Mariah Carey’s Christmastime 2026 in Abu Dhabi

Mariah Carey’s Christmastime comes to Abu Dhabi on Saturday 12 December 2026, when the woman Etihad Arena calls “the undisputed Queen of Christmas” brings her festive show to Yas Island for one night only. Expect her holiday catalogue, her global hits and plenty of fan favourites, with the song that has become the unofficial soundtrack to December right at the heart of it.

Few artists own a season quite like Mariah Carey. The moment the first notes of All I Want For Christmas Is You ring out, half the arena will be singing along, and the other half will be filming it.

About Mariah Carey’s Christmastime in Abu Dhabi

The concert is presented by Theory Eleven Entertainment in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi and Miral. It marks Mariah Carey’s second Abu Dhabi appearance of the year, following her headline slot at Saadiyat Nights in February, so the capital has clearly taken her to heart.

This time the focus is firmly festive. Christmastime is built around her seasonal songs, mixed with the career-spanning hits that made her a household name. It is a big arena production designed to feel like the start of the holidays, timed perfectly for mid-December when the UAE’s festive season is in full swing.

What to Expect on the Night

Doors at Etihad Arena open two hours before the show, which is listed to start at 9pm. That gives you plenty of time to find your seat, pick up a drink and settle into the atmosphere before the lights go down.

The one song confirmed on the official listing is All I Want For Christmas Is You, and it would be a brave bet against it being the big moment of the evening. Beyond that, Etihad Arena promises a mix of holiday favourites and global hits, so the setlist should satisfy both the Christmas crowd and fans who have followed her for decades. The full running order has not been published, which keeps a little surprise in the evening.

Etihad Arena is one of the largest indoor venues in the capital, and a festive pop show on this scale tends to feel like one giant Christmas party. Dust off the festive jumper and warm up your vocal cords.

Seating at Etihad Arena

The arena is split into three main areas, so it is worth deciding how close to the stage you want to be before you book. On the floor, the categories are Floor Royal, Floor VIP, Floor Platinum and Floor Diamond. The Lower Tier runs through Platinum, Diamond, Gold, Silver and Bronze, while the Upper Tier offers Silver and Bronze.

Floor tickets put you closest to the action, while the tiers give a fuller view of the staging. Aisle seats are offered in each category too, which helps if you like an easy way in and out of your row.

Wheelchair-accessible seating is available through the arena’s Concierge Team on 600 511 115. Accessible seating tickets need to be bought in advance, so call ahead rather than turning up on the night.

Who It Is For

Pop fans, Christmas lovers and anyone who grew up with Mariah Carey on repeat will be right at home. There is no age restriction, so it can work as a festive family night out, though the late finish is worth bearing in mind for younger children.

It also makes a memorable office Christmas outing or a special date night, and it is a lovely gift for the fan in your life who has been playing her Christmas album since November. Looking for more live music? Our guide to concerts across the UAE has the season’s biggest shows.

Good to Know Before You Go

Etihad Arena has a clear set of rules, and a few are worth knowing in advance:

• Everyone needs a valid ticket, though children aged two and under may sit on a parent’s or guardian’s lap without one
• Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or over
• Strollers are not allowed inside, but stroller parks are available
• Bags larger than 30 x 30 x 15 cm are not permitted, and there is no cloakroom or storage
• No flags of any kind and no professional cameras
• Payment inside the venue is contactless only
• There is strictly no readmission once you leave

Download your e-tickets to your phone before you set off, as they are scanned at the turnstiles. Tickets are activated in the Yas Island app when you arrive at the venue. All sales are final, and tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable, so buy only through official channels. The arena may cancel tickets bought from unauthorised resellers. Guests are also asked to behave in line with UAE traditions and culture.

With the event listed to run until 1am, plan your journey home before the night. Booking a taxi or arranging a designated driver in advance will save stress at the end.

Book Mariah Carey’s Christmastime

The Queen of Christmas, a festive arena show and the song everyone knows by heart: Mariah Carey’s Christmastime is a joyful way to celebrate the season in the capital. Book through Etihad Arena’s official page, then plan the rest of your month with our guides to things to do in Abu Dhabi and things to do in December.