Proactiv Entertainment, GWB Entertainment and LW Entertainment announced today that CATS will come to Etihad Arena, Yas Island from 14-24 May 2026. The production is in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Miral.
The show features a score composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, creator of The Phantom of the Opera, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita and Starlight Express.
The production includes the song “Memory” and features an oversized set, choreography and costumes.
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS coming to Yas Island Abu Dhabi in May 2026
“Few musicals have created a cultural impact as enduring as CATS. It’s a landmark production that has captivated audiences for over four decades through music, movement, and imagination. We are proud to bring this globally celebrated musical to Abu Dhabi as we continue to champion world-class theatre experiences in the region,” Nicolas Renna, CEO of Proactiv Entertainment said in a statement.
“We’re incredibly excited for the debut of CATS in Abu Dhabi next year. This beloved musical has connected with people of all ages for decades, and having it come to life on stage at Etihad Arena will be a special moment for audiences here and across the region. Bringing world-class entertainment like CATS to Abu Dhabi speaks to our continued commitment to inspire, entertain and bring people together, creating meaningful, family-friendly experiences that both residents and visitors can enjoy,” Fakhry Alsarraj, Abu Dhabi events Bureau Director at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi added.
Composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and based on T.S. Eliot’s “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats”, the production opened in 1981 at the New London Theatre in London and transferred to Broadway’s Winter Garden Theatre in 1982.
“The debut of the iconic show CATS demonstrates Miral’s ongoing efforts to delivering world-class entertainment and we are thrilled to host it on Yas Island. This globally acclaimed and award-winning musical is set to delight fans of all ages and underscores our dedication to creating joyful and unforgettable experiences. Its arrival in Abu Dhabi for the first time, is the result of strong partnerships and a shared vision that reinforces Yas Island’s position as a leading global destination for leisure, entertainment and tourism,” Leon Marsh, Director of Events & Community Engagement at Miral explained.
Yas Island Etihad Arena announces CATS musical run from May 14-24, 2026
“Having produced CATS around the world, it feels particularly special to finally be bringing it to Abu Dhabi, where we know audiences will experience the magic of this truly iconic musical,” Paul Warwick Griffin of GWB Entertainment added.
Since its premiere, CATS has been presented in over 30 countries, has been translated into 15 languages, and has been seen by more than 73 million people worldwide. The creative team includes design by John Napier, choreography by Gillian Lynne, and direction by Trevor Nunn.
CATS will run on May 14, 2026 (Thursday), May 15, 2026 (Friday), May 16, 2026 (Saturday), May 17, 2026 (Sunday), May 22, 2026 (Friday), May 23, 2026 (Saturday) and May 24, 2026 (Sunday).
Tickets are available at etihadarena.ae and platinumlist.net.
