Live Nation launches JV with Qatari group
Live Nation has announced the launch of Elan Live Nation, a joint venture with Qatari state-owned live events, cinema and advertising company Elan Group.
The new partnership will operate two arenas – the 15,300-capacity Lusail Multipurpose Arena and 7,700-capacity Ali Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah Multipurpose Arena in Doha, both of which were built for the 2015 Men’s Handball Championships – following the awarding of a contract by Qatar’s Ministry of Culture and Sport.
Both arenas will now , says Live Nation, host “an array of family entertainment, sports, music and other live events, bringing new entertainment experiences to the population of Qatar”.
“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”
James Craven, managing director of Live Nation Middle East, comments: “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.
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.”
Recent Live Nation-promoted events in the region include comedian Russell Peters’ Almost Famous tour, Dubai Music Week with Jason Derulo, Ellie Goulding and Thirty Seconds to Mars and Madagascar! Live, all in Dubai.
Get more stories like this in your inbox by signing up for IQ Index, IQ’s free email digest of essential live music industry news.