Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi: Facilities, Events, How to Book, and More
Etihad Arena is a major indoor venue for sports, concerts, and live events in Abu Dhabi. Located on Yas Island, it plays a key role in the UAE’s growing entertainment industry. The arena can accommodate up to 18,000 people and hosts a diverse range of events, from international music acts to major sporting events. Its position on Yas Island also places it near several major theme parks in Yas Island, including Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld. Etihad Arena plays an important role in the area’s entertainment offering.
This blog will guide you through everything you need to know about visiting Etihad Arena. It covers the venue’s seating and facilities, a list of upcoming events, how to book tickets, and theater etiquettes and visitor rules.
With the Etihad Rail project in 2026 set to improve travel across the country, reaching Yas Island and Etihad Arena is expected to become even easier in the near future.
Venue Overview: What is Etihad Arena?
Etihad Arena was officially opened in 2020 and has a total seating capacity of up to 18,000 people. The size and design allow for different types of seating arrangements, depending on the event.
Etihad Arena was developed by Miral, a government-backed development company focused on tourism projects in Abu Dhabi. The name “Etihad Arena” comes from a partnership between Miral and Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates.
The building’s exterior is designed to reflect traditional Emirati culture. The structure is inspired by woven baskets, commonly used in the region’s history. The outside of the arena has a golden colour and stands out along the Yas Bay waterfront.
Seating Options and VIP Experiences
Etihad Arena offers a range of seating choices designed to suit different event types and visitor preferences. Seating is arranged to provide clear views of the stage or event area, with each section offering different features and services.
General Seating
General seating is the standard option available for most public events, including concerts, sports matches, and theatre performances. These seats are arranged in tiers to provide a direct line of sight to the main stage or arena floor. General seating is located across multiple levels and varies in distance from the stage, depending on ticket category. All seats are fixed and numbered to ensure that each guest has a clearly assigned place.
Club Seating
Club seating includes access to a separate area known as the Club Lounge. This lounge offers food and beverage services and has a terrace that overlooks Yas Bay. Club seats are located in a section that combines improved comfort with shorter walking distances to lounge facilities. Visitors with club seating can enter through a dedicated entrance and may also benefit from faster entry and exit before and after events.
Luxury Suites
Luxury suites provide a private and enclosed space for small groups, usually between 12 and 16 people. These suites are designed for corporate guests or private groups who want a more exclusive experience. Each suite includes VIP parking passes, dedicated entry, and access to premium food and beverage options. The suites are furnished with soft seating and offer clear views of the event area. Guests can also access the shared VIP lounge areas connected to the suite level.
Image Source by Etihad Arena
Facilities Inside the Arena
Etihad Arena is built to offer a practical and accessible experience for all visitors. The venue includes a range of facilities that support comfort, convenience, and ease of movement before, during, and after events.
Wheelchair Accessibility and Disability Services
The Etihad arena in Abu Dhabi is designed to be fully accessible for people with disabilities or reduced mobility. There are designated wheelchair seating areas throughout the venue. These locations provide clear views of the stage and easy access to nearby entrances and exits. Accessible toilets are available on all levels.
Designated parking spaces are provided for guests with disability permits, located close to the main entrance. Lifts and ramps are placed at key points to assist movement between floors.
Food and Beverage Counters
Food and drink counters are located throughout the arena, near seating areas and public walkways. The menu may vary depending on the event, but usually includes snacks, soft drinks, water, and ready-to-eat meals. Visitors are not allowed to bring outside food or drink into the venue.
Restrooms and Baby Changing Areas
Public restrooms are located on each level of the arena. Signs throughout the venue clearly show the way to the nearest toilets. Some restrooms include baby changing facilities, which are available for families with infants and young children.
Merchandise Stores and Kiosks
Depending on the event, merchandise such as clothing, accessories, and themed items may be available at kiosks or pop-up stores inside the arena. These are usually placed near the main entrances or in common areas where visitors gather before and after events.
Free and Paid Parking Zones
Etihad Arena offers both free and paid parking options. The availability of free or paid parking depends on the ticket type and the event. Parking locations are usually printed on the event ticket, and signs at the venue help direct visitors to the correct parking area. VIP guests and suite holders receive parking passes for reserved parking zones located closer to the venue entrance.
