Phantom of the Opera makes its Abu Dhabi debut at Etihad Arena in March 2027

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera is coming to Abu Dhabi for the first time, with 13 performances at Etihad Arena on Yas Island from 10 to 28 March 2027. The run marks the musical’s 40th anniversary since its London West End debut.

The musical premiered at Her Majesty’s Theatre on 9 October 1986. In the UAE, it has so far played only Dubai Opera, where it debuted in 2019 and returned in 2023. What’s On reports that the Abu Dhabi dates were confirmed after Etihad Arena posted a few teasers on social media.

Dates and tickets

Shows run Thursday to Sunday, with afternoon and evening performances. The exception is opening night, which falls on Wednesday 10 March. What’s On lists Sunday and Thursday tickets at Dh240, and Friday and Saturday tickets at Dh290. Platinumlist, the ticketing partner, hasn’t published a full seating breakdown, and cast details are still to be announced.

Platinumlist’s event rules also apply to a long arena run. Children aged five and under aren’t admitted, and guests under 16 need an accompanying adult aged 21 or over. The venue enforces a lockout at the start of each act, so latecomers wait for a suitable break. Tickets are non-refundable, non-transferable and non-exchangeable, and the venue accepts contactless payments only. Photography and videography aren’t allowed at any point, and bags larger than 30 x 30 x 15 cm are banned, with no cloakroom.

What to expect

The story follows a masked figure living beneath the Paris Opera House who becomes obsessed with the young soprano Christine Daaé, and nurtures her talent. The score includes “The Music of the Night”, “All I Ask of You” and “Masquerade”.

It’s one of several big bookings at the arena this year. Etihad Arena also hosts Lloyd Webber’s Cats in June 2027, as noted by What’s On. For other live events in the capital, see our coverage of All-Star Sumo at Space42 Arena, or the Katy Perry New Year’s Eve show at Atlantis Dubai.