Abu Dhabi stakes its claim to host one-day international matches when it unveils its new state-of-the-art cricketing facility with a game featuring leading Indian and Pakistan players on May 14.
The 20,000-capacity Sheikh Zayed stadium in the capital of the United Arab Emirates has cost $22 million.
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak al-Nahyan, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Cricket Control Board, said: "Once the ICC approves the venue we hope to organise regular tournaments featuring teams from all over the world."
Prize money for the inaugural match is $100,000. India will be led by Saurav Ganguly with Inzamam-ul-Haq captaining the Pakistani side.
Sharjah is already established in the United Arab Emirates as a regular cricketing venue.
