Thomas Ovesen, newly appointed VP, programming, for the soon-to-open Dubai Arena.
Danish-born Thomas Ovesen, a major player in the development of the live touring industry in the Middle East for the last 17 years, has been named the first member of the leadership team at the 17,000-seat Dubai Arena for AEG Ogden, on behalf of Meraas, a Dubai-based holding company. Oversen will take on the role of VP, programming.
Oversen previously oversaw the launch of Autism Rocks Arena, Dubai, and was the CEO of 117 Live, a Dubai-based conglomerate with a large entertainment portfolio. Venues Today spoke with Oversen about his new position, his goals, and why he’s a great fit for the new arena.
When did talks start with AEG Ogden?
Since setting up the AEG Live (Now AEG Presents) Middle East operation years ago, I have remained in touch on regular basis with the company and had collaborations with both the “live” and “facilities” teams concerning the Middle East and elsewhere.
When will you start?
The Dubai Arena project is due to open spring 2019, so we are in the early phases of the project with the venue still under construction. I will join the organization in January 2018. I’m joining a small team of executives headed up by CEO Guy Ngata. I very much look forward to the collaboration with Guy and to learn the ropes from him of running an arena — and sparring with him on programming issues in particular for the first couple of seasons.
How is running a venue in the Middle East different from Australia or the U.K. or the U.S.?
I‘ve been based in the Middle East since 1998; first in Bahrain and now in Dubai. The Dubai Arena will be the first fully-fledged indoor arena in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and one of a few in the region. While I have promoted and produced shows here for the past 17-plus years, and have recently been working on the new open-air venue, Autism Rocks Arena, I have never before been involved with conventional arena management — that is why Guy Ngata is here as he has experience with both opening and running such facilities.
Any challenges with the culture difference?
While we have some local and cultural sensitivities, these are nothing major and certainly no “showstoppers” — nothing more than what general courtesy and respect will mitigate.
What are prices and per caps like in Middle East?
With the arena opening in 2019, and the planned event volume, we expect the arena will become a regional live entertainment hub and catalyst for the new lay of the land when it comes to ticket pricing and attendance numbers, as the sheer volume of events put on will force us to review current ticket pricing models to ensure full houses and max number of annual admissions sold per household. The projected inbound UAE tourism will also be vital for us achieving our goals and targets.
Why do you think you are a good fit for the company and venue?
I have the local knowledge and have previous experience with working for AEG, as well as my recent promoter and venue operator experience, which will be valuable for Guy and the arena team.
What goals do you have for the new position?
Nothing short of establishing the arena as the regional live entertainment hub and seeing more local residents attending more shows annually than they do now and, of-course, having some awesome experiences in what will be a state-of-the-art arena.