Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Designed by HOK and Pascall + Watson, the new Etihad Arena creates a cultural landmark and anchor for an exciting new waterfront entertainment district while with its flexible design and robust technology infrastructure enabling to adapt to events ranging from intimate 500-seat events to concerts and sporting contests for 18,000 people.
The Etihad Arena has recently been awarded a 2023 International Architecture Award by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.
Diverse premium offerings include a VIP lounge that can be transformed into a grand ballroom, hospitality boxes, and terrace bars.
To mitigate the impact of Abu Dhabi’s extreme heat, Etihad Arena includes numerous sustainable design strategies, including an optimized geometry and skin, adjustable sun-shade louvers, thermal buffer transitional spaces, and solar energy panels built into its facade.
The building’s high-tech facade significantly reduces solar heat gain during the day while radiating light and energy onto an adjacent boardwalk and across Yas Bay at night.
Food and beverage amenities located outside the arena spur year-round activity and create a festival-like atmosphere along the waterfront boardwalk.
Project: Etihad Arena
Architects: HOK
Lead Architect: John Rhodes
Associate Architects: Pascall + Watson
General Contractor: BAM International bv
Client: Miral Asset Management
Photographers: Etihad Arena
