Upcoming events at the Etihad Arena
Since opening 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 this state-of-the-art entertainment hub and all the upcoming events taking place there.
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 venue’s structure looks like Bedouin-inspired woven baskets from the outside, with a gorgeous golden tint contrasting 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
Want to know 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 on the terrace with the beautiful Yas Bay in view while waiting 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 and 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.
BLUEY’S BIG PLAY
Emmy award-winning children’s animated series Bluey is coming to Abu Dhabi for a live theatre show. Bluey is a six-year-old dog who is super affectionate and loves to play. This show follows her adventures and will feature puppetry, live actors and sets that young fans will adore. Bluey’s Big Play is one of the most anticipated shows coming to Abu Dhabi.
- Dates: 30th August to 1st September, 2024
- Timings: Vary
- Tickets: Starting from AED 95
IIFA UTSAVAM
The International Indian Film Academy Awards, or the IIFA, celebrates the best of Indian cinema. IIFA Utsavam celebrates South Indian cinema with the fanfare and pomp it deserves, with recognition for the filmmakers, artists, actors, movies and more.
This event is celebrated over two days, the first for Tamil and Malayalam films and the second for Telugu and Kannada films. Join the party, see your favourite actors and actresses take over the stage and enjoy exhilarating performances.
- Dates: 6th and 7th September, 2024
- Timings: Doors open at 05:30 pm
- Tickets: Starting from AED 150
CHICAGO THE MUSICAL
CHICAGO is one of the most recognisable musicals, loved since it’s debut 27 years ago. The glamour, glitz and catchy jazz music make anyone who watches it return for more.
CHICAGO follows the story of two women in Chicago, a city shrouded in secrets with people chasing fame no matter what it takes. Let the jazz music and shimmy-shake dances captivate you with this brilliant musical.
- Dates: 12th to 22nd September 2024
- Timings: Doors open at 07:00 pm
- Tickets: Starting from AED 185
NBA ABU DHABI GAMES 2024
Basketball enthusiasts, this one’s for you. The NBA is returning to Abu Dhabi for an energetic basketball game. Renowned teams Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets will be battling it out on the court, delivering hoop after hoop in what’s expected to be a nail-biting game. Join the crowds and cheer for some of the most talented basketball players as they dribble and shoot!
- Dates: 4th and 6th October 2024
- Timings: Vary
- Tickets: Starting from AED 295
NBA FAN APPRECIATION DAY IN ABU DHABI
Here’s a cool opportunity to meet your idols in person with the NBA Fan Appreciation Day! This fan experience will feature appearances by the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets, musical performances featuring team mascots, a slam dunk contest and more. There are also prizes to be won!
- Dates: 5th October 2024
- Timings: Doors open at 03:30 pm
- Tickets: Starts from AED 25
DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS LET’S CELEBRATE!
Watch your favourite Disney characters come to life with Disney on Ice — featuring popular characters like Mirabel, Mickey and Friends, Moana, Elsa, Buzz Lightyear and many more. This show will offer a snow-themed experience guaranteed to bring joy to everyone with beautiful m music, dances and performances.
- Dates: 16th to 20th October 2024
- Timings: Vary
- Tickets: From AED 75
BACKSTREET BOYS DNA WORLD TOUR 2024
Get ready to sing along to classics like ‘I Want It That Way’ with Backstreet Boys live in Abu Dhabi! This global pop sensation has so many hits, they evoke nostalgia and the feels for all millennials who grew up to their music. As they say, ‘Backstreet’s back, alright!’.
- Dates: 23rd October 2024
- Timings: Vary
- Tickets: TBA
TAKE THAT THIS LIFE ON TOUR 2024 MIDDLE EAST (at Etihad Park)
Take That, a popular British band, is coming to Abu Dhabi as part of their Middle East tour. Since their formation in 1990, they have produced hit after hit and topped the UK album charts with hits like Greatest Day and How Deep Is Your Love. Sing along and party as these performers will surely bring their all.
- Dates: 25th October 2024
- Timings: Doors open at 06:00 pm
- Tickets: From AED 299
UFC ® 308
As part of a historic five-year agreement between UFC and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, UFC 208 will take place on Saturday, 26th October, at Etihad Arena.
DCT Abu Dhabi and UFC announced that the Abu Dhabi Showdown Week would be held in October 2024. It will feature a jam-packed calendar of activities and activations that will take place throughout the city, with UFC 308 serving as the main event and showcasing a highly anticipated world title fight.
