UAE National Orchestra

The UAE National Orchestra opens Abu Dhabi Festival 2026 with a full-throttle season launch at Etihad Arena on Saturday 10 October 2026 – an Arab world premiere programme of Rachmaninoff, Dvorak and Bernstein.

The show

Conductor Francois Lopez-Ferrer, winner of the 2024 Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award, leads the 100-member national ensemble through Bernstein’s Overture to Candide, Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 with Georgian soloist David Khrikuli, and Dvorak’s Symphony No. 8. Expect big romantic sweep, a showcase piano concerto and a folk-bright finale to close the night.

Doors and seating

Doors open at 7:00 PM for an 8:00 PM start. This is assigned seating, so arrive at least 30 minutes early – latecomers are only seated during a suitable break in the programme.

WOW-ABUDHABI Expert Tip: Etihad Arena’s car parks fill fast on concert nights. Aim to arrive by 6:30 PM, park in the Yas Bay multi-storey, and it’s a five-minute walk along the waterfront to the doors – with time for a coffee before the overture.

How to book

Tickets start from around AED 234 via the official Etihad Arena page at etihadarena.ae. Students aged 23 and under can buy Silver seats for AED 50 with valid ID, and People of Determination get 50 percent off all categories with wheelchair spaces in the Silver tier. For accessibility or general queries, Etihad Arena’s concierge line is 600 511 115.

Body image: Abu Dhabi Festival / Etihad Arena – venue permission pending. Featured image: Unsplash (royalty-free).