Dubai's Coca-Cola Arena shortlisted for international project award

The ASM Global managed Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai has been shortlisted in the Project of the Year category at the annual TheStadiumBusiness Design and Development Awards to be announced later this month.

With its 17,000-capacity, state-of-the-art sound, lighting and stage technology, unique partnerships between major regional and global firms and impressive line-up of acts, Coca-Cola Arena has revolutionised the live events industry in Dubai and across the  Middle East since opening in June this year.

Owned by Meraas, Coca-Cola Arena is a state-of-the-art indoor entertainment destination that can accommodate a huge variety of acts, sporting events, functions and conferences of all sizes.

The shortlisted nomination makes Coca-Cola Arena the only indoor arena in Asia to be included within a category that sees the very best projects in the world showcased.

Locally, a Special Acknowledgement has also been awarded to Coca-Cola Arena for its outstanding contribution to the Event and Entertainment Economy in the Middle East, at the WOW Awards Middle East 2019.

Harvey Lister, Chairman and Chief Executive of ASM Global (Asia Pacific), commented “we are proud to see Coca-Cola Arena being recognised in the industry both in its home city of Dubai and on the global stage.

“Meraas have shown a great vision to design and create one of the world’s most advanced arena’s and one that is quickly becoming a home for live entertainment in the region.”

Coca-Cola Arena opened its doors on 6th Juneh 2019 with a performance by global comedian Russell Peters. Six days later, Maroon 5 performed to a fully sold-out venue.

Since then, it has welcomed bands such as Westlife as well as a stunning event from world-renowned motivational speaker Tony Robbins who was joined by special guests including Alicia Keys. The Philippine Basketball Association also provided the first sporting activity at the arena in early October.

Lister said Coca-Cola Arena’s early success owed thanks to many people and organisations, adding

“Meraas have been unwavering in their commitment to create an arena that can become one of the world’s great live venue’s while Coca-Cola’s passion for the project has been a huge bonus, the same can be said about all of the arena’s partners.

“International and local promotors have also shown great support for the venue in bringing world-class performers to the building during its first few months of operation.

“It is a testament of everybody’s involvement that Coca-Cola Arena is being recognised alongside the world’s great stadium and arena projects of the past 12 months.”

The ‘Project of the Year’ award is open to projects that include a completed new-build - or expansion, modernisation or a major capital enhancement project of an existing venue.

TheStadiumBusiness Design & Development Awards will be presented in London on 26th and 27th November.