Celebrate Arab heritage through music and storytelling at Zayed Sports City
Excitement is reaching its peak as Abu Dhabi prepares to welcome audiences to Arabic Opera: Antar & Abla, opening tomorrow at the International Tennis Centre in Zayed Sports City – and tickets are now free!
Last night’s exclusive VIP preview offered a tantalising first glimpse of the capital’s first-ever Arabic opera; a production that left invited guests captivated by its sweeping orchestration, commanding vocals, and cinematic staging.
From the moment the evening began, it was clear that Antar & Abla is not merely a performance but a bold artistic milestone.
The Lanzhou Symphony Orchestra delivered a lush, emotionally charged score that moved effortlessly between tenderness and grandeur, while dancers and performers brought the legendary love story to life through expressive choreography and rich theatrical nuance.
Enhanced by immersive projection, sculptural lighting, and dynamic stagecraft, the opera reimagines the classical tale through a thoroughly modern operatic lens, one that honours tradition while pushing creative boundaries.
The scale of the production is equally impressive. In just 10 days, the International Tennis Centre was transformed into an operatic arena, complete with a 300 sqm stage, sweeping set pieces, and vast LED backdrops shaped through intricate visual design.
This ambitious setup allows the poetry, passion, and heritage embedded in the story of Antar and Abla to unfold with striking clarity and emotional power.
In celebration of the UAE’s Year of the Community, all performances are free to attend, an invitation that opens the doors wide for families, culture seekers, and first-time opera-goers to share in a landmark cultural experience.
The initiative underscores a commitment to accessibility while placing Arab storytelling centre stage in an innovative, globally resonant form.
Running from 12–14 December, Arabic Opera: Antar & Abla promises three days of powerful storytelling, musical mastery, and cultural celebration.
Complimentary tickets can be reserved via Platinum List or collected directly from the on-site box office.
Free. 12-14 December, International Tennis Centre in Zayed Sports City. For more info and tickets, visit Platinum List
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