Qatar Ministry of Culture and Sports Appoints ELAN Group and Live Nation Joint Venture as Operator for Two World-class Arenas in Qatar

Doha, September 8, 2016 – The Qatar Ministry of Culture and Sports has awarded the operation of two world-class arenas to ELAN Live Nation, a joint venture (JV) between ELAN Group, a diversified and fully integrated media and entertainment group in the Middle East, and Live Nation, the global leader in live entertainment. 

The JV will operate Lusail Multipurpose Arena in Lusail, and Ali Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah Multipurpose Arena in Al Sadd, which have already hosted the successful 2015 World Handball Championships in Doha. The JV will provide arena management, promotional, managerial, and facility maintenance support services for both venues. The arenas are set to host an array of family entertainment, sports, music, and other live events, bringing new entertainment experiences to the population of Qatar.

Abdul Rahman Abdullah Al-Maliki, Director of Asset Management and Projects at the Ministry of Culture and Sports said, "Engaging the private sector for the management of these facilities affirms the State's support for the private sector's participation in the national development." He added, "The development of the sports sector is a strategic goal for the Ministry to improve sports environment, culture, practice, professionalism and infrastructure in order to enhance the country's status as the capital of sports in the world, especially with regard to the 2022 FIFA World Cup requirements."

Jaber Al Ansari, Group CEO at ELAN Group commented on this award: “Lusail Multipurpose Arena and Ali Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah Multipurpose Arena are among the best arenas in the region, and we are honored that the Ministry of Culture and Sports put their trust in us to operate them.” He added, “At ELAN Group, we aim at providing the most unique and innovative entertainment experiences in the region. We are confident that our solid experience, combined with Live Nation’s expertise in the live events industry will take entertainment in Qatar to a new level”.

James Craven, Managing Director of Live Nation Middle East commented: “We are delighted to have been awarded the management contract for the prestigious Lusail and Ali bin Hamad Al-Attiyah Multipurpose Arenas. Live Nation, in partnership with Elan Group, will bring global experience in venues, live events and ticketing management to ensure the venues embody the highest of operational and production values. There is also a great opportunity to grow the Qatari venue management industry and develop local talent within the business.”

He added: “We see huge potential in the Qatari market and will work with local and regional promoters to ensure the venues are suitable for a wide variety of new and exciting content. In particular, the family entertainment business is developing fast in the region and having such high class venues suitable for hosting content will enhance the entire experience for the local audience.”

The Lusail and Al Sadd arenas cover a total combined surface of over 432,000sqm, including 65,000sqm of arena space. Both are equipped with state of the art audio-visual and cooling technologies, and together they can host over 23,000 spectators between regular, VIP, and VVIP areas. 

ELAN Group executed flagship events including Qatar Motor Show, Doha Jewelry & Watches Exhibition, and Cityscape Qatar which have become major successes and highly anticipated year-round by exhibitors and visitors alike due to their extraordinary execution. Live Nation has recently brought events enjoyed regionally by fans across all ages such as Russell Peters Almost Famous World Tour, Dubai Music Week featuring Jason Derulo, Ellie Goulding and Thirty Seconds to Mars, Dora the Explorer’s Pirate Adventure, BLAZE, and Madagascar! Live.