Programming Vice President exits Dubai Arena to return to independent event promotion

After a year as Vice President of Programming for the soon-to-open Dubai Arena, and as Chief Operating Officer in the region for venue manager AEG Ogden, Thomas Ovesen is exiting the company to return to promoting independently.

Ovesen joined the Dubai Arena project at the start of 2018 from local promoter 117 Live.

The Arena’s Chief Executive, Guy Ngata, says Ovesen “has been a key part of the journey so far as we begin the countdown to opening the arena in 2019”.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Thomas on behalf of our team.

“We look forward to working with Thomas in the near future, which is something both parties are excited about.”

Ovesen, who joined the project at the start of 2018, says he looks forward to "many future collaborations" with the venue, which opens this year.

Commenting on his departure, Oveson added “with the Dubai Arena getting ready to open with what will be an amazing calendar of events, now is as great a time as ever for me to return to being a dedicated independent buyer and promoter.

“I wish my fantastic colleagues all the best and thank AEG Ogden for the opportunity with Dubai Arena. I look forward to many future collaborations.”

At the launch of the venue in 2016, AEG Ogden Chairman, Harvey Lister stated that the 17,000-seat Dubai Arena will “put Dubai on the international entertainment touring circuit and make a major contribution to the Emirate’s continued development as a major tourism destination”,

Owned by the Dubai Government-backed holding company Meraas, the venue is schedlued to open later this year.