Abu Dhabi is set to welcome one of the world’s most beloved theatrical spectacles this summer. Cirque du Soleil’s Corteo will make its long-awaited debut at Etihad Arena on Yas Island from June 12 to 21, marking the largest Cirque production ever staged in the capital, and the final chapter of the show’s 21-year global tour.
The History of Corteo
Created in 2005, Corteo – Italian for “cortège” – reimagines a funeral procession through the eyes of a clown. Rather than a sombre farewell, the production unfolds as a poetic celebration of life, memory, and imagination. Acrobatics, theatrical storytelling, live music, and comedy merge into a dreamlike world where chandeliers fly overhead, and performers bounce across towering beds.
Over the past two decades, the show has