It was upgraded for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. This was in order to meet the regulations set by the Asian Football Confederation to host matches on a continental scale, and so that Dubai would be able to host more matches and events in the venue.
2019 AFC Asian Cup
Al Maktoum Stadium hosted six games of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, including a Round of 16 and a quarter-final match.
Layout and construction
The Al Maktoum Stadium's renovation was completed in 2019 after construction broke ground in 2018. The original stadium was built in the 1970s.