Success of IPL cricket matches shows UAE is a perfect host

The UAE has once again proved that it can host any international event, even within short-notice, with the successful completion of the UAE-leg of Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket matches that ended last Wednesday. The last match, held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, was graced by the presence of UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, who sat among a crowd of 25,000 spectators to watch the match. Held in the UAE for the first time because of the ongoing Indian Parliament election, the 20 matches of UAE-leg, held from April 16th to 30th in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, were completely sold-out with stadia full to capacity without any incident of safety or security breaches. According to a statement released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, the matches were "an unprecedented success in terms of fan turnout, television viewership, digital views and ticket collection". "Inviting full houses to every game at the three venues, the UAE played perfect hosts. Around 82 percent were paid tickets when compared to 56 percent in South Africa during the 2009 season," the statement said. With stadia of international standard, world-class hotels and a multi-national population, the huge success of the matches proved that the selection of the UAE for the matches was a perfect decision, thus sending a clear message that the UAE is a marvellous sporting destination, safe with warm people. Source: WAM