Oak View Group and Ethara launch Middle Eastern venue joint venture

USA-based venue development, advisory and investment company the Oak View Group has announced an expansion into the Middle East through a joint venture with Ethara, the region’s leading event management and venue operator.

Formed in May following a merger between Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management (ADMM) and Flash Entertainment, Ethara (meaning ‘thrill’ in Arabic), is led by Saif Al Noaimi, the former Chief Executive of ADMM and board member of Flash.

The business currently promotes Formula 1’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yasalam After-Race Concerts, and other events in the region. It operates several venues in the United Arab Emirates, including Etihad Arena (pictured), Etihad Park, Yas Marina Circuit and Yas Conference Centre.

Oak View Group (OVG) has nine major new arenas across North America and Europe either already open or under development. Co-op Live, the company’s new 23,500-capacity arena in the UK city of Manchester, is due to open in April, while it is planning on building a 20,000-seat venue in Las Vegas, USA.

The launch of the joint venture follows OVG recently acquiringd London-based high-end hospitality provider Rhubarb Hospitality Collection (RHC), as part of which Ethara will work closely with RHC to improve the fan experience at live entertainment venues across the Middle East, including in countries such as the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

Introducing the new venture, OVG Chief Executive, Tim Leiweke stated “the Middle East is home to some of the world’s fastest growing economies and live entertainment markets, so our new offering in the region is a natural step for OVG to take.

“The pace of change in the region, with major global events like the Dubai Expo and Qatar World Cup, makes it one of the most exciting places in the world to operate in right now. We are confident that working with our partner Ethara, OVG will emulate our success across North America and Europe in the Middle East.”

Al Noaimi added “it is a proud moment to announce this joint venture with our new partner, OVG, as we continue to expand our capabilities and impact across the region as the leading event management and venue operator in the Middle East. The significant growth in our region now includes regularly hosting the world’s biggest events.

“There is increasing demand for world-class venues with first-class hospitality to serve these events and provide unforgettable experiences for fans. This partnership with OVG will allow us to continue to innovate in this space and continue to bring exciting new events and opportunities to the market.”

Image credit: Etihara.