Inside an Abu Dhabi landmark built to change shape from concerts to sports

On the Yas Bay waterfront in Abu Dhabi, a building known as Etihad Arena can both expand to accommodate 18,000 spectators and contract down to a 500-seat theatre. Designed by HOK and Pascall+Watson, the structure can shift from an in-the-round arena to a smaller theatre for events of varying scales. This adaptability highlights Abu Dhabi's strategy of creating landmarks with changing public uses.

Resident Dina Roshdy recalls seeing Bruno Mars perform at the venue on New Year's Eve 2018, while Aser Ahmad attended UFC 294 Abu Dhabi Showdown Week there on October 19, 2023. The building's versatility is evident in how it transforms for different events. For sporting events, the large open space creates a spacious and uncluttered atmosphere, whereas concerts introduce a stage, lighting, and a different flow through the venue.

Heba Aljuneibi, an Emirati digital executive, noted the stark difference between her experiences at sporting events and concerts. For Aljuneibi, the spacious layout made the venue ideal for sporting events, while concerts felt more crowded and less intimate. The contrast in experiences underlines the building's role as a civic-scale infrastructure that adjusts to its audience.

The flexible design of Etihad Arena also aids its role in Abu Dhabi's expanding Yas Bay district. The facility's scale and location make it a visible landmark, and its sustainability measures, including shading and natural daylight, earned it the title of Sustainable Building Design of the Year at the 2018 MENA Green Building Awards. Restaurants, shops, and hotels have since grown around the arena, turning Yas Bay into a broader leisure district.

Etihad Arena's adaptability not only changes the atmosphere inside but also impacts the visitor experience. Ahmad's UFC 294 visit was memorable for the organization, parking, and lively fan zone, while Roshdy anticipates a spectacular Hans Zimmer performance there. However, the building's capacity to accommodate large crowds can also create pressure at concerts, depending on seating, circulation, and audience size.

In summary, Etihad Arena showcases how Abu Dhabi is constructing public venues that serve multiple purposes, from hosting major sporting events to providing intimate concert experiences. The building's ability to change its form and atmosphere according to the event held there demonstrates Abu Dhabi's commitment to offering diverse cultural and recreational experiences within one location.