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A major player in the development of the live entertainment industry in the Middle East during the past 17 years, Thomas Ovesen has been appointed to a key strategic role at the AEG Ogden managed Dubai Arena.

Ovesen, named as the venue’s Vice-President - Programming, is the first member of Chief Executive, Guy Ngata’s senior management team.

Announcing the appointment, AEG Ogden Chief Executive and Chairman, Harvey Lister said securing Ovesen was a coup not only for the venue but for the future development of the live entertainment industry in the region.

Lister advised “as the CEO of live events company 117 Live, a Dubai based conglomerate with a large media and entertainment portfolio, Mr. Ovesen comes well equipped to handle the challenge of delivering a world-class events calendar for Dubai and the Middle East region.

“Thomas oversaw the launch of the new Autism Rocks Arena and an impressive events calendar that featured among others Nicky Minaj, Gabriel Iglesias, Elton John , Bryan Adams, Guns ‘N Roses, Justin Bieber and Ed Sheeran. It’s quality international standard acts such as those plus more that we’re looking to bring to Dubai Arena.

“His understanding of the region and the local live entertainment scene and its players will be vital to Guy and his management team as they plan an event schedule second to none anywhere, ahead of the Arena’s opening in 2019.”

Including 117 Live, Ovesen has spent almost 17 years with Mirage Promotions, AEG Live and Done Events and has a proven track record in events management and delivering large-scale concerts and is the recipient of many industry awards for achievements in the Middle East.

Ovesen is looking forward to his new role and to be joining the AEG international family from the beginning of 2018.

He explains "I am really excited joining Guy and the Dubai Arena project for what will be a game changer for live entertainment here in the Middle East.

“I intend tapping into the AEG touring and venue network and most importantly, working with all the regional promoters as well as the top talents, their agents and managers of the global touring and music world.

“I look forward to my team programming an unprecedented level and volume of top quality live events fitting for what is a state of the art indoor venue.”

AEG Ogden will operate the 17,000 seat Dubai Arena on behalf of Meraas, a Dubai-based holding company committed to creating and delivering unique experiences.

Strategically located at City Walk with close proximity to the Dubai International Airport and accessible via the Dubai Metro, the new venue will be at the heart of Dubai’s latest urban lifestyle destination surrounded by a plethora of hospitality, food and beverage, entertainment and shopping options.

The Arena has been designed to support a wide range of entertainment and sports events from smaller theatre style entertainment events to major concerts, basketball and ice hockey. 

Images: Thomas Ovesen (top) and how the Dubai Arena will look when complete (below).

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