Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena to kick off with Russell Peters show

Article posted by Coliseum, April 8^th, 2019

Image: Meraas

Dubai Arena has officially been named the Coca-Cola Arena, after developer Meraas signed a 10-year deal with The Coca-Cola Company, according to media reports.

The agreement with the US company includes exclusive naming rights for what is set to be Dubai’s first and largest indoor, multipurpose arena, which is scheduled to open in June this year with acclaimed comedian Russell Peters signed in to perform for the inaugural event.

“We are proud to have a company of such worldwide renown as Coca-Cola taking on the naming rights for the arena in the long-term,” Meraas Group chairman Abdulla Al Habbai was quoted by Abu Dhabi-based The National newspaper.

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“This agreement with The Coca-Cola Company is also a clear demonstration that Meraas’ continued efforts to transform the urban landscape of Dubai and move with the emirate into the future as a modern, creative, culturally and economically diverse place to live, work and play are coming to fruition,” he added.

Murat Ozgel, General Manager of Coca-Cola Middle East and deputy president of Coca-Cola Middle East and North Africa, said: “We are proud to be a part of this highly anticipated entertainment destination, which demonstrates our commitment to the region.

“The Cola-Cola Arena will build on Dubai’s thriving entertainment industry, positively contributing to the city’s ambitions to become a world-leading metropolis. The arena will create another landmark in the city, attracting visitors from across the world.”

The 17,000-seat air-conditioned arena in City Walk will be the largest indoor arena of its kind in the Middle East. It will host a variety of live concerts and sporting events all year round when it opens its doors to the public this summer.

The National also reported that award-winning comedian Russel Peters will bring his Deported World Tour to Dubai Arena on June 6, in what will be the inaugural event for the venue.

Day-to-day operations for the venue will be handled by international venue management company AEG Ogden, who also operate London’s O2 Arena, Staples Centre in Los Angeles, Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai and Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney.

Earlier on April 2, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, enjoyed a tour of the new arena.

Sheikh Mohammed said development projects such as Dubai Arena are key to the growth of the country as a leading player on the global stage, according the UAE’s WAM news agency. The arena is a key part of Dubai’s vision to attract 25 million tourists to the emirate by 2025.

According to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), the UAE’s leisure and entertainment market potential will reach 45 million tourists by 2021, of which international tourists will account for 30 million; while residents, their friends and relatives will account for 15 million. Another report by Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry states that spending within the UAE’s travel and tourism sector is estimated to reach $56 billion by 2022, Dubai-based Khaleej Times newspaper reported.

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