Project Details

IPW advised Miral on the delivery of a major new arena on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi (UAE), from initial feasibility through to detailed business planning and operator procurement. We initially completed a detailed analysis of the feasibility of delivering a new arena based on detailed research and consultation to explore the opportunities in what is a developing market with unique characteristics.

Our work included the development of a recommended facility mix and scale, identifying the optimum operator strategy, and advice on the operational performance of the facility including a detailed business plan informed by extensive international and local benchmark data.

Following the feasibility study, we subsequently developed the specification and headline design of the venue, and managed a diligent procurement process to select of the operator partner most suited to deliver on the project’s financial and non-financial requirements.

The 18,000 capacity Etihad Arena opened in 2021 and has already attracted and hosted a series of high-profile events including UFC’s ‘Fight Island’ and the FINA World Swimming Championships.

Our wider advice included exploring additional opportunities for Flash, the government-owned promoter, to bring more touring product to the venue and region.

For further information on this venue, please visit etihadarena.ae.

Project Leads

Tristan Pople
Associate Director

Nick Russell
Director