Dubai is set to make a groundbreaking leap in winter sports with the opening of the Emirates Sports Arena this September. Located in Dubai Sports City, the multi-purpose professional ice arena will be the first of its kind in the region. The arena features state-of-the-art facilities and accommodates over 600 spectators, meeting North America’s NHL standards. This Dhs20 million project boosts ice hockey and figure skating in the UAE, creating a hub for winter sports enthusiasts.
Revolutionizing Winter Sports in Dubai
The Emirates Sports Arena is a monumental step towards making ice rink sports more accessible and professional in the Middle East. As part of its mission to foster winter sports, the arena will serve as a venue for Emirates Ice Hockey League (EIHL) matches, international figure skating tournaments, and other global sporting events.
Upon its opening, the arena will host a grand event featuring NHL stars and showcase matches, demonstrating the high standards of the facility. The arena also aims to become the official training base for the UAE national figure skating and ice hockey teams, preparing them for major international championships.
Cutting-Edge Facilities and Community Access
Designed to provide an optimal environment for high-performance training, the arena will maintain temperatures between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius—significantly cooler than other local rinks, such as the one at Dubai Mall. The facility spans 10,000 m² and includes a 600-seat capacity, modern screens, lighting, and sound systems.
Despite being a professional sports hub, the Emirates Sports Arena will also welcome the general public. Visitors can enjoy skate rental services, public skating sessions, and on-site dining options. The facility includes professional spaces for female athletes and coaches, fostering greater participation.
An Ambitious Vision for Winter Sports Growth
The Emirates Sports Arena is a project by the Emirates Sports Group, also the proprietors of the adjacent Emirates Sports Hotel. The group has been actively collaborating with local and international partners, including the Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Tourism, and Coca-Cola Arena.
Vladimir Burdun, CEO of Emirates Sports and president of the Emirates Ice Hockey League (EIHL), expressed his vision:
“We believe that the opening of the first professional ice arena will revolutionize winter sports and hockey development in the Middle East. The Emiratis are showing growing interest in winter sports and hockey. This arena will provide strong support for the national hockey team.”
Promoting Ice Sports Among Youth and Women
One of the primary objectives of the Emirates Sports Arena is to foster interest in ice sports among Emirati youth and female athletes. The facility’s inclusive design, with specialized spaces for women, aligns with broader goals of sports participation across genders in the UAE.
Furthermore, the arena’s modern amenities and international standards are expected to make it a popular training ground for both local and international teams. The UAE Winter Sports Federation’s backing cements its status as a top ice sports venue.
A New Chapter for Ice Sports in the Middle East
As Dubai continues to establish itself as a global sports hub, the Emirates Sports Arena represents a bold new chapter for winter sports in the GCC region. The arena hosts high-profile matches and offers public skating, establishing itself as a cornerstone of the local sports scene.
Sports enthusiasts can anticipate the facility’s September launch, ushering in a new era for ice sports in Dubai.
