UAE-based Miral has achieved a major construction milestone at its Yas Bay Arena development with the installation of the longest roof truss.

A first-of-its-kind multi-purpose indoor facility being built in Abu Dhabi, Yas Bay Arena has a 18,000-seat capacity and is designed to accommodate large-scale and private events such as sporting competitions, corporate and Mice (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) events, cultural performances, concerts, and other activities.

Miral chairman Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak and CEO Engineer Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi marked the occasion by leaving their signatures on the roof truss of the arena before it was lifted into place.

The arena is an integral part of Yas Bay’s waterfront destination, which boasts a 14-million-sq-ft mixed-use area that is also under development on the southern end of Yas Island.

“The completion of Yas Bay Arena is a significant milestone for Yas Island. It is a testament of our commitment to creating world-class attractions within the live entertainment industry. It complements Yas Bay’s appeal as an emerging waterfront leisure and entertainment district and our overall ambition of making Yas Island a top global destination that entertains, thrills and excites visitors,” remarks Al Mubarak.

The autographed roof truss is one of a number of sustainable design features contributing to the arena’s green credentials. It supports a self-shading illuminated façade that will provide the venue with adequate daylight, while insulating heat and reducing overall energy consumption.

The development will also integrate various other energy and water-efficient building systems and architectural treatments, to enable the arena to save 22.4 per cent energy and 28 per cent water, annually.

Miral’s pioneering advances in the sustainable development of Yas Bay Arena have already seen the venue secure the ‘Sustainable Building Design of the Year’ award at the prestigious Mena Green Building Awards in July 2018.

 The development of Yas Bay is a significant step in transforming the southern end of Yas Island and further strengthening the island’s appeal as a leading tourism destination, says Miral. Alongside Yas Bay Arena, the iconic and vibrant waterfront project will comprise a promenade and pier with 37 cafés and restaurants, 19 retail outlets, a beach club, and two hotels, it adds.