You may know Yas Island for the majestic Yas Mall, Yas Bay, Yas Waterworld, Ferrari World and Warner Bros. World. But do you know about Etihad Arena? Nestled in the picturesque waterfront of Yas Bay, Etihad Arena is a state-of-the-art indoor entertainment venue in Abu Dhabi. Since it first opened its doors in 2020, the Etihad Arena has hosted many memorable events and electrifying concerts. We’ve put together everything you need to know about the impressive venue that is Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi.
What is the Etihad Arena?
Spread across 35,000 sq. m., Etihad Arena Abu Dhabi is a multi-purpose venue located at Yas Bay, towards the southern end of Yas Island. It has a seating capacity of around 18,000 people and hosts various events — from corporate functions to sporting competitions and cultural performances.
This waterfront development features an environmentally friendly design and architecture. The structure of the venue looks like Bedouin-inspired woven baskets from the outside, with a gorgeous golden tint that contrasts beautifully with the region’s dazzling blue seas.
Real estate developer Miral secured exclusive naming rights for the arena in partnership with Etihad Airways. The agreement between the developer and the UAE’s national airline is why this spectacular venue is named Etihad Arena.
According to the CEO of Etihad Aviation Group, Tony Douglas, Etihad Arena Abu Dhabi complements the brand’s global presence and entertainment venues, including the Etihad Stadium in Manchester — home of the Manchester City Football Club.
Location and Contact
Here is a look at the location and contact details of Etihad Arena Yas island.
- Location: Etihad Arena, Yas Bay, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
- Contact: +971-2-496-8000 | +971-600-511-115
Clubs and Suites at Etihad Arena
Make the most of your visit to the arena with these upgraded packages!
Club seating
The club seating comes with comfortable theatre-style seats and exclusive access to the Club Lounge. Visitors can enjoy food or drinks at the terrace with the beautiful Yas Bay in view as they wait for the main event.
Etihad Arena Luxury Suites
For a private and personalised experience, visitors can book luxury suites. The luxury suites at the venue come with VIP parking passes, luxury finishings, an annual credit for food and drinks as well as access to a premium beverage selection. Each suite can cater to around 12 to 16 people.
Upcoming Events
The arena hosts many high-profile events throughout the year. Let’s look at the event calendar for the upcoming months.
AMR DIAB LIVE EID CONCERT
Egyptian singer and songwriter, Amr Diab will return to Abu Dhabi for his Eid concert. He is one of the most eminent pop stars in the Arab world — being a seven-time winner of the World Music Awards with five Platinum Record Awards and six African Music Awards to his name as well.
To know about the wheelchair accessible seating, contact the Concierge Team at +971-600-511-115.
- Dates: 3rd May 2022
- Timings: Doors open at 07:30 pm
- Tickets: Starting from AED 100 per person
LAYALI YAS – SHERINE ABDELWAHAB AND KADIM AL SAHIR
Another highlight of the Eid roster is a spellbinding performance by Kadim Al Sahir, one of Iraq’s most well-known vocalists, and Sherine Abdel Wahab, an Egyptian singer and actress. Kadim Al Sahir has a long list of hit songs under his belt, with over 100 million CDs sold. Ubart Al Shat, Ha Habibi, Zidini Ishqan and Eid Al Oshaq are among the hit numbers on the list. Sherina also received the title of Goodwill Ambassador in the year 2016.
- Dates: 4th May 2022
- Timings: Doors open at 07:00 pm
- Tickets: Starting from AED 250 per person
MAROON 5 – LIVE IN ABU DHABI
Brace yourself for the unmissable live show by one of the most popular American bands of the 21st century, Maroon 5!
The pop band will rock the stage at Abu Dhabi’s biggest entertainment venue with their masterpieces like “Girls Like You”, “Beautiful Mistakes”, “Sugar”, “Maps” and “Animals”. This will the first-ever Middle East tour of the multi-Grammy Award-winning band.
- Dates: 6th May 2022
- Timings: Doors open at 07:00 pm
- Tickets: Starting from AED 300 per person
THE INTERNATIONAL INDIAN FILM ACADEMY AWARDS 2022
After a two-year hiatus, IIFA is back for its 22nd season with a glamorous gala awards night. The event was originally scheduled for March but postponed due to changes in the global propagation of the COVID-19 virus.
