The Middle East’s Largest Outdoor Venue is Renamed Etihad Park

Goodbye du Arena, hello Etihad Park. The scene of many huge gigs, Abu Dhabi’s custom-built open-air venue has undergone a name change. UAE national airline Etihad is now flying the flag for the venue under a new partnership deal with owners Flash Entertainment.

Situated on Yas Island, the outdoor venue is the largest of its kind in the Middle East. Coldplay, Beyonce, The Killers and Lana Del Ray performed at the 40,000-capacity venue on Yas Island. Creamfields Abu Dhabi was staged there. US festival promoters Ultra chose the venue for their first foray into the UAE last March. The line-up boasted Sasha, Digweed, Luciano, Eric Prydz, Seth Troxler and more across the two-day event. Covid-19 forced the cancellation of Ultra Abu Dhabi.

World-Class

“Etihad Park is testament to our commitment in positioning the UAE capital as a world-class entertainment hub,” said Etihad Aviation Group boss Tony Douglas. “We look forward to jointly announcing with Flash Entertainment an exciting calendar of events.”

The venue has welcomed over 1.5 million fans since it opened in 2009. “The versatility and size of the venue means that it can host global superstars,” said Flash Entertainment chief John Lickrish. “We are working hard to ensure the safe return of live events and look forward to welcoming fans to Etihad Park soon.”

Landmark

The move is Etihad’s latest venture into the entertainment sector. The airline has naming rights to Etihad Arena, also on Yas Island. Operated by Flash Entertainment, Etihad Arena is an 18,000-capacity multi-purpose indoor event space. It hosted the UFC Fight Island in January. “We are delighted to have once again partnered with Etihad Airways in another landmark naming rights agreement,” said Lickrish.

In April, Etihad sponsored Esports World Champions Team Nigma. It’s the first time a major airline has sponsored an Esports team.

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