Dubai Municipality will soon begin construction of a new $16.3 million community centre according to a report from state news agency WAM. The Al Barsha Community Centre will be established in-conjunction with the Community Development Authority and will occupy 5,500 sqm of land in Al Barsha 2.

Scheduled for completion by mid-2019, the project was approved by Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance and Chairman of Dubai Municipality. The centre will offer a built-up area of 14,500 sqm and will feature a basement, ground level and two upper floors.

“The basement parking will be able to accommodate 108 cars, while the ground floor will house a reception counter, a multi-purpose hall, which can be divided into five small halls, a 100-seat theatre, a gallery, men’s and ladies’ prayer rooms and a separate service entrance with all the required facilities,” said Hussain Nasser Lootah, director-general of Dubai Municipality.

The community centre will offer several amenities including areas for practicing hobbies such as painting and clay modeling, as well as sport areas with dedicated swimming pools for men and women. The centre will also feature a lounge for electronic gaming, as well as a cafeteria and administrative offices.