A new ice and winter sports venue, the Emirates Sports Arena, is set to open in Dubai in 2025. Owned and operated by Emirates Sports Group, the facility will be the only multi-functional professional ice rink in the Middle East region.
Located in Dubai Sports City, the Emirates Sports Arena will be next to the Emirates Sports Hotel and Apartments. The opening of this technologically advanced sports facility will represent a step forward in the development of winter sports in the Middle East, including ice hockey, figure skating, and other disciplines. Alongside the launch of the ice arena, a Winter Sports Academy for GCC countries will also be introduced.
Vladimir Burdun, CEO of Emirates Sports Group, said: “We look forward to the opening of Emirates Sports Arena as a grand event featuring NHL stars and thrilling showcase games. This project has been under development for three years – our goal was to raise the level of sports in the UAE to new heights.”
Even though the arena is designed for professionals, it will also be open to the general public. The 600-seat venue will be used for Emirates Ice Hockey League (EIHL) matches, international figure skating tournaments, and other sports events from around the world. Equipped with modern screens, lighting, and sound, the arena will be transformable for various types of events. With services like skate rental and on-site dining, it will offer visitors a full-service experience, combining leisure with world-class sports tourism.
The arena will also include dedicated professional spaces for female athletes and coaches, creating an inclusive and professional environment. As part of the women’s sports development strategy, special matches and events for women and girls will be held to promote interest and participation. It will maintain the ice to international standards, ensuring ideal conditions for high-performance training and competition. The temperature will be kept at 16-18°C, following international hockey standards.
See more at emiratessportshotel.com/ice-rink