Cirque du Soleil is bringing its beloved production to Etihad Arena on Yas Island from 12 to 21 June 2026.

Yas Island’s summer calendar is about to get a serious dose of spectacle. Cirque du Soleil will bring Corteo to Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, from 12 to 21 June 2026, giving audiences in the capital the chance to experience one of the company’s most celebrated productions for the first time.

A longtime fan favourite, Corteo blends Cirque du Soleil’s hallmark acrobatics, live music, comedy and theatrical wonder into a dreamlike parade of scenes. The show is produced by Ethara and SES Live!, in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Miral, the creator of immersive destinations and experiences in the emirate.

Designed to delight first-timers and seasoned Cirque fans alike, Corteo is packed with crowd-pleasing moments, from gravity-defying feats and playful clowning to flying chandeliers, bouncing beds and visual surprises. At its heart sits a whimsical idea: the world as imagined by a clown, where humour and emotion meet in a vivid theatrical procession. Rather than following a single traditional storyline, the production unfolds as a sequence of striking characters and scenes, balancing big showstoppers with quieter moments that linger long after the curtain call.

Adding to the sense of occasion, Corteo will be presented in a rare two-sided arena format, with the stage positioned at the centre of Etihad Arena and audiences seated facing one another. The setup offers a fresh perspective, including a view of the performance from angles typically reserved for the artists. Hand-painted curtains, inspired by European theatre traditions, complete the setting.

First staged in 2005, Corteo has been seen by more than 12 million spectators across 150+ cities, including landmark runs at London’s Royal Albert Hall, The O2 Arena and Paris’ Accor Arena. The touring production features a 117-strong international troupe, with live music performed throughout. The Abu Dhabi production marks the show’s final chapter after a 21-year global journey.

Tickets to see Cirque du Soleil live in Abu Dhabi start from AED 150 and are on sale now via Platinumlist.

GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.