Populous-Designed Coca-Cola Arena Opens in Dubai

Populous is very proud to celebrate its first arena concept design in the Middle East, with the opening of the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.

Populous worked with the operator of both celebrated arenas, one of the world’s largest entertainment groups AEG Ogden, to create the concept design for the Middle East’s new premier entertainment venue in Dubai.

Opening on the 6^th June with a show by the Canadian comedian Russell Peters, shortly followed by Maroon 5 performing on 14^th June, the Coca-Cola Arena will transform the face of the entertainment and events scene in Dubai, helping to cement the city’s position as a major global destination for tourism and trade.

With a capacity of 17,000, the arena becomes the largest multi-purpose indoor arena in the region and, by incorporating climate control throughout the building, the only arena of its kind between Istanbul and Singapore to support a year-round programme of events, even in the hotter summer months.

Owned by Meraas and operated by AEG Ogden, it will host international touring artists, world-renowned comics, family entertainment, sports events, gala dinners, exhibitions and conferences.

The arena is situated in City Walk, one of Dubai’s most vibrant urban lifestyle neighbourhoods, surrounded by restaurants, shops and entertainment facilities. An LED strip light system covers the façade to create a dramatic effect as the building becomes illuminated with changing colours at night-time, animating the surrounding area and drawing people in.

Internally, the adaptable design features a rolling modular stage, automated drapes and a retractable seating system, creating a more intimate space for smaller-scale events which can quickly transform into a large-scale arena.

As well as the event spaces, the facilities include four sports changing rooms, eight artist dressing rooms, more than 35 food and drink outlets and 42 corporate suites that redefine the premium hospitality experience for the region. The arena also provides first-rate accessibility with 28 wheelchair spaces and companion seats.

Shireen Hamdan, Senior Principal at Populous, said: “Populous opened its first Middle East office in Dubai last year, enabling us to be closer to our clients, consultants and contractors in the region. Now we are extremely proud to see our commitment to bringing our global expertise in designing entertainment venues to the region realised with the completion of this landmark arena. Under the expert stewardship of Meraas and AEG Ogden, Coca-Cola Arena will establish Dubai as a new stop on the global touring circuit for the world’s best acts in music and entertainment.”

Guy Ngata, AEG Ogden’s CEO of Coca-Cola Arena, said: “With Coca-Cola Arena, Meraas have shown great vision in building a new home for live entertainment in the heart of Dubai further enhancing the Emirates’ potential as a major destination for some of the world’s most prestigious events. AEG Ogden are very proud and excited to be operating the venue which has seen the very best people in the world across many sectors come together to create what is undoubtedly a fantastic arena and fitting for the city in which the venue calls home.”

Gary Reeves, Principal at Populous, said: “The Coca-Cola Arena sets a new benchmark for entertainment venues in the Middle East. The design takes inspiration from world-class arenas like London’s 02 Arena to create a major new entertainment destination for Dubai; somewhere people will gather both before and after events, bringing new activity and custom to the already thriving City Walk district.”

Populous completed the concept design for the Coca-Cola Arena. Contractor ASGC Group, with DAR Group, completed design development, interior design, wayfinding design, and construction information.

For more information, or to organise an interview please contact:

Sean Julliard, +44 208 874 7666 or sean.julliard@populous.com

Robert Pine, +44 7894 462 342 or robert.pine@ing-media.com