Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid tours new Dubai Arena

The 17,000-seat indoor arena in City Walk to set to open later this year

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 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.

Dubai Arena, a 17,000 seat indoor venue in City Walk, will play host to a variety of live concerts and sporting events when it swings open its doors to the public later this year.

The multi-purpose facility will be the largest indoor arena of its kind in the Middle East when it officially opens, allowing the city to host events in the heat of summer.

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.

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.

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

Abdulla Al Habbai, group chairman of property developer Meraas, described the arena as a "game changer" for the emirate's mission to cement its status as a worldwide tourist attraction.

"With Dubai Arena, the city has set a new benchmark in the tourism and family entertainment sector – shaping a new avenue for economic growth while also enhancing the emirate's potential as a top destination for some of the world's most prestigious events," Mr Al Habbai said.

“We believe that Dubai Arena perfectly complements City Walk’s unique community and lifestyle experiences and is a game changer in Dubai’s efforts to consolidate its status as a premier tourist destination.”

The arena will be set up to host major concerts, sporting events such as boxing, tennis, basketball, and ice hockey as well as provide an eye-catching location for gala dinners, exhibitions, conferences and festivals.

Visitors will be able to take advantage of easy access to the venue, which will be served by the Dubai Metro, with a pedestrian bridge in place to take commuters to the arena.

Daily operations of the arena will be managed by management company, AEG Ogden, which has an impressive portfolio including renowned arenas such as the O2 in London and the Staples Centre in Los Angeles in the United States.