DUBAI: The UAE’s sporting scene is set for a major new addition with the opening later this year of the Emirates Sports Arena, the Middle East’s first professional ice rink.
Set to open in September, the facility in Dubai Sports City aims to position Dubai as a hub for ice hockey, figure skating and other ice disciplines in the region.
The arena, located next to the Emirates Sports Hotel and Apartments, marks a significant milestone in the UAE’s sports infrastructure. The state-of-the-art venue will host professional games, international tournaments, training camps and community events.
With seating for 600 spectators, the 10,000-square-meter facility has been built to meet the standards of North America’s National Hockey League, including maintaining the temperature of the ice surface at between 16-18 degrees Celsius.
Its state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems plus high-definition screens and range of dining options means it can also be used for figure skating competitions, concerts and other forms of entertainment.
The arena’s operators hope it will provide a base for nurturing grassroots winter sports across the UAE and neighboring countries. A dedicated winter sports academy will be established nearby, offering training programs for aspiring athletes, coaching clinics and youth development initiatives.
The arena is a major boost to the UAE’s previously limited provision of ice rinks, which comprised only smaller venues in Abu Dhabi and Al-Ain.
A core element of the project is fostering inclusivity, with the arena featuring dedicated professional spaces for female athletes and coaches, aligning with broader initiatives to promote women’s participation in sports. Special events, matches and tournaments for women and girls will be organized regularly, encouraging greater interest and engagement in winter sports disciplines.
Vladimir Burdun, CEO of Emirates Sports Group, said: “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 this facility will support the national teams’ growth and international competitiveness.”
Burdun, who owns the Dubai Mighty Camels hockey team and has been instrumental in developing professional hockey in the UAE for more than two decades, said the new arena would be pivotal to the future growth of the sport.
“We are already in discussions with the UAE Winter Sports Federation to designate the arena as the official training base for the national figure skating and ice hockey teams in preparation for major world championships. Our goal is to create a sustainable ecosystem that nurtures talent from grassroots levels to international competitions,” he said.
“This arena is more than just a building. It’s a catalyst for dreams, careers and regional sports excellence. We are proud to lead this transformative journey.”
