What To Know
- Presented in a two-sided arena format, the show positions the stage at the centre of the venue, with audiences seated facing one another.
- The production features immersive stagecraft, Oompa-Loompas and a score combining songs from the 1971 film — including “Pure Imagination,” “The Candy Man,” and “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket” — alongside original music by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman.
- The production blends Middle Eastern and classical musical influences, bringing Rumi’s poetry to the stage through a narrative centred on faith, friendship and self-discovery.
The UAE’s theatre scene continues to expand, with a strong line-up of Broadway and West End productions scheduled throughout 2026. Following major international shows in recent seasons, venues across the country — particularly in Abu Dhabi — are welcoming a series of globally recognised musicals and live performances.
Here are the standout productions to book.
Mary Poppins The Musical
25 March to 15 April 2026 | Etihad Arena
Mary Poppins The Musical will run for 26 performances at Etihad Arena from 25 March to 15 April 2026.
Originally created in the 1930s through P. L. Travers’ books and later popularised by Disney’s 1964 film starring Julie Andrews, the story has become a long-standing theatre favourite. The stage adaptation is known for its choreography, inventive set design and familiar songbook, offering a family-friendly production that appeals across generations.
Cats The Musical
Image: platinumlist/Website
14 to 24 May 2026 | Etihad Arena, Yas Island
Cats The Musical will make its Abu Dhabi debut at Etihad Arena on Yas Island.
Featuring music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and based on T. S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, the production first opened in London in 1981 before transferring to Broadway in 1982. Since its premiere, the show has toured more than 30 countries, been translated into 15 languages and attracted audiences exceeding 73 million worldwide.
Rumi: The Musical
4 to 7 June 2026
Created by Dana Al Fardan and Nadim Naaman, Rumi: The Musical explores the 13th-century poet’s relationship with Shams Tabrizi.
The production blends Middle Eastern and classical musical influences, bringing Rumi’s poetry to the stage through a narrative centred on faith, friendship and self-discovery.
Cirque du Soleil: Corteo
12 to 21 June 2026 | Etihad Arena
Cirque du Soleil will bring Corteo to Etihad Arena from 12 to 21 June 2026.
The production combines acrobatics, live music and theatrical storytelling, centred on the imaginative world of a clown. Presented in a two-sided arena format, the show positions the stage at the centre of the venue, with audiences seated facing one another. The Abu Dhabi engagement marks the final chapter of Corteo’s 21-year global run.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Image: platinumlist/Website
28 August to 6 September 2026 | Etihad Arena
Based on Roald Dahl’s novel, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will make its Abu Dhabi debut at Etihad Arena from 28 August to 6 September 2026.
The story follows Charlie Bucket after he wins a golden ticket to tour Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. The production features immersive stagecraft, Oompa-Loompas and a score combining songs from the 1971 film — including “Pure Imagination,” “The Candy Man,” and “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket” — alongside original music by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman.
With major international productions scheduled throughout the year, the UAE continues to strengthen its position as a destination for world-class theatre and live entertainment.
Cover Image: etihadarena/Website
