Dubai Arena officially named Coca-Cola Arena after 10-year deal is signed

US company secures naming rights of City Walk venue before scheduled opening in June

Coca-Cola Arena is now open in Dubai. Courtesy Coca-Cola Arena

Dubai Arena has officially been named the Coca-Cola Arena, after developer Meraas signed a 10-year deal with the 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.”

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.

The inside of the 17,000-seater Coca-Cola Arena.Courtesy Coca-Cola Arena

"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 Dubai Arena are key to the growth of the country as a leading player on the global stage. WAM

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, enjoyed a tour of the emirate's new arena - which is set to become an all-year-round attraction. WAM

Dubai Arena will seat 17,000 spectators. WAM

Sheikh Mohammed was joined on his visit by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, chair of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and chair and chief executive of Emirates Airline. WAM

The arena, developed by Meraas, is a key part of Dubai's ambitious vision to attract 25 million tourists to the emirate by 2025. WAM

Mohammed bin Rashid visits Dubai Arena and learns about the first covered pavilion in the region. WAM

Mohammed bin Rashid visits Dubai Arena and learns about the first covered pavilion in the region. WAM

It will also provide an eye-catching location for gala dinners, exhibitions, conferences and festivals.

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.

What technology will it feature?

The roof

Coca-Cola 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.

The drape system 

Coca-Cola Arena has a state-of-the-art multipurpose drape system which will allow the arena to be scaled as required depending on the event set up and capacity. An automated system of drapes are in place to close of the top level of the arena when not in use and a backdrop drape system can be rolled down the length of the arena to reduce the floor space as required.

IT & AV

Coca-Cola Arena will provide the latest and technologically advanced line array speaker system which will be modular in design and can be deployed in any configuration to cover the arena and to facilitate the most advance artist or event requirements.

The venue will deploy a 140m2 state of the art 6mm modular LED screen system which can be configured as a scoreboard for sporting events, show screens for concerts or for any other requirement around the inside of the arena. There is also over 240m2 of LED screens in two ribbon configurations around the perimeter of the arena bowl inside.

The stage

A modular stage will be in place that can be rolled into and out of place if required, and can be sized from 20m x 12m down to as small as 1.2m x 2.4m with varying heights up to 1.9m

The seating

A fully retractable seating system which will allow for quick set up of the lower bowl for seated shows or to maximize floor space for standing events, banquets or sporting events. Demountable system will be in place for the stage end so that seating can be provided for in the round events.

The building

The building façade has a state of art LED strip light system that will allow the building to change colour.

Fully climate controlled enclosed space for the largest capacity in the region.