Dubai’s Meraas announces plans for new multi-purpose arena

Dubai-based holding company Meraas has announced plans for new multi-purpose arena designed to put the emirate on the international entertainment circuit.

Dubai Arena will span more than half a million square feet and have the capacity to host 20,000 people.

The company said it aims to make the venue the ‘go to’ destination for international music concerts, sporting events, including hockey and basketball, and other entertainment events.

Located at the company’s City Walk location, it will by fully air-conditioned and is expected to be completed in the last quarter of 2018.

International venue management firm AEG Ogden, which also owns, controls or is affiliated with venues including London’s O2 Arena, and the Staples Centre in Los Angeles.

“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 HE Abdulla Al Habbai, group chairman, Meraas.

“Dubai Arena will host famous and world renowned athletes, artists and performers and attract tourists to Dubai all year round. It will also host large global events and performances that have not visited the region as yet, due to the lack of a suitable platform for holding similar events.”

AEG Ogden chairman and CEO Harvey Lister said the arena would put Dubai on the international entertainment touring circuit.

The arena will include automated seats enabling it to scale with the size of the event. This will enable it to host large-scale weddings and other occasions.

DXB Entertainment, which is owned by Meraas and was formerly known as Dubai Parks and Resorts, has been awarded the project management contract for the arena and will oversee its design and construction.

Meraas has recently added a number of attractions to City Walk including a rainforest bio dome and multi-brand chocolate store.

Read: In pictures: New ‘indoor rainforest’ set to open in Dubai

Dubai’s leisure and entertainment industry is expected to double by 2021 to attract 45 million visitors, according to PwC.