USA-based venue development, advisory and investment company the Oak View Group has announced an expansion into the Middle East through a joint venture with Ethara, the region’s leading event management and venue operator.
Formed in May following a merger between Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management (ADMM) and Flash Entertainment, Ethara (meaning ‘thrill’ in Arabic), is led by Saif Al Noaimi, the former Chief Executive of ADMM and board member of Flash.
The business currently promotes Formula 1’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yasalam After-Race Concerts, and other events in the region. It operates several venues in the United Arab Emirates, including Etihad Arena (pictured), Etihad Park, Yas Marina Circuit and Yas Conference Centre.
Oak View Group (OVG) has nine major new arenas across North America and Europe either already open or under development. Co-op Live, the company’s new 23,500-capacity arena in the UK city of Manchester, is due to open in April, while it is planning on building a 20,000-seat venue in Las Vegas, USA.
The launch of the joint venture follows OVG recently acquiringd London-based high-end hospitality provider Rhubarb Hospitality Collection (RHC), as part of which Ethara will work closely with RHC to improve the fan experience at live entertainment venues across the Middle East, including in countries such as the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Introducing the new venture, OVG Chief Executive, Tim Leiweke stated “the Middle East is home to some of the world’s fastest growing economies and live entertainment markets, so our new offering in the region is a natural step for OVG to take.
“The pace of change in the region, with major global events like the Dubai Expo and Qatar World Cup, makes it one of the most exciting places in the world to operate in right now. We are confident that working with our partner Ethara, OVG will emulate our success across North America and Europe in the Middle East.”
Al Noaimi added “it is a proud moment to announce this joint venture with our new partner, OVG, as we continue to expand our capabilities and impact across the region as the leading event management and venue operator in the Middle East. The significant growth in our region now includes regularly hosting the world’s biggest events.
“There is increasing demand for world-class venues with first-class hospitality to serve these events and provide unforgettable experiences for fans. This partnership with OVG will allow us to continue to innovate in this space and continue to bring exciting new events and opportunities to the market.”
Image credit: Etihara.
About the author
Nigel Benton
Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management
Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.
With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.
Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.
In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.
He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).
In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.
As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.
Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.
His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.
His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well, until February 2025 when she left us, caring a little pug named Stella.
Click here to connect with him via LinkedIn.
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