Dubai is all set to welcome a groundbreaking addition to its sports infrastructure as the Emirates Sports Arena is scheduled to open in September 2025. Located in Dubai Sports City, this new multi-functional professional ice rink is being developed to match the highest standards of North America’s National Hockey League (NHL), setting a benchmark for winter sports facilities in the region.
With a seating capacity exceeding 600, the arena spans an impressive 10,000 square meters and comes at an investment of Dhs20 million. Developed by the Emirates Sports Group, the facility is designed to elevate ice-based sports such as ice hockey and figure skating across the GCC. The temperature inside the venue will be kept between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius, ensuring optimal conditions for athletes—cooler than other rinks like the one at Dubai Mall.
Once operational, the Emirates Sports Arena will host major events including matches of the Emirates Ice Hockey League (EIHL), global figure skating competitions, and other international sporting activities. To celebrate the grand opening, a high-profile event featuring NHL stars and exhibition games is also being planned, which will highlight the arena’s cutting-edge infrastructure.
In addition to professional matches, the facility will be accessible to the general public, offering skate rentals, high-quality sound and lighting systems, digital screens, and on-site dining for visitors. The arena will also feature dedicated facilities for female athletes and coaches, reflecting a mission to increase the participation of women and girls in winter sports.
The Emirates Sports Arena project has been under development for over three years and is located near the Emirates Sports Hotel. Emirates Sports Group has formed strong partnerships with the Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Tourism, Dubai Sports City, and Coca-Cola Arena to support the venture.
Vladimir Burdun, CEO of Emirates Sports, president of the Emirates Ice Hockey League, and owner of the Dubai Mighty Camels hockey team, emphasized the importance of this initiative in developing ice sports in the UAE and the wider region. He expressed hopes that the arena will become the official training base for the UAE national ice hockey and figure skating teams, aiding in their preparations for global championships.
Burdun stated, “This facility will completely transform the landscape of winter sports in the Middle East. We are already discussing future collaborations with the UAE Winter Sports Federation to strengthen the country’s capabilities in ice sports.”
The Emirates Sports Arena represents a major step forward for Dubai’s sporting landscape and positions the city as a regional leader in winter sports infrastructure and innovation.
