In a groundbreaking announcement, Oak View Group (OVG) and Ethara have added two landmark venues to their already impressive portfolios: Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi and the House of Sustainability in Expo City Dubai. This expansion is a pivotal move for both entities as they continue to transform the venue and hospitality industries under the OVG Middle East umbrella. The new additions represent significant milestones in strengthening their presence in the MENA region, following the 2023 announcement that launched a collaboration designed to reshape how venues operate and provide services throughout the region.
Strengthening the MENA Presence with Two Leading Venues
The expansion of OVG’s venue portfolio into the Middle East, through the acquisition of Zayed Sports City and the House of Sustainability, marks an important step in achieving the company’s vision of delivering bespoke venue and hospitality solutions. This expansion aligns with the mission to create world-class facilities while delivering exceptional guest experiences across diverse sectors such as sports, entertainment, sustainability, and community development.
Zayed Sports City: A Beacon of Excellence in Sports and Entertainment
Zayed Sports City has long been synonymous with top-tier sporting and entertainment events in Abu Dhabi. Its comprehensive facilities make it a leading destination not only for professional sports but also for community events. The venue features key infrastructures such as the Zayed Sports City Stadium, the International Tennis Centre, the Khalifa International Bowling Centre, and the Zayed Sports City Ice Rink, alongside the Mubadala Pavilion.
Over the years, Zayed Sports City has hosted an impressive roster of events, including:
- The prestigious Mubadala World Tennis Championships
- The WTA-sanctioned Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open
- Five editions of the FIFA Club World Cup
- The AFC Asian Cup
- National celebrations like the UAE National Day
- Historical visits from figures like Pope Francis and Prime Minister Modi
Looking forward, the stadium is set to host four sold-out shows from Coldplay’s ‘Music of the Spheres’ World Tour in January 2025 and the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open in February 2025. This venue is truly a cornerstone in Abu Dhabi’s sporting and cultural landscape.
House of Sustainability: A Symbol of Innovation and Architecture
Previously known as the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, the House of Sustainability has now evolved into an iconic hub that reflects innovation, sustainability, and architectural excellence. Designed by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava, this 8,000-square-meter marvel serves as a shining example of sustainable architecture in the heart of Expo City Dubai.
The venue’s transformation from a pivotal part of Expo 2020 to its current role as a sustainability center showcases the UAE’s ongoing commitment to sustainable practices. Today, the House of Sustainability continues to play a critical role in Expo City Dubai, acting as both a cultural hub and an educational platform focused on sustainability and environmental innovation.
With its striking design and significant role in promoting green technologies, the House of Sustainability is perfectly positioned to attract global attention and serve as a flagship venue for sustainability-focused events in the region. This venue embodies both the architectural vision and environmental aspirations that are driving Expo City Dubai’s growth as a center of innovation.
Partnership with Ethara: Building on Legacy
Ethara, a leader in the Middle East’s venue and events industry, has played a pivotal role in operating some of the region’s most iconic venues. With a legacy of over 16 years, Ethara is well known for its management of landmark facilities like:
- Yas Marina Circuit – Home of the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
- Etihad Arena
- Etihad Park
- Yas Conference Centre
Each of these venues has helped shape the industry in the region by hosting groundbreaking events that cater to a global audience. David Powell, Chief Strategy & Business Development Officer of Ethara, expressed excitement about integrating Zayed Sports City and the House of Sustainability into the company’s portfolio. These additions will help Ethara evolve its operations and meet the ever-changing demands of the event and venue industries in the Middle East.
The synergy between OVG and Ethara is expected to lead to unprecedented advancements in how venues operate, focusing on innovation, guest experience, and sustainability. Together, these two entities are set to drive the industry forward by leveraging their combined expertise and resources.
OVG Middle East: Transforming the Region’s Venue and Hospitality Industry
OVG Middle East is poised to reshape the venue and hospitality industry throughout the MENA region. Jessica Koravos, President of OVG International, highlighted the importance of this expansion as part of OVG’s broader strategy of global growth. The addition of Zayed Sports City and the House of Sustainability to the OVG Middle East portfolio reflects the company’s commitment to providing world-class experiences through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions.
This expansion follows a well-laid plan to enhance venue management practices, optimize guest experiences, and ensure that each venue operates in alignment with the highest international standards. Both Zayed Sports City and the House of Sustainability will benefit from OVG’s operational expertise, providing new opportunities for regional events and international collaborations.
The Future of Events and Hospitality in the Middle East
The partnership between OVG and Ethara represents a new era for the Middle Eastern events industry. By adding two prestigious venues to their portfolios, these companies are positioning themselves as leaders in providing exceptional event experiences. The strategic focus on sustainability, innovation, and guest satisfaction ensures that the Middle East will continue to be a hub for global events and hospitality experiences.
This development is not only a boost for the regional industry but also enhances the global standing of the Middle Eastern event sector. The addition of Zayed Sports City and the House of Sustainability will contribute significantly to the region’s reputation as a premier destination for world-class events and sustainable innovations.
