture of participation, competition, and community. From international football clubs to national rugby teams, ADCSH is the premier destination for sports enthusiasts seeking the best in training, competition, and community engagement
ABOUT ABU DHABI SPORTS COUNCIL
Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) was established in 2006 by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
ADSC is aligned to the emirate’s leadership vision to develop sport and youth activities. The Council promotes an effective, emirate-wide sports calendar that stimulates the desire to participate in quality sports among all Abu Dhabi residents and helps the talented and motivated reach their sporting potential.
The sports council supports the organisation and hosting of many international sporting events in Abu Dhabi. These include the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, UAE Tour, WTA Abu Dhabi International Women’s Tennis Championship, World Triathlon Championship, Leaders Sports Business Summit, Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, and IJF Abu Dhabi Judo Grand Slam.
Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon, Spartan World Championship, World Swimming Championships, Mubadala World Tennis Championships, and many other international events cement the reputation and position of Abu Dhabi as a global destination for sport.
ADSC believes that global and community sporting events provide many positive opportunities, most notably the encouragement of all segments and groups of society to practice sports activities. Make the practice of sport a daily lifestyle, representing its positive impact on public health.
ADSC firmly believes that sporting events deliver a host of benefits for the emirate and its residents. These include improved health and wellness, the building of community spirit, the discovering of local talent and enhancing the reputation of the emirate as a world-class sporting destination
