
Humans of ISD: Meet, Nehal, Our Event Supervisor
Meet, Nehal, Our Event Supervisor, Who Makes Hosting Events at ISD Dubai Sports City Effortless!
Hi everyone! Welcome to the first interview of ‘Humans of ISD.’ You have been with us for a long time and it’s about time to learn more about our amazing team.
We’re glad to introduce one of our Supermen at ISD Dubai Sports City, Nehal Ibrahim, our Event Supervisor who we rely on for everything related to organizing an event.
Normally, when you step into our facility, all you see is a flawlessly executed event. But, behind the scenes, it takes a lot of extra efforts, working on weekends, planning, and much more. So, let’s not wait anymore and get to know how Nehal is making it happen with his incredible team.
Madiha Rizvi [Host]: Hi Nehal, how are you?
Nehal Ibrahim: I’m great. How are you?
Madiha Rizvi [Host]: I’m good too! Just a bit excited about the interview because I have always wanted to know how your team is able to pull off such huge events with thousands of participants and a lot of moving parts.
Nehal Ibrahim: Haha, well it’s not easy, but we do try to ensure an exciting time for everyone joining us for these events. Plus, it’s also the fact that we have pulled off so many exciting events over the years at ISD Dubai Sports City and we now have a mental playbook of how it works. It can be stressful, but our passion to be the best in the UAE always keeps us on our toes. Honestly, it feels genuinely good when we see an event happen successfully.
Madiha Rizvi [Host]: So, can you tell us about the variety of events you have done at ISD Dubai Sports City? And how does one venue host so many different types of events?
Nehal Ibrahim: We have not only hosted sports events, such as school sports days, DOFA tournaments, and the Gulf Cup, but also entertainment events, including concerts, Christmas parties, and fan zones for rugby, football, and cricket. All of this has been made possible by our wide variety of facilities.
For instance, we have three natural grass pitches, one outdoor artificial pitch, and Dubai’s only full-sized indoor 11-a-side football pitch. This means events can happen year-round no matter the weather. On top of that, we have ISD Stadium, which also has a natural grass pitch and can seat up to 2,500 people. It’s also surrounded by an Olympic-grade running track.
Our facility can hold up to 2,000 cars, which is very convenient for large gatherings. And the best part is that it’s free parking! We further offer services, such as ambulances, first aid, physiotherapists, and referees for a seamless experience. Furthermore, we have Kickers Sports Bar and Kick Cafe where participants and spectators can enjoy good food and drinks! Our venue is designed to give event organizers everything they need in one place, making ISD the go-to location for all kinds of events.
Madiha Rizvi [Host]: Can you share any memorable moment or event that you hosted at ISD Dubai Sports City?
Nehal Ibrahim: We have hosted many professional and amateur tournaments at ISD Dubai Sports City, so there’s not just one good memory. However, one recent example would be the Elite Corporate Leagues, where 16 teams, including PwC, Dubizzle, Chalhoub Group, etc. participated in a fun and competitive series. We had matches every Thursday for two months.
We also host DOFA every weekend where around 7,000 participants + spectators join us. Another favorite would be FIP Promotion Dubai and World Legends Padel Tour where several World Cup-winning football legends such as Totti, Vieri, and Luca Antonini played at ISD Dubai Sports City.
We also had a lot of fun organizing the India vs. Pakistan cricket match screening on our indoor pitch. Also, our Christmas party for LaLiga Academy Dubai’s kids was a hit among everyone.
Madiha Rizvi [Host]: Let’s talk about some of the challenges or concerns that organizers usually have while hosting events at ISD Dubai Sports City. What do you have to say about that?
Nehal Ibrahim: Yes sure. Many organizers have concerns when they are hosting events here. We mainly focus on providing end-to-end support for every event. This includes technical services like high-quality lighting and sound systems, as well as logistical management such as parking, security, and crowd control. Some value-added services that we provide include photography and on-site medical support. We also partner with third parties to offer peripheral services, such as stage or podium setup and branding for the event.
Our team is dedicated to making sure that event organizers can focus on just their event while we take care of the details. Athletes and spectators also enjoy a smooth experience because of our well-thought-out facilities and services. We’re always here to support or help them at any time during the event.
Madiha Rizvi [Host]: That’s commendable. I’m sure you get a lot of feedback from organizers. What is the most common feedback you get about ISD Dubai Sports City?
Nehal Ibrahim: Well, mostly they have positive feedback about our location as it’s easily accessible. We also have free parking and the fact that we provide almost everything, so they can focus on the event while we handle the rest of the stuff for them.
Madiha Rizvi [Host]: How does ISD handle parking, security, crowd management, and medical support during events?
Nehal Ibrahim: We have a large parking area that can accommodate up to 2,000 cars, which makes attending events at ISD Dubai Sports City very convenient. We provide safety by offering professional security for effective crowd management and to avoid any unfortunate event. Moreover, we have on-site medical support to cater to any injuries during events. Our team ensures that every detail, from entry to exit, is handled efficiently so that everyone has a great experience.
Madiha Rizvi [Host]: Can you also clarify if ISD Dubai Sports City provides help in promoting these events?
Nehal Ibrahim: Yes, we offer full promotional support. This includes opportunities for on-site banners, digital displays, and social media promotions. Our goal is to help event organizers maximize the visibility of their event and make it memorable for all participants.
Madiha Rizvi [Host]: What do you have to say about international sports events to be held at ISD?
Nehal Ibrahim: We also get to see international events as well. ISD is perfectly equipped to host international events. For example, the upcoming World School Games will bring in teams from all over the globe, showcasing our ability to cater to international audiences. We have also hosted some friendly matches between Russian and Latvian Premier League teams, the Asian Pacific Padel Tour (APPT), the Inclusive Padel Tour (IPT), and the World Legends Padel Tour at ISD Dubai Sports City.
Madiha Rizvi [Host]: Now I’d like to ask you if you have any message that you would like to share with event organizers looking for the perfect venue in Dubai.
Nehal Ibrahim: If you’re looking for a venue that offers world-class facilities, exceptional support, and a prime location, ISD Dubai Sports City is the perfect choice. Whether you’re hosting a sports event, a corporate gathering, or any entertainment-related show, we are here to help you with everything to make it a success.
Madiha Rizvi [Host]: Lastly, how can someone get in touch with ISD Dubai Sports City to plan their next big event?
Nehal Ibrahim: You can reach us easily through our website, email, or social media platforms. Our team is always ready to assist and guide you in planning your next event. Whether it’s sports, corporate, or entertainment, ISD is here to make it happen.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Nehal for sharing his insights and experiences with us today. His dedication to creating unforgettable events at ISD Dubai Sports City truly showcases the passion and professionalism of our team.
As we continue to host both local and international events, we invite you to join us on this exciting journey. Whether you’re planning a sports tournament, a corporate gathering, or a lively entertainment event, ISD Dubai Sports City is your go-to destination.
Stay connected with us through our social media channels for the latest updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and upcoming events. Your next unforgettable experience awaits at ISD Dubai Sports City!
Thank you for tuning in, and we look forward to bringing you more engaging interviews and stories from our incredible team. Let’s make great memories together!
Stay tuned with us as we’re bringing more fun interviews to reveal behind the scenes at ISD Dubai Sports City!
Arun Devbarma
Great insight into the behind-the-scenes of event planning! Nehal and the team seem to have a lot on their plates, but it’s impressive how you handle it all so smoothly. A quick question — how do you balance maintaining such a high standard while introducing new ideas or improving past events?
Looking forward to more stories from ‘Humans of ISD!’ Keep up the good work!