Dubai Arena has officially been named the Coca-Cola Arena.
This development came after developer Meraas signed a 10-year deal with the Coca-Cola Company.
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.
“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,” said Abdulla Al Habbai, Meraas Group chairman.
“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.”
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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.
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.
“We are proud to partner with Meraas and Coca-Cola as we launch the UAE’s first world-class, multipurpose indoor arena. We look forward to working together closely over the next 10 years,” said Guy Ngata, AEG Ogden’s chief executive of Coca-Cola Arena.
“This naming rights agreement is hugely beneficial for Dubai and Coca-Cola, which are both internationally recognised brands in their own rights. We are excited to grow our partnership over the next decade and further establish Dubai as a major destination for world music tours, sporting competitions, family shows and corporate events.”
Last Monday, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, enjoyed a tour of the new arena.
Sheikh Mohammed said development projects such as the Coca-Cola Arena are important to the growth of the country as a leading player on the global stage.
The arena is a key part of Dubai’s vision to attract 25 million tourists to the emirate by 2025.
The arena’s roof is designed to allow for the largest of productions to be accommodated. With an overall weight load allowance of 190 metric tonnes across the entire roof, shows in end stage configurations can hang up to 90 metric tonnes of equipment with 60 metric tonnes available in the centre and 40 metric tonnes in the intimate set up.
Yetunde Adegoke
