Rod Stewart Rocks Etihad Arena, Yas Island – December 17

Nestled on Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, the Etihad Arena is Abu Dhabi’s premier indoor entertainment venue. Opened in January 2021, with a seating capacity of approximately 18,000, it is designed by the celebrated firm HOK and operated by Ethara. The arena has hosted major international events, from UFC bouts and NBA preseason games to global music icons like Imagine Dragons and Guns N’ Roses .

The venue features cutting-edge acoustics and flexible configurations suitable for concerts, sporting events, and private functions . Accessibility is a priority—complete with wheelchair-friendly seating, clear bag policies, and e-ticket turnstiles ensuring smooth crowd management thetimes.co.uk.

Date, Time & Event Details

• Date & Timing: The concert takes place on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, with doors opening at 6:00 PM and the performance beginning at 8:00 PM local time .
• Ticketing: A range of seating options is available, from Floor Diamond at AED 995 to Lower Tier Bronze priced at AED 395. Children under 16 must be accompanied by adults aged 21 or over; note that the venue allows no re-entry, no professional cameras, and strictly enforces size limits on bags .

Technical & Logistical Notes

• Acoustics & Staging: Etihad Arena’s architecture was specifically honed for large-scale performances, ensuring uniform sound quality across all levels.
• Transport Access:
  • By Car: Easy reach via Channel Street → Al Raha Blvd → Yas Drive, with parking available nearby.
  • Public Transport: Yas Bay and Marina Circuit North bus stops serviced by bus 216, just a four-minute walk from the venue .
  • Taxi/Ride-hailing: Widely available across Yas Island.
• Onsite Policies: No external food or drink permitted; cashless transactions are enforced throughout.

Seasonal & Weather Context

Guests attending will enjoy mild winter conditions typical of mid‑December in Abu Dhabi. Expect evening temperatures around 25–26 °C (77–79 °F) with lows near 20 °C, light breezes (~11–14 kph), mostly clear skies, and minimal chance of rain (~1–4%). Sun sets at roughly 5:36 PM, giving way to a pleasant, breezy evening perfect for the event .

Advised attire: light layers and comfortable shoes to navigate the covered walkways and outdoor areas around the venue.

About Rod Stewart & Event Promoters

Sir Rod Stewart, born Roderick David Stewart, is a celebrated British singer-songwriter whose career spans over five decades. With more than 250 million records sold, he has numerous awards, including two inductions into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a GRAMMY™ Living Legend accolade, and a knighthood in 2016 .

Known for his distinctive raspy voice and cross-genre repertoire—rock, folk, soul, R&B, and the Great American Songbook—Stewart remains a chart-topping force in every decade since the late 1960s . This concert is part of his global tour and marks his first-ever headline show at Etihad Arena, bringing his signature anthems like “Maggie May,” “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?”, and “Forever Young” to Abu Dhabi .

The event is organized by Live Nation Middle East, in collaboration with the UAE Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Miral, creators of Yas Bay Waterfront .

Audience Experience & Amenities

• Seating & Pricing: Tiered pricing ensures options across budgets: from premium floor to value bronze tiers (AED 395–995), all VAT inclusive .
• Accessibility: Wheelchair-specific seating available upon request through the venue Concierge.
• Amenities: Multiple onsite food and beverage outlets offering a broad mix of cuisines and refreshments, with cashless payments encouraged .
• Family-Friendly: Guests under 16 must be with a guardian 21+, and stroller parking is provided.

Anticipated Atmosphere

Fans can look forward to a vibrant mix of Rod Stewart’s greatest hits, delivered through grand stage production, live instrumentation, and high-quality audiovisual setups tailored to the arena’s advanced specifications. Given the comfortable nighttime temperature in mid‑December, attendees can expect an energetic, enjoyable experience in a well-managed, high-tech venue environment.

The convergence of Sir Rod Stewart’s enduring artistry, Live Nation’s top-tier production, and Etihad Arena’s world-class facility promises a memorable night of music and celebration on 17 December 2025 at Yas Island.