Market Report: Kuwait
The arrival of Tamdeen Group’s The Arena Kuwait (5,800 capacity) in the 360 Mall two years ago, saw the number of events in the emirate increase significantly, and the venue is actively developing business in the region.
Although Kuwait has a comparatively small population, people frequently travel from neighbouring countries to see their favourite shows, which have recently included Cirque du Soleil’s Crystal, and Arabic stars Ayed, Bader Al-Shuaibi, Daffy, Rahaf, and Hamad Al-Amari.
Primary ticketing
With no international ticketing firms such as Ticketmaster or regional specialist Platinumlist in Kuwait, the dominant company is Eventat. As well as operating as a primary ticket seller, the company provides its services to event organisers through its web platform and mobile app. It offers options including seat selection, e-ticket generation, safe online payment, and e-admission solutions.
In addition, The Arena Kuwait uses a white-label system to service its shows, with customisations designed specifically for its unique set-up.
Distribution of sales
Around 98% of ticket sales are online and provided as digital tickets.
Secondary ticketing
While there is no official secondary market or platform offering resale, a black market exists for hot events. However, promoter terms and conditions forbid resale, making this something of a grey area.
International/domestic splits & genres
The vast majority of shows are Arabic artists of many different genres.
Cultural analysis
Kuwait is going through a period of accelerated growth in entertainment at the moment, with The Arena Kuwait at the forefront. It has ambitious plans to expand its portfolio of events to include more Western and Asian artists and sport.
Taxes & fees
There is no tax on tickets in Kuwait, and fees usually range between 4 and 6%.
Country Profile: Kuwait
As an affluent nation, Kuwait certainly has the financial means and the infrastructure – Tamdeen Group’s 1,200 to 5,800-cap Arena Kuwait opened in the capital’s 360 Mall two years ago – to provide a lucrative stop for international tours. Yet the political situation remains somewhat unpredictable.
That being said, family entertainment does well. UAE- based All Things Live was involved in last year’s Disney Princess concert and booked Shrek the Musical into a theatre. CEO Thomas Ovesen says he’s looking forward to helping organise more shows here: “We just need to understand when and what we can do.”
Much easier to promote are local acts and Arabic music in general. “Our calendar is dominated by Arabic content,” Ken Jamieson, general manager of The Arena Kuwait told IQ recently. “With the rise and appeal of new Arabic talent growing every day, we are looking forward to welcoming a steady stream of new Arabic artists from the whole of the Middle East region on a regular basis.”
“Our calendar is dominated by Arabic content”
And Jamieson is optimistic about the prospects for international artists. “We have received an increased volume of enquiries for artists on regional tours, as Kuwait is now firmly on the touring map in the Gulf region. We expect to schedule a number of Western artists in 2024 and beyond.”
Alongside The Arena Kuwait and All Things Live, other active promoters include Live Nation Middle East, MAC Global, EventCom, Pacha Group Kuwait (who are putting on Amr Diab later this autumn) and Free Jabriya Productions.
Arena Market: Kuwait
The opening of Tamdeen Group’s 5,800-capacity The Arena Kuwait in the capital’s 360 Mall two years ago has proved a boon for entertainment in the small but affluent nation.
The multipurpose venue is capable of hosting a broad range of events from music to conferences, and its calendar reflects its flexibility. As well as Cirque du Soleil’s Crystal, artists performing at the arena in 2024 include Ayed, Bader Al-Shuaibi, Daffy, Rahaf, and Hamad Al-Amari.
“Kuwait is going through a period of accelerated growth and demand in terms of live events and family entertainment, as well as other areas from the events industry,” says GM Ken Jamieson. “The Arena Kuwait has a very strong calendar of Middle East-based artists, and we are able to attract a very high proportion of our audiences from neighbouring countries. In addition, the arena is set in the country’s leading lifestyle, entertainment, shopping, and leisure destination, making it the ideal destination for a short break.
“Currently, we have a high demand for all forms of Arabic music and entertainment and well-known high-profile Western entertainment. To address a growing demand for other types of entertainment, we will very soon be expanding our portfolio to include Western and Asian music and sports.”
Capable of being configured for as few as 1,200 people, The Arena Kuwait has a 20m floor-to-ceiling clearance, as well as a 300-ton rigging grid.