The Autism Rocks Arena Poised to Liven Up Dubai’s Entertainment Scene

by  EVENTFAQS Bureau Industry Watch | October 17, 2016 | News

The Autism Rocks Arena 117 Live Nicki Minaj UAE

The last few years have witnessed a spate of announcements on new purpose-built entertainment venues to be developed in the UAE, predominantly in Dubai. While announcements of even more venues continue to keep the entertainment space exciting, one much-awaited one has opened its doors in Dubai: The Autism Rocks Arena.

This development reaffirms that the region is committed to growing its already successful events and entertainment industry, and that much can be expected in the next few years: more large-scale events and concerts, a variety of top-quality programs, a boost to tourism, and the establishment of Dubai as a globally recognised cultural hub.

A purpose-built 21,000 capacity temporary venue, the Autism Rocks Arena, was launched by 117 Live with Nicki Minaj in March 2016 and will host a 24 month schedule of top international talent before the completion of the permanent venue in 2018.

Talking to EVENTFAQS about how the features come together to make planning events extremely advantageous for organisers and producers, Thomas Ovesen, CEO, 117 Live said, “Once the outer perimeter fencing, grand stands, VIP platforms, stage, generators, etc. have been installed for the season, each and every event will benefit from a shorter build up and break down operation and thus cash in on major savings which hopefully will help more organisers put on more events that what we currently see. The pool of event organisers have reduced over the past year and although by starting 117 Live, I have helped, adding a new serious and committed show producer to this declining pool. We still need many more new operators to get back into putting on shows for us to reach parity with cities around the world when it comes to volume and frequency of live entertainment performances on offer!”

Upcoming events at the Autism Rocks Arena include Popcon Dubai, to take place from October 27-29; Elton John Live in Dubai on December 15; Chic featuring Nile Rogers on December 23; as well as a few festivals to be announced soon. Past events have included Gabriel Iglesias in June, Morris Day & The Time in May, Flo Rida and Tyga in April and Nicki Minaj in March.

On providing diverse programming through the year, Ovesen notes, “Programming in general, and diverse and multi-platform programming in particular is key to the success of our venue. Non-English concerts and shows, theatre productions and of course even non music based events will be part of our content target list. Once we move from the current temp open air venue and into our next phase roofed venue, the event volume will increase to approximately 50 per annum. This in itself will require a broader spectre of event formats and genres than what we currently see here.”

The Autism Rocks Arena is located at Outlet City Dubai, on Al Ain Road. The Dubai Outlet Mall is a shopping mall located in Dubailand, featuring over 240 stores. The Retail and Entertainment World, where this is located also features Dubai Lifestyle City. While the venue is located in a part of the city still being developed, the Dubai Outlet Mall operates a shuttle bus from hotels in Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, Sheikh Zayed Road, Bur Dubai and Deira.

Features of the venue include:

• 80,000 square metre arena
• On a maximum capacity event no one will be more than 70m from the stage
• 1,800k elevated multi-level VIP Platform
• Over 350 meters of F&B service
• 100 meter long cross arena zip line
• 44m (W) X 16M (H) international standard stage
• 4,000 car parking spaces

Taking about how the venue is set to contribute to the entertainment economy of Dubai, Ovesen adds, “Each and every event staged anywhere in the Dubai area adds valuable benefits to the city, its residents, it economy and of course its visitors. Ours being a large-scale venue and with our calendar of programming stretching well into 2018, means we can assure the market of more than 15 major shows and at least 250,000 fans visiting the venue. And so beyond the millions of dirhams invested with local suppliers, we will drive a large volume of guests to our venue, guests that will also be spending money using taxis, public transportation, dining at the city’s restaurants, shopping malls and for the out-of-towners, staying in the city’s hotels.”