Ovesen’s Outstanding Contribution

AEG Live Middle East managing director Thomas Ovesen was honoured for his outstanding contribution to the region’s leisure industry, while his firm won awards for promoting the “best concert” and “best comedy event” of the last year.

The awards were dished out at the first staging of the Time Out Night Life Awards at the Dubai Palm Jumeirah’s Atlantis Ballroom March 17.

The citation said Ovesen’s career has seen him play a key role in revolutionising the region into an entertainment capital.

He began working in the Middle East in 2001 as general manager of Mirage Promotions, arriving in the Emirates as a music fan who found a lack of events to attend.

He’s credited with rectifying the situation by bringing in acts including Diana Ross, Pink, Aerosmith, Shakira, Destiny’s Child and Mariah Carey.

He jumped ship from Mirage just before it was sold to Live Nation, moving on to set up AEG’s regional office and bringing in more acts such as Kylie Minogue, Iron Maiden, Bon Jovi and The Backstreet Boys.

More recently, he promoted a sold-out Paolo Nutini show and is now selling tickets for Rod Stewart’s summer show at The Sevens Stadium, where he’ll be supported by Spandau Ballet.

AEG won Best Concert for its Iron Maiden Show and Best Comedy Event with Al Murray.