A brand new multi-purpose professional ice arena is set to open in September, it has been revealed.
With a capacity of over 600, Emirates Sports Arena in Dubai Sports City is being built to the standards of North America’s National Hockey League.
The state-of-the-art Dhs20 million facility aims to develop winter sports such as ice hockey and figure skating in the region.
A grand event featuring NHL stars and showcase matches will show off the quality of the facility once it opens its doors.
Emirates Sports Arena will host Emirates Ice Hockey League matches, international figure skating tournaments and other sports events from around the world.
While the facility aims to make ice rink sports in the region more professional, the ice rink and arena will also be open to the general public.
Equipped with modern screens, lighting and sound, the arena will also offer skate rental services and provide on-site dining options.
Emirates Sports Arena has been in the works for the past three years and is a project by the Emirates Sports Group – proprietors of the nearby Emirates Sports Hotel.
The temperature is maintained at international ice hockey standards of between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius, which is significantly lower than the temperature at the Dubai Mall rink, for example. It aims to ensure ideal conditions for high-performance training and competition.
The arena will provide seating for more than 600 and be 10,000 m2 in size.
The complex will include dedicated professional spaces for female athletes and coaches as part of a strategy to boost interest and participation in ice sports among women and girls.
Emirates Sports is partnered with the likes of the Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Sports City, Dubai Tourism and Coca-Cola Arena.
Vladimir Burdun, CEO of Emirates Sports, president of Emirates Ice Hockey League and owner of the Dubai Mighty Camels team in the EIHL, hopes the new arena will grow winter sports in the GCC.
He said: “We believe that the opening of the first professional ice arena will revolutionise 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.
“We are already in discussions with the UAE Winter Sports Federation to designate the ice arena as the official training base for the national figure skating and ice hockey teams in preparation for major world championships.”
