Etihad Arena

Etihad Arena anchors a new waterfront entertainment district on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, providing a year-round destination for culture, sports and community events. The design responds to the region’s climate and need for flexible venues that serve residents and visitors.

Design Solutions

The arena’s flexible configuration accommodates a wide range of events, from intimate gatherings of 500 guests to concerts and sporting events for 18,000 people. Robust technology infrastructure and modular seating allow operators to transform the venue quickly to suit different audiences. Premium amenities, from hospitality boxes and terrace bars to a VIP lounge that converts into a grand ballroom, extend the arena’s versatility.

Addressing Abu Dhabi’s extreme heat, the design incorporates sustainable strategies that balance performance and comfort. The building’s form and high-performance facade minimize solar heat gain through optimized geometry, adjustable sun-shade louvers and thermal buffer zones that moderate transitional spaces.

The arena’s exterior acts as both shield and beacon. By day, the facade’s shading system protects the interior from harsh sunlight. At night, it becomes a luminous feature, reflecting light across Yas Bay and activating the waterfront boardwalk. Food and beverage amenities surrounding the arena extend activity beyond event hours, fostering a vibrant public realm.

Impact

Etihad Arena strengthens Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a global destination for culture and live entertainment. The venue’s year-round programming supports tourism and local economic growth while offering residents access to international events close to home. The project has been recognized for both its design and sustainability achievements, including the Emirates Green Building Council’s Sustainable Building of the Year and The Chicago Athenaeum International Architecture Award.