- Dates: 26th October 2024
- Timings: Doors open at 05:30 pm
- Tickets: Starting from AED 800
MATT RIFE: ProbleMATTic WORLD TOUR
American stand-up comedian Matt Rife is coming to Abu Dhabi as part of his world tour. He is one of the funniest people on the internet for his humourous takes on popular culture and topics like astrology, dating and ‘cancel culture’. If you’re the sensitive type who gets triggered easily, this show is definitely not for you!
- Dates: 27th October 2024
- Timings: Doors open at 06:00 pm
- Tickets: Starting from AED 295
AR RAHMAN LIVE IN CONCERT
Indian music legend AR Rahman is coming to Abu Dhabi for a performance that will leave you enchanted. Known for being the voice of various hits in multiple Indian languages, AR Rahman has a strong fanbase across the world. This concert will feature ballads, pop songs and all the energy the legendary musician is known for.
- Dates: 2nd November 2024
- Timings: Doors open at 06:30
- Tickets: Starting from AED 100
HOT WHEELS MONSTER TRUCKS LIVE: GLOW PARTY
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party will bring their spectacular performance to the UAE for the first time. This show will feature iconic Hot Wheels Monster Trucks in a glow-in-the-dark setting, so the audience will sit in pitch darkness! If you opt for a VIP show, you will get your tickets and a VIP merchandise bundle.
- Dates: 8th to 10th November 2024
- Timings: Vary
- Tickets: From AED 160
LIFE OF PI
Based on the book of the same name, Life of Pi is a story of adventure and hope. The theatrical adaptation of this show offers the same level of excitement and is a stunning experience to witness. Featuring the use of puppets and stagecraft, Life of Pi takes you on the journey the protagonist goes through with his animal companions, including a tiger!
- Dates: 15th – 17th November 2024
- Timings: Vary
- Tickets: Starting from AED 200
LANG LANG PLAYS DISNEY
Lang Lang is an internationally acclaimed pianist known for his contributions to various iconic Disney soundtracks. He will be coming to Abu Dhabi to play the most famous of these soundtracks for you, including ‘Let It Go’, ‘Someday My Prince Will Come’ and ‘A Whole New World’, among others. His piano performances are like watching a magical performance, as his talent is beyond imagination!
- Dates: 22nd November 2024
- Timings: Doors open at 07:00 pm
- Tickets: Starting from AED 195
WORLD SUPERCROSS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX 2024
The FIM World Supercross Championship (WSX) is coming to Aby Dhabi for an evening of adrenaline-fueled racing and energy. Taking place four days before the 2024 Formula One Grand Prix Abu Dhabi (at Yas Marina Circuit), this event offers thrills for all motor fans. Moreover, you can access Super Thursday of the Formula 1® Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit and the Yasalam After-Race Concert on December 5th.
- Dates: 4th December 2024
- Timings: Starts from 05:00 pm
- Tickets: Starting from AED 95
WORLD TENNIS LEAGUE
Coming in hot with another sports event at the Etihad Arena! The World Tennis League will feature 16 of the world’s best tennis players coming together in four teams for a series of games that promise to have you on the edge!
- Dates: 19th to 22nd December 2024
- Timings: Vary
- Tickets: Starting from AED 50
BRYAN ADAMS LIVE!
Grammy award-winning rock musician Bryan Adams is coming to Abu Dhabi for an evening of rock ‘n’ roll hits! This concert is a part of Season 3 of the World Tennis League, where he’ll play one addictive song after the other, including the much-loved ‘Summer of ’69’!
- Dates: 19th December 2024
- Timings: Doors open at 09:15 pm
- Tickets: Starting from AED 199
LUDOVICO EINAUDI
Italian pianist and composer Ludovico Einaudi will come to Abu Dhabi for the first time for a beautiful night of melodies and symphonies. His soft musical pieces and mellow tunes will transport you to another time and place, perhaps evoking emotions of love and longing.
- Dates: 19th January 2025
- Timings: Doors open at 06:00 pm
- Tickets: Starting from AED 250
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 Abu Dhabi is designed to be fully accessible to 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 Yas Island. 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, giving them access to various fun activities!
Note: The cover image is courtesy of the Official Facebook page of Etihad Arena.
