It has hosted everything from Formula 1® After-Race Concerts to global tours and festivals
Big changes are coming to one of Abu Dhabi’s most well-known outdoor venues.
What many people have known for years as Etihad Park is officially getting a new name, it will now be called Etihad Live.
In partnership with Etihad Airways, the venue marks what operator Ethara describes as the next chapter in the evolution of live entertainment on Yas Island, building on more than 17 years of world-class concerts, festivals and major international events.
According to Ethara, the renaming reflects a bigger shift: turning the venue from a traditional outdoor concert space into a more modern, flexible “live entertainment platform” for Abu Dhabi.
Etihad Live also reflects the shared ambition of naming partners, Etihad Airways, to attract and welcome a growing international audience.
In simple terms, they want it to do more than just host concerts; they want it to deliver bigger, more immersive experiences for fans, artists, and event organisers.
David Powell, Chief Portfolio & Strategy Officer at Ethara said, “Etihad Live reflects the next phase of a venue that has been central to Abu Dhabi’s live entertainment growth for more than 17 years.
“As the demands of global touring continue to evolve, the venue has committed significant investment on strengthening the infrastructure, experience and operational capability required to bring more ambitious productions to the emirate, while continuing to reinforce Abu Dhabi’s position within the international live entertainment industry.
“We look forward to releasing these plans to the public as we move into a new era for Etihad Live”.
Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “We are thrilled to see our name on one of the world’s most iconic entertainment venues, Etihad Live.
“This reflects our commitment to enriching the experiences that make this city such a remarkable place to live, work and visit. Just as we connect the world to Abu Dhabi through our global network, we are proud to be connected to the moments and memories that happen right here at home.
“Etihad Live is a celebration of everything Abu Dhabi represents, from ambition and hospitality to a vision for the future that continues to inspire us all.”
And there’s more on the way. The company has also confirmed plans for a major upgrade in 2027, backed by a multi-million-dirham investment.
While full details haven’t been released yet, early plans include improvements to infrastructure, hospitality areas, crowd flow, and the overall fan experience.
The idea is to make the venue smoother, more comfortable, and better suited for large international productions.
Since opening in 2009, the venue has become a key part of Abu Dhabi’s entertainment identity. With a capacity of around 42,000 people, it has hosted everything from Formula 1® After-Race Concerts to global tours and festivals.
Over the years, it’s welcomed huge names like Madonna, Coldplay, Rihanna, The Weeknd, The Rolling Stones, and Eminem, along with major music festivals such as Creamfields and Ultra Music Festival.
More recently, it continues to attract top-tier global artists during Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend, helping turn the race into a full entertainment experience.
In 2025 alone, the venue saw over 136,000 attendees during race week entertainment programming, showing just how important it has become to Abu Dhabi’s event calendar.
Looking ahead, Etihad Live is expected to continue hosting major international acts while upgrading what the fan experience looks like, from entry and seating to premium hospitality and viewing areas.
Its location near Zayed International Airport and close proximity to Dubai also makes it an easy destination for both local and international visitors.
For Abu Dhabi, this rebrand is less about changing a name and more about signalling ambition: bigger shows, better facilities, and a stronger place on the global live entertainment map.
