Why is the Dubai Arena now the Coca-Cola Arena?

• The Dubai Arena has been re-named the Coca-Cola Arena
• The Coca-Cola Arena – in Dubai’s City Walk – will officially open in June
• Comedian Russell Peters will open the new Arena, quickly followed by American band Maroon 5 
• Afterwards, the stadium will play host to sporting events, more concerts, comedy performances, e-sports games (and more)
• The arena is fully air-conditioned and can fit 17,000 people, making it one of the biggest of its kind in the region

What’s in a name? Quite a bit, actually.

Case in point: the Dubai Arena has been officially re-named the Coca-Cola Arena, after developer Meraas signed a deal with the carbonated soda company. The name will next be up for grabs in ten years.

The agreement involves the naming rights – obviously – as well as extensive branding in and around the stadium itself. The Dubai er, Coca-Cola Arena is being touted as the largest indoor, multipurpose arenas in the region.

More importantly, it’s air-conditioned – huzzah! – which is a real boon for entertainment-goers as the hotter months approach.

Speaking at the announcement, Abdulla Al Habbai, Meraas Group chairman, said: “We are proud to have a company of such worldwide renown as Coca-Cola taking on the naming rights for the arena in the long-term.”

“This agreement with The Coca-Cola Company is also a clear demonstration that Meraas’ continued efforts to transform the urban landscape of Dubai and move with the emirate into the future as a modern, creative, culturally and economically diverse place to live, work and play are coming to fruition.”

Coca-Cola too was very pleased with the announcement. Murat Ozgel, the general manager of Coca-Cola Middle East, said, “We are proud to be a part of this highly anticipated entertainment destination which demonstrates our commitment to the region.”

“The Coca-Cola Arena will build on Dubai’s thriving entertainment industry, positively contributing to the city’s ambitions to become a world-leading metropolis. The arena will create another iconic landmark in the city attracting visitors from across the world.”

First, it will play host to Russell Peters who will open the Arena, quickly followed by Maroon 5. After that, it’s rumoured that the venue will become a jack of all trades, hosting things like e-sports leagues, comedy acts, and sporting events throughout the year.

The Coca-Cola Arena is important for Dubai’s 2025 vision. Just last week Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, had a personal tour of the venue.