A first look inside Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena: more on the acts, the food and future plans

The venue is set to open this summer in Dubai’s Citywalk, and will host everything from motocross to boxing and Arabic, Bollywood and international acts in the next 12 months

The exterior of the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. Photo: Chris Whiteoak / The National

A view from the seats. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The new Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai is indoor, meaning year-round events. Photo: Chris Whiteoak / The National

One of nine entrance points to the arena. Photo: Chris Whiteoak / The National

One of the four rooms designed to be changing rooms for sports teams - NBA games soon, perhaps? Photo: Chris Whiteoak / The National

The arena has views of the Burj Khalifa, and is right in the middle of the city. Photo: Chris Whiteoak / The National

The VIP Lounge area that serves that suites. Photo: Chris Whiteoak / The National

There are 17,000 seats in the arena. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Inside the arena has a sleek, modern design. Photo: Chris Whiteoak / The National

A close-up look at the seats inside the suites. Photo: Chris Whiteoak / The National

One of the arena's suite levels. Photo: Chris Whiteoak / The National

Interesting lighting in the lobby. Photo: Chris Whiteoak / The National

The 17,000-capacity arena is the largest in an area ranging from Istanbul to Singapore, according to Murat Ozgel, the general manager of Coca-Cola Middle East. Photo: Chris Whiteoak / The National

The fact that it is an indoor arena is key for the stadium – meaning that international sports and entertainment acts can be welcomed to the UAE throughout the year. Photo: Chris Whiteoak / The National

The 17,000 seat arena is set to open in Dubai in June 2019. Courtesy Coca-Cola Arena

Major regional and international sporting and entertainment events will be held at the arena. Courtesy Coca-Cola Arena

Capacity can be reduced as low as 3,000, depending on the act. Courtesy Coca-Cola Arena

Coca-Cola have said that ,"Music, sport and entertainment are very important parts of Coca-Cola brand identity." Courtesy Coca-Cola Arena

"The Coca-Cola Arena reflects our commitment to Dubai and the region in general,” according to Murat Ozgel, the general manager of Coca-Cola Middle East. Courtesy Coca-Cola Arena

It's now only a matter of months until Dubai's Coca-Cola Arena opens on June 6, and The National was given a first look inside the 17,000-seat indoor arena on Tuesday.

The arena is set to welcome comedian Russell Peters on June 6, and Maroon 5 on June 14. Other acts are yet to be announced.

What kind of events will be held there?

Guy Ngata, chief executive of the Coca-Cola Arena, said the venue will host everything from motocross to boxing, as well as Arabic, Bollywood and international acts in the next 12 months.

Ngata told The National more acts are expected to be announced in the next two weeks.

“It's a game changer for Dubai and the region,” Ngata added. “We can now facilitate needs, up to international standards. Patrons want an improving and evolving experience, and we have a fan first commitment.”

"Just don't drive," Ngata told The National when asked about the potential traffic problems a 17,000-seater arena could create in an already busy area. "We want to encourage people to use public transport – the Dubai Metro and car-share. Or just get here early."

The fact that it is an indoor arena is key for the stadium – meaning international sports and entertainment acts can be welcomed to the UAE throughout the year.

The arena in numbers

The 17,000-capacity arena is the largest in a geographic region stretching from Istanbul to Singapore, said Murat Ozgel, the general manager of Coca-Cola Middle East.

The arena has nine entrances to aid smooth entry and exit, four sports changing rooms for international teams and eight en suite dressing rooms for acts.

There are also more than 35 food and beverage outlets in the arena, with space for extra food carts.

The Citywalk location was, according to Ngata, an advantage for the arena. “Being located in the vibrant precinct of Citywalk gives a before- and after-concert experience to visitors.”