With its 17,000- capacity, state-of-the-art sound, lighting and stage technology, unique partnerships between major regional and global firms and impressive line-up of acts, Coca-Cola Arena has revolutionised the live events industry in Dubai and the Middle East region.

Having opened earlier this year, Coca-Cola Arena is a sophisticated and high-tech indoor entertainment destination that can accommodate a huge variety of acts, sporting events, functions and conferences of all sizes.

The largest venue of its kind in the region, Coca-Cola Arena is fully enclosed and climate controlled, a key feature that has effectively transformed Dubai from previously being viewed by promoters and exhibitors as a ‘winter-only’ destination into a complete, year-round option for live events for some of the world’s biggest shows and performers.

Developed as part of a collaboration between Dubai-based developer, Meraas, and international venue management company AEG Ogden, Coca-Cola Arena officially opened its doors to the public with a performance by Canadian comedian Russell Peters on June 6^th before a sell-out show by Maroon 5 on June 14^th.

The arena is owned by Meraas, the developer behind some of Dubai’s most popular landmarks and tourist attractions, with day-to-day operations handled by AEG Ogden, the company behind The O2 in London, Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney and the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai among other world-famous venues.

AEG Ogden’s CEO of Coca-Cola Arena, Guy Ngata, said: “Dubai is already a major entertainment hub for the entire region and the opening of Coca-Cola Arena has helped to further establish the city as the go-to destination for acts visiting the Middle East as part of global tour schedules.

“Meraas has shown a great vision to expand Dubai’s live entertainment offering and in doing so has an asset that will become one of the world’s great live venues.

“AEG Ogden are incredibly proud to operate the venue as we strive forward in cementing Coca-Cola Arena as the home of live entertainment in the region and a must-visit live destination for incoming tourists.

“Together with Coca-Cola and all of our partners and stakeholders, there is a real passion in establishing the venue as the perfect fit for international touring artists, productions, sporting activity and shows of all genres.”

This combination of major regional and international companies means the venue is in a fantastic position to benefit from a wealth of talent across a wide spectrum of specialities while also enjoying huge brand recognition.

The opening show with Russell Peters proved to be the ideal way to introduce Coca-Cola Arena to audiences from across the UAE, the region and beyond who flocked to Dubai to watch Peters perform live and to experience the huge venue for the first time.

A key factor in Coca-Cola Arena’s impressive ability to host a diverse selection of acts and performers is its 3,870 sqm of floor space, huge choice of stage configurations and a multipurpose drape reduction system that can scale the venue as required depending on the event and audience capacity.

Floor space can be extended or reduced via a fully retractable seating system while the top levels can be closed off when not in use, allowing for a swift change of set up from all-seater shows to standing-only events or even in-the-round concerts and performances.

Just a few days after its official opening show, the venue’s capacity, staff and range of management systems and processes were again put to the test when it welcomed US pop-rockers Maroon 5 for an epic sold-out live show on Friday, June 14^th.

Hosting an established international group, complete with extensive road crew and equipment in the middle of a global tour proved to be the perfect examination of how well Coca-Cola Arena functions during major events.

Thanks to its modern design that boasts multiple access and egress points, guests at the sell-out show were able to come and go with ease whilst enjoying all the benefits that its location within City Walk has to offer before and after the show.

Everything from the F&B facilities, located at the multiple points around the main concourses, to the VIP and hospitality suites were thoroughly tested during each opening event while sound and lighting systems functioned perfectly thanks to the sophisticated design of the arena’s roof that allows it to hold up to 190 metric tonnes of equipment.

“Coca-Cola Arena is wonderfully equipped with the very best expertise, knowledge and experience providing production teams, crews and performers with first-class technical facilities and support.

“The venue’s state-of-the-art technology enables incoming shows to benefit enormously in setting up productions. The flexibility when it comes to seating and stage configurations means performers and the audience are able to enjoy an unparalleled live experience.

“Despite only being open for a few months, Coca-Cola Arena is already firmly established as one of the city’s biggest attractions. We look forward to hosting even more great live acts and events as we develop and expand the events industry in the UAE to even greater levels of success”, Ngata continued.

Usually a quiet time in the UAE, when outside temperatures can reach as high as 50 degrees Celsius, the arena has recently hosted THE 1975 and Irish boyband Westlife before American self-help guru Tony Robbins delivers a live speaking event on September 3^rd . Robbins will be joined by special guests, one of which is 15-time Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys.

Visible from miles around and a new landmark on Dubai’s skyline, Coca-Cola Arena’s exterior façade features 4,600 LED lights that are lit to welcome fans to each event at Dubai’s new home of live entertainment.

Located in City Walk, one of the city’s newest and most popular neighbourhoods, Coca-Cola Arena enjoys excellent transport links, with buses, taxis and the nearby Dubai Metro all serving the venue while comprehensive traffic management systems are in place to ensure the surrounding roads and streets are kept free-flowing.