From film sets and drama productions to fight nights, Space42 Arena has swiftly established itself as one of Abu Dhabi’s most dynamic creative hubs. Mohamad Yehya, CEO of LEAD Projects Management and General Manager of the Space42 Arena complex, tells BroadcastPro ME why the UAE needs another world-class venue.
Over the past decade, the UAE has attracted several big film productions to its shores. Dedicated film commissions have been set up in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, offering lucrative rebates and simplified permits and approval processes. Alongside scenic natural landscapes comprising deserts, mountains and seas, the country offers filmmakers a slew of production houses equipped with the latest technology in cinematography.
As the demand for world-class production and event spaces rises, Abu Dhabi’s Space42 Arena is the latest addition to the UAE’s burgeoning media and events landscape. The arena officially opened last year, with satellite communications company Space42 acquiring its naming rights.
Conceived to bridge a gap in the industry, Space42 Arena was conceptualised and developed by LEAD Projects Management. CEO Mohamad Yehya emphasises its unique positioning.
“LEAD has been deeply involved in entertainment, media production and consultancy, concept design, event management and entertainment across the UAE for the past two decades. Over time, we recognised a consistent gap in the market for mid-sized venues – many events were either too small for large stadiums or too big for hotel ballrooms. Additionally, the demand for high-end production spaces in Abu Dhabi was increasing, especially with the city’s growing film and media industry. Space42 Arena was our answer to these challenges, a venue that caters to live entertainment, corporate events and professional productions in one integrated space.”
LEAD Projects Management was responsible for the architectural concept and aesthetics of Space42 Arena. With its sleek, hull-like design, it perfectly complements its waterfront setting beside Al Raha Beach. A visually striking steel- and glass-clad exterior gives way to an inviting and elegant reception inspired by the hues of the desert. Contemporary light fixtures highlight the lobby’s dark wood accents.
“We collaborated with top professionals to create an arena that is not only a functional marvel but also adds significant beauty to the Abu Dhabi landscape, particularly enhancing the Al Raha Beach area,” Yehya explains. “We suggested the project, designed the architectural concept and managed the construction process. Our involvement ensured that the arena meets the highest standards of both design and functionality.”
LEAD Projects Management roped in specialists from several industries to create a truly versatile space. “We joined forces with leading AV integrators, acoustic engineers, lighting designers and event infrastructure specialists to build a venue that is technically advanced yet flexible. We worked closely with contractors specialising in studio design, soundproofing, rigging and modular seating layouts to create a space that meets the diverse needs of concerts, TV and film productions, conferences and theatrical performances.”
Yehya’s own expertise has been a significant influence on the design aesthetic and functionality. As the founder of IP Studios and backed by over two decades of experience in project management, live sports production and consultancy in the media and entertainment space, he understood the need for a production house and live entertainment venue.
“We saw that there was a clear demand for a mid-sized dedicated space that could accommodate audiences of 500 to 3,500 people, so our goal was to create a versatile stand-alone venue that seamlessly integrates live events, TV productions, film shoots, corporate gatherings, concerts and theatrical performances. By offering a venue that supports both entertainment and media production, we provide a valuable resource to the growing creative and commercial industries in the region.”
Flexibility is at the core of Space42 Arena’s design. The 2,500 sqm main studio doubles as a multi-purpose hall, making it perfect for both production and event purposes. Thanks to a sleek modular design, the space can further be segregated into smaller soundproofed halls complete with state-of-the-art AV, lighting, recording and presentation capabilities. Other features include ceiling clearance of 15.22m and platforms that support nearly 750kg per rigging point. These make the hall ideal for LED installations, chroma keys and other filming or TV production set-ups. There’s also a well-equipped 600 sqm backstage area and several smaller units that can be tailored for specific needs, such as podcast studios, MCR rooms, editing suites or content creation spaces.
The arena also offers cutting-edge virtual and hybrid production capabilities, with complete control over lighting and sound environments. “You can start your production with a white canvas and our in-house design team will assist you in designing and implementing any concepts that fit your needs. We offer dedicated production spaces that cater to TV series, film and drama shoots, commercial and corporate video productions, music videos and live performance recordings. We also offer partnerships for equipment rental, including high-end cameras, lighting, control rooms and post-production suites.”
The arena offers several other benefits. “Customers can choose from various flexible leasing options. We are just 25 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and under an hour from Dubai. Over a thousand vehicles can be accommodated across the indoor and outdoor parking areas. All of these factors have been successful in positioning Space42 Arena as a preferred venue for event organisers and production houses alike.”
Establishing such a facility came with its own set of challenges. “Our biggest challenge was ensuring that the venue met international standards while remaining adaptable to different types of events. Construction, acoustics and regulatory approvals also required significant coordination,” Yehya notes.
That effort has paid off. Since opening, Space42 Arena has welcomed numerous TV networks, media production teams and event promoters. It has hosted high-profile events such as the Compass Esports MENA Tournament 2024, shortlisted for Event of the Year at the HLTV Awards; the UAE Muaythai (UAM) Championship 2025; UAE Warriors Fight Nights; and K-1 Pro Night. The UAM Championship alone brought together a record 824 fighters from 61 clubs, with the final day featuring 173 bouts across four rings, a powerful demonstration of the arena’s organisational capacity and spatial efficiency. The arena also made history by hosting the Middle East’s first-ever Power Slap competition, featuring two of the sport’s most prominent athletes: Da Crazy Hawaiian and Dumpling.
At the heart of this success is Yehya’s deep-rooted passion for sports media. His pioneering work in launching the Media and Sports Production sector at UAM in 2018 has helped establish Space42 Arena as a central hub for sports productions, particularly in esports and fight nights.
The arena isn’t just limited to sports events. It’s also designed to host a wide range of corporate events, musical concerts, EDM and DJ shows, product launches and other productions. Over the past few months, it has been regularly transformed into a unique destination by big names from various industries. Additionally, with a focus on live broadcasts, the arena has also been used as a studio set for special productions by regional TV channels. Here, Yehya’s experience in the creation and management of regional media platforms, including the launch of Majid Kids Channel in 2015, has stood him in good stead.
Looking ahead, Yehya has ambitious plans for the venue: “We are exploring a potential partnership with the Abu Dhabi Film Commission, along with plans to host new sports championships and even boutique theatrical plays. Soon the arena will expand to include a yoga and ballet studio, sports bar, a smaller event hall for private celebrations, dedicated F&B spaces, and office and retail complexes that overlook the picturesque Al Raha Beach.”
This vision is backed by an overwhelmingly positive response. Having already hosted multiple events and productions, the arena is witnessing strong demand from corporate clients, artists and production houses. With its growing portfolio, Space42 Arena is well on its way to becoming a premier destination for entertainment and media in the UAE.