Meraas has announced the development of a 20,000 seat arena for indoor events at City Walk in Dubai. Known as Dubai Arena, the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2018.
The Dubai-based company said that the arena will cover half-a-million square feet and will be the venue of choice for international concerts, sporting events, touring productions and other events. It did not give a cost estimate for the project, a Gulf News report said.
Once complete, the arena will be air conditioned throughout and will feature automated changeable seating, allowing it to adjust to the event it is hosting. It will be managed by AEG Ogden, an international venue management firm which is wholly owned by Anschutz Company.
Some of the other venues it manages are London’s O2 Arena, Los Angeles’ Staples Centre, Shanghai’s Mercedes Benz Arena and the Quodos Bank Arena in Australia.
“The new destination will enrich Dubai’s existing infrastructure and will add a new state-of-the-art venue that will accommodate international events and will raise Dubai’s credentials as a premium leisure and entertainment hub,” said Abdullah Al Habbai, chairman of Meraas Group.
“The new destination will enrich Dubai’s existing infrastructure and will add a new state-of-the-art venue that will accommodate international events and will raise Dubai’s credentials as a premium leisure and entertainment hub.”
Harvey Lister, AEG Ogden chairman and CEO, said that his firm was excited to be working with Meraas, and was keen to use the opportunity to put Dubai on the world map as a major entertainment destination.
He added that Dubai Arena would make a major contribution to the emirate’s continued growth and development as a tourism destination.
“Dubai is strategically positioned to capitalise on acts undertaking tours of Europe and Australia and AEG Ogden will use its worldwide network and contacts to secure leading international artists and shows for the venue.”
The project management contract for the arena has been awarded to DXB Entertainment PJSC. The firm will be responsible for the design and construction of the project.
“Dubai Arena is a significant project that will impact the live entertainment industry in the region and will add a new experience to what Dubai will have to offer its residents and visitors,” said Raed Kajoor Al Nuaimi, CEO of DXB Entertainment.
“What makes Dubai Arena stand apart from its counterparts is its remarkable size, capacity, and ability to be transformed from a theatre to a stadium depending on the scale of the event. Our appointment to manage a project of this scale is proof of the success we have achieved in delivering Dubai Parks and Resorts which commenced its opening on October 31. We are excited to work closely with Meraas to deliver yet another first to the industry.”