The astonishing £2bn plan for world's first underwater stadium - with 108ft glass roof

An astonishing new plan could see a £2bn stadium built under the sea hosting thousands of sports fans.

Dubai is planning to build the world's first underwater stadium using a 108ft glass roof which will allow tennis fans to look up into the ocean while enjoying a match.

The project is designed by Polish architect Krzysztof Kotala and would be located between the Burj Al Arab and the Palm Jumeirah islands.

As well as housing an array of fish and marine animals, the complex boasts seven tennis courts with a breathtaking rooftop coral reef.

Mr Kotala began fundraising for the project in 2015 but despite fully finished plans, no one has so far backed him.

He told Arabian Business: "There is not an investor but I would like to get interest as I think it is a good idea."

Mr Kotala added that the project was "something original" and that Dubai was "perfect for this idea."

But hefty construction costs were not the only barrier the ambitious architect faced when his plans were unveiled as there were also safety concerns.

These included potential leaks as well as questions over whether it would be possible to ensure the structure could withstand earthquakes and tsunamis.

With a huge quantity of water sitting above there was also the added complexity of light refraction.

Despite not seeing his plans come to fruition, the Polish architect is still hopeful his plans may one day be realised and has a picture of them up on his website.

But it seems too many risks prevented the concept from getting beyond the drawing board rather than cash.