Upcoming Events at Etihad Arena (2025–2026)
Etihad Arena hosts a wide range of events throughout the year, including music concerts, live shows, sports, and theatre. Below is a list of confirmed events scheduled between September 2025 and January 2026:
Harry Potter™ Film Concert Series – 6–7 September 2025
Spartan City Obstacle Race – 20 September 2025
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live™: Glow-N-Fire – 27–28 September 2025
NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025 – 2 & 4 October 2025
Sebastian Maniscalco Comedy Show – 8 October 2025
Smashing Pumpkins – Rock Invasion 2025 – 9 October 2025
Abdul Majeed Abdallah Concert – 11 October 2025
André Rieu & Johann Strauss Orchestra – 18 October 2025
Scorpions – 60 Years Tour – 21 October 2025
UFC 321: Aspinall vs Gane – 25 October 2025
Enrique Iglesias Live in Concert – 1 November 2025
Symphony of Stars: Atif Aslam & Sami Yusuf – 7 November 2025
Beetlejuice: The Musical – 20–30 November 2025
Rod Stewart Live in Concert – 17 December 2025
Arijit Singh Live – 19 December 2025
Linkin Park: From Zero World Tour – 20 January 2026
Visitors are advised to check the Etihad Arena official website for ticket availability and any event changes.
How to Book Tickets
Tickets for events at Etihad Arena can be booked through the official website or directly at the on-site Box Office. Visitors are advised to purchase tickets in advance to secure their preferred seating and avoid last-minute issues.
1. Online Booking
Visit the official website: www.etihadarena.ae
Click on the “Events” section to view the list of upcoming events.
Select the event you want to attend.
Choose your preferred seating section (general, club, or suite).
Complete the payment process using an accepted method.
2. Box Office
The Box Office is located at the venue and handles ticket sales and enquiries.
It supports group bookings and offers assistance with seat selection.
Opening hours may vary depending on the event schedule. It is recommended to check in advance.
3. Payment Methods
The following cards are accepted:
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
4. Pre-sale Access
Visitors can sign up for the Etihad Arena newsletter on the website.
Newsletter subscribers get early access to ticket sales before they are available to the public.
Pre-sale access may include special offers and event updates.
Image Source by Etihad Arena
Theatre Etiquette and Visitor Rules
Etihad Arena follows a set of rules to ensure all guests have a safe and enjoyable experience. Visitors attending concerts, theatre shows, or live performances are expected to follow the guidelines listed below.
Arrive at least 30 minutes early
Arriving early allows enough time for ticket checks, finding your seat, and settling in before the performance begins.
Late arrivals seated during breaks only
If you arrive after the show has started, you will be asked to wait outside the main hall. You will only be allowed to enter during a suitable break in the performance, such as a scene change or applause.
Silence mobile phones during the show
Phones and electronic devices must be switched off or set to silent mode. Loud ringtones or screen lights can disturb other guests and performers.
No photography or video during performances
Taking photos or recording videos is not allowed. This is to protect the rights of performers and ensure the audience is not distracted.
Use restrooms before the show or during intermission
Visitors are asked to avoid leaving their seats during the performance. Restroom breaks should be taken before the show starts or during the scheduled intermission.
Respect others’ personal space and assigned seats
Sit only in the seat shown on your ticket. Do not block aisles or lean into the space of other guests. Keep personal items stored safely and avoid placing bags in shared spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I bring my pet to Etihad Arena?
No, pets are not allowed inside Etihad Arena. This rule is in place to ensure the safety and comfort of all guests. Service animals that assist individuals with disabilities may be permitted, but it's best to check with the venue directly before your visit.
2. What kind of items are not allowed inside the arena?
Etihad Arena has a clear list of prohibited items to maintain a secure environment. Items you should not bring include:
Outside food and drinks
Glass bottles or containers
Sharp tools or objects
Weapons of any kind
Professional cameras and recording equipment
Laser pointers
Large bags over 30 x 30 x 15 cm
Fireworks or explosives
Alcohol, drugs, or illegal substances
Bag checks are done at the entrance. If any restricted item is found, it may be taken by security staff.
3. Is public transport available to get to Etihad Arena?
Yes, but it’s limited. There’s no direct metro line to Yas Island, but you can use a combination of public and private transport:
From Abu Dhabi city: public buses or taxis are available.
From Dubai: take an intercity bus to Abu Dhabi, then transfer to a taxi or local bus.
Ride-hailing services like Careem and Uber are widely used and are often the most convenient option, especially after events.
4. Are there hotels close to the arena?
Yes, several hotels are within a short distance from Etihad Arena. Some of the most popular nearby options include:
Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island – right next to the arena
The WB™ Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton
W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
Radisson Blu Hotel, Yas Island
These hotels offer easy access to the venue and are well-suited for both short stays and weekend visits.
5. Can I buy tickets at the venue?
Yes, you can buy tickets at the Etihad Arena Box Office. It’s located at the venue and handles general sales as well as group bookings. However, it’s strongly recommended to book in advance through the official website to avoid sold-out events and to choose your seat more easily.