Coca-Cola Arena keep momentum amid Gulf crisis

Article posted by Coliseum, April 2^nd, 2026

Image: Coliseum GSVA

When you think of the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai the first image that comes to mind is often a live concert: Lights flashing, music reverberating through thousands of fans and the thrill of a packed crowd. But understandably, in uncertain times due to the regional conflict, the iconic venue is pivoting and hosting a major shopping festival this week. The five-day sale Big Clearance Sale by CBBC (Concept Big Brands) will be held at this venue from April 1^st-5^th.

‘GULF NEWS’ quoted Mark Jan Kar, General Manager (GM), Coca-Cola Arena, as stating, “Even though the concerts were down our local market remained strong. Shopping, hospitality: It’s the low-hanging fruit. Come in, spend a couple of hours, have a nice coffee, pick up a bargain or two, and life continues.”

The Coca-Cola Arena is a multipurpose arena located in the City Walk area in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The venue was opened on June 6^th, 2019. It has a capacity of 17,000.

‘GULF NEWS’ further stated that traditionally, the arena is best known for live concerts and sporting events. The 17,000-capacity Coca-Cola Arena has hosted massive soldout concerts including Maroon 5 (American pop rock band), 50 Cent (American rapper), Martin Garrix (Dutch DJ and record producer), Alicia Keys (American singer-songwriter and pianist), Chris Brown (American singer, songwriter, rapper, dancer, and actor), and K-pop acts in the past.

Stated Kar, “But we are a multipurpose venue. A good 30 percent of our business is actually corporate activities: Real estate launches, film sets, fashion shows. Part of our mix is shopping events. We really do everything.”

For Kar, concerts remain central to the arena’s identity, yet, adaptability is now key.

He explains, “The first initial phase is reactive. Some shows that can be rescheduled, we work with the partners and the stakeholders to do that. Unfortunately, some shows have canceled because they’re on world tours. Our priority is to keep the lights on, keep the people motivated and lead by example.”

The arena’s role in the City goes beyond entertainment: It’s about contributing to Dubai’s economy and community.

Added Kar, “We’re a big asset to the City, both in entertainment and attractions. We have responsibilities to continue to improve and drive the economy where possible. Protect roles. Everything has to move and we are fortunate to play a part of that.”

The shopping festival provides a clear example of how the residents’ confidence supports the City.

Kar laughs, “My daughter dragged me to Primark’s opening. I volunteered because I had to see with my own eyes. A couple of thousand people had the same idea. It’s a small blip but it shows confidence in the City.”

Dubai’s faith in its own resilience, he explains, is what keeps venues like the arena moving forward.

He added, “Even with turmoil abroad you have faith in Dubai. The residents may travel but millions remain here. Seeing events like the World Cup or Primark busy restores a sense of normalcy and optimism.”

So, as a leader, how is he keeping the morale high amid uncertain times?

Avers Kar, “Transparency is key. There’s nothing worse than providing positivity and then three weeks later saying a role no longer exists. Explain the steps, the thought processes, the potential next steps. It helps build confidence and trust even in difficult times.”

While the arena explores new avenues like shopping and hospitality, Kar also encourages the other entrepreneurs and the venue operators to think and operate strategically – “Learn your customers. What are your customers today may not be your customers tomorrow. Know your products, your spaces and learn to talk to the new customers. And trust your gut, it’s another brain. If something doesn’t feel right don’t just sit there. Do something.”

Even with the scheduled events drastically reduced – from 22 planned in April to just three – the arena maintains momentum.

Maintains Kar, “Even if it’s down to three from 22 it’s still three. Focus on the success rather than the loss. It’s not COVID. It’s different. But the Arena continues to serve the residents, maintain its spaces and prepare for the bounce back.”

The Coca-Cola Arena also remains open to creative, audacious ideas – from community fitness sessions and movie screenings to hosting ‘big Bollywood-style’ weddings.

States Kar with a laugh, “We’ve never done a wedding and it’s on the bucket list. The idea is to keep the conversations going and keep the arena active even if productivity isn’t at 100 percent.”

Kar’s parting advice captures the ethos of the arena and the City alike, “Stay resilient. Learn to pivot. Think responsibly, act responsibly. Follow your gut. Protect your business and your people. And whatever it takes – keep moving forward.”

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