Etihad Arena, Indoor arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Etihad Arena is a large indoor venue on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It has a golden-brown facade with a faceted pattern, a sloping roofline, and a lower level facing a sandy beach with palm trees and umbrellas, all beside the water.
The arena was designed by HOK and opened in 2021 after delays from the COVID-19 pandemic. Its first event was a UFC fight, and since then it has hosted many sports and music events, including NBA games and concerts.
The name Etihad comes from the national airline that bought the naming rights, and locals often call it by that name. On event nights, the area outside fills with people waiting to enter, and the waterfront becomes a meeting point for friends before and after shows.
The arena sits along the Yas Bay waterfront, with the main entrance facing the water and the beach nearby. Visitors can walk around the building to find food and drink spots, and the area is easy to reach by taxi or car, with parking available.
The facade is covered with solar panels that help power the building and also light up at night. For the 2021 World Swimming Championships, a temporary pool was installed inside the arena.
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