Dubais Palm Jumeirah Opens First-ever Sports And Entertainment Venue, Offers Best Of Both Worlds

Scheduled to operate from June 14 until July 14, the new sports and entertainment venue aims to create “an unbeatable atmosphere” for fans to watch major sports events over the summer, Marriott Hotels said in a statement.

“We observed a significant transformation in the sports viewing landscape for major tournaments in Dubai over the past five to six years. Previously, medium-sized fan zones accommodating 300-400 people have evolved into massive gatherings, sometimes reaching up to 5,000 attendees. While these large fan zones excel in atmosphere and entertainment, they often fall short in personalisation and attentive service. Long lines at bars, drinks in plastic cups, food from trucks, and bench seating are common issues,” Taylor Daniel, Director of Food & Beverage at Marriott Hotels, Dubai told Arabian Business in an exclusive interview.

Daniel further explained that typical sports bars only increase the number of screens without improving the overall experience, while they [Marriott Hotels] recognised a “niche in the market.”

“We envisioned a tailored sports viewing space with a capacity of 250-300. Our aim is to provide not only comfort, great food, and excellent service but also to infuse the same vibrant entertainment and lively atmosphere found in large fan zones. This approach ensures that consumers enjoy the best of both worlds – intimate and personalised service within an electrifying and engaging environment,” he added.

Palm Arena launches at Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah for summer of sports

Located on Palm West Beach, the arena will screen live football, golf, motor racing, cricket and more on large screens.

When asked why this location in particular was chosen for the venue, Marriott Hotels’ Daniel said that there has been “a fantastic impact Palm West Beach has had on the F&B landscape of Dubai and feel this is a fantastic addition to the area. We are proud to be on the Palm and providing for Palm residents, but it is also a fantastic location for those in Marina, JVC, Springs and all surrounding communities.”

Daniel also added that the hospitality giant is not targeting any particular demographics, rather that the venue’s sport, visibility and pricing is positioned to be of “great value to all.”

DJ Dane Bowers and Alex Simmons will provide commentary and music during ad breaks. A variety of live performances are also planned throughout the afternoons and evenings.

Families are welcome from 4 PM to 7 PM before the venue transitions to an adult environment.

Seating includes Platinum, Gold and Silver categories as well as private booths. Drinks can be purchased at the fully licensed bar.

Minimum spends apply for major matches but there is no minimum at the bar or standing areas.

The Palm Arena aims to provide sports fans with an “unforgettable experience” over the summer of international sports. It is sponsored by Clemson Porter Properties.

“We will be showing all group games live across 20 screens with our resident DJ’s hosting and keeping us entertained throughout. But we are not here just for football. We will also be showing the summer rugby internationals every Saturday morning, F1, Golf, Royal Ascot and of course Wimbledon. We are really our your home of summer sport,” Daniel concluded.