Dubai is writing a new chapter in regional sports history with the launch of the first professional baseball ballpark in the Middle East and South Asia. Baseball United — the organisation dedicated to growing the game across the region — is spearheading the project at The Sevens, one of Dubai's most popular sports complexes on Al-Ain Road (E66).
A World-Class Dubai Baseball Ballpark Built for the Region
The stadium is designed to deliver a premium experience for both fans and athletes. Its dual-fibre synthetic turf with organic infill and geotextile fabric is engineered specifically for Dubai's high temperatures, while a smart LED lighting system will generate over 15 million lumens from eight towers and 94 total fixtures — including the most advanced BallTracker® technology available.
Seating is configured in a moveable, modular layout accommodating up to 6,500 fans. Field dimensions mirror those of Yankee Stadium: 318 feet (97 m) to left field, 314 feet (96 m) to right field, and 408 feet (124 m) to center field — guaranteeing a world-class playing standard from day one.
Barry Larkin's Name on the Field
The playing surface will be named after Barry Larkin, the MLB Hall of Fame shortstop and Baseball United co-founder and board member. "I am truly honored to have my name associated with this historic field," Larkin said of the project.
Baseball United CEO Kash Shaikh captured the significance of the moment: "The only thing that has been missing was a place to call home."
Construction Timeline and Upcoming Events
Ground broke during the week of September 3, 2024, with completion targeted for the end of 2024. The ballpark is set to host a full slate of events once open, including the Baseball United Cup, the Arab Classic national team tournament, and Baseball United Season One — the league's inaugural full professional season — planned for 2025.
The Arab Classic, held in November 2024 while the final construction stages were still underway, drew nine national teams including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Palestine, Afghanistan, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Pakistan emerged as champions, defeating the UAE 12-1 in the final — a landmark moment for baseball in the region.
A New Era for Middle East Baseball
The ballpark represents far more than a construction project. Baseball United's stated mission is to "create millions of new baseball fans across the region," and a permanent professional home in Dubai is the cornerstone of that ambition. For a sport that has long sought a foothold in the Middle East, the Barry Larkin Field at The Sevens marks the beginning of a genuine new era.
