Work on 18,000 seat venue to complete late next year

Yas arena

Bam International has won the contract to build a new 18,000-seater arena in Abu Dhabi.

Work on the Yas Arena started just before Christmas with the contractor expecting to complete it by November next year.

The venue on the man-made Yas Island has been designed by HOK with support from Pascall & Watson.

HOK, which is carrying out work to revamp the Old Bailey and is behind a 67-storey tower in Canary Wharf called the London Spire, also designed the adjacent arena, retail and dining area.

Abu Dhabi firm Flash Entertainment will host gigs and sports events at the arena.

Bam International has delivered a number of projects on Yas Island, including the Crowne Plaza and Staybridge suites hotels, as well as the Welcome Pavillion 鈥 a luxury shopping and leisure area.