The International Indian Film Academy, founded by Wizcraft International, honours the best Hindi films and movie stars of the year. Heartthrob Salman Khan as well as actor and comedian Riteish Deskhmuk will host the show, which will feature performances by some of India’s top talents.
- Dates: 20th and 21st May 2022
- Timings: Doors open at 06:00 pm
- Tickets: Starting from AED 440 per person
The Upper Tier A and B, as well as Lower Tier A and C seats, are already sold out.
PEPPA PIG’S ADVENTURE
It’s time to make some room for “Daddy’s Big Tummy”, as Peppa Pig with his entire clan is coming to Abu Dhabi!
For the first time in the UAE, the beloved show will be shown off-screen at Etihad Arena Yas Island for four days. The life-size puppets will take the children on an adventure into the woods, complete with games, laughter and lots of fun.
The British animated television series is about an adorable little pig, Peppa, who lives with Daddy Pig, Mummy Pig and her younger brother George. The show promotes problem-solving, creative play and learning among the little ones.
- Dates: 26th to 29th May 2022
- Timings: Doors open at
- 05:00 pm on 26th and 27th May
- 01:30 pm and 05:00 pm on 28th May
- 10:00 am and 01:30 pm on 29th May
- Tickets: Starting from AED 96 per person
Mohammed Abdo in the City of Music
Mohammed Abdo will perform at Etihad Arena in honour of International Music Day. The legendary singer is credited for preserving classical Arabic music styles. Mohammed Abdu began his music career at the beginning of the 1960s.
- Dates: 25th June 2022
- Timings: Doors open at 06:30 pm
- Tickets: Starting from AED 788 per person
UFC 281
Abu Dhabi Showdown Week is back with UFC 281! It is the third event of a five-year partnership between UFC and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. UFC is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organisation.
If you choose the Exclusive VIP option, you’ll get an interactive experience and a meet-and-greet with the characters. Register on the official website to receive up-to-date information and early-bird ticket discounts.
- Dates: 22nd October 2022
For Etihad Arena tickets and other queries or reservations, please call the Yas concierge at ++971-600-511-115. For VIP Suite packages, you can contact the organisers at +971-2-496-8000.
Facilities
Learn more about the different facilities at the arena that ensure all visitors have a comfortable experience.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Etihad Arena is designed to be fully accessible for all visitors. Facilities like disability seating, designated accessible parking spaces and wheelchair accessibility allow differently-abled guests to have a comfortable visit.
Parking
There is free and paid parking available near the arena. You can check your ticket to find the most convenient area for you to park.
Etihad Arena Safety Measures
The arena implements a range of security policies to ensure the safety of its visitors. Apart from the security measures, the venue prohibits visitors from entering if they carry any of the following items.
- Professional cameras
- Food and drink
- Glass
- Tools
- Fireworks and explosives
- Sharp instruments (knives, blades, swords, scissors)
- Stun guns
- Gas defence sprays
- Drugs, alcohol or narcotics
- Darts
- Animals or pets
- Banners displaying inflammatory slogans
- Bags larger than 30 x 30 x 15cm
FAQs
WHERE CAN I BUY TICKETS FOR THE ETIHAD ARENA EVENTS?
The tickets for upcoming events are available for purchase on the venue’s official website or their on-site Box Office. You can use Mastercard, Visa or American Express to purchase tickets for arena events. The Box Office also handles after-sales support and ticketing enquiries.
WHAT IS THE ETIHAD ARENA PET POLICY?
The venue does not allow pets or animals on its premises to ensure the comfort and safety of all visitors.
WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS ON ABU DHABI’S YAS ISLAND?
There are countless things to do on Yas Island. Shoppers can go to Yas Mall for some retail therapy. For adrenaline-pumping experiences, adventure-seekers can head to Yas Marina Circuit.
Other excellent attractions on this man-made island include Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World and Ferrari World.
That’s all for our review of Etihad Arena. Residents and visitors of the capital can also check out upcoming annual events and celebrations in Abu Dhabi. Are you looking for other indoor venues? Sports enthusiasts will love these indoor sporting venues in Abu Dhabi which give them access to various fun activities!
Note: The cover image is courtesy of the Official Facebook page of Etihad Arena.
