A.R. Rahman Live in Concert at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi

According to information compiled by FEW.ae editor, the legendary Indian composer and musician A.R. Rahman will headline a blockbuster live concert at Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi on Friday, 23 January 2026.

Venue: Etihad Arena on Yas Island

The concert will be held at Etihad Arena, a modern indoor venue situated on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Etihad Arena is designed for large-scale performances and is part of Abu Dhabi’s expanding entertainment ecosystem.

Ticketing information shows a wide range of seating categories, from Regular (AED 150) up to Royal Plus tiers (AED 2,750) for premium seats. The venue also offers wheelchair-accessible seating, which can be arranged via the arena’s concierge.

Etihad Arena’s rules and policies outline certain restrictions, including no large bags beyond 30×30×15 cm, no professional cameras, no re-entry, and strictly non-refundable, non-transferable tickets. The official site also notes that strollers are generally not permitted inside; stroller parks may be available. Etihad Arena

Additionally, a premium lounge experience is offered as an add-on. For AED 299, ticket holders can gain access to a pre-show lounge offering catered food and drinks two hours before the concert.

Timing, schedule, and logistical details

Doors for the concert will open at 6:00 PM local time, with the show scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM. The concert is expected to run about 2.5 hours.

In terms of attendance scale, estimates suggest a crowd of 12,000 to 14,000 spectators may converge on the arena that night. The venue has a capacity of roughly 18,000 for major events.

Accessing the arena is relatively straightforward:

• By car / taxi / ride-hail: Yas Island is well connected via major roads, and the arena is a known destination.
• By public transport: Bus services operate in the area; the nearest bus stops are within walking distance to the arena.

Because the concert is indoors, local weather is less critical for the performance itself, but it may affect arrival and departure. Late January in Abu Dhabi typically brings mild evenings with temperatures possibly in the 18–25 °C range and limited rainfall. (Attendees should check a reliable local forecast close to the date.)

Given the expected draw, congestion on roads leading to Yas Island, especially prior to showtime, is likely. Parking near Etihad Arena may be fully utilized, so arriving early or using shared transport is advisable.

The artist and production context

A.R. Rahman is a globally celebrated composer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and music producer. His soundtrack work spans more than 150 films and albums across multiple languages. Rahman has earned numerous awards, including two Academy Awards, two Grammys, a Golden Globe, and a BAFTA.

This concert is part of his “The Wonderment Tour”, which aims to fuse his iconic compositions with visual, orchestral, and technological elements. Audiences may expect renditions of globally beloved tracks such as Jai Ho, Chaiyya Chaiyya, Kun Faya Kun, and more, delivered with dynamic staging.

Local promoters and officials emphasize that the show will combine state-of-the-art visual effects, synchronized choreography, and a strong ensemble of skilled musicians and singers. Producing such a show in the UAE underscores the region’s growing role as a hub for high-caliber global performances.

Organizers note that there are no age restrictions, though those under 16 years must be accompanied by a 21+ adult. Children 2 years or younger can attend on a lap without a ticket.

What concertgoers should prepare

Ticket holders should:

• Download and preserve their e-ticket QR codes on their mobile devices, as physical copies may not suffice.
• Be aware that no re-entry is allowed—enter once only.
• Avoid bringing large bags or prohibited items (e.g. professional cameras, oversized bags).
• Arrive early to allow time for security checks and entry processing, especially given likely traffic delays.
• Dress appropriately for an indoor concert environment.
• Keep an eye on updates from organizers or the arena for any changes to logistics or policies as the date approaches.

On the night itself, attendees can anticipate a multisensory experience merging Rahman’s powerful compositions with immersive visuals and live orchestration—a chance to experience one of the most influential musicians of our time in a spectacular, modern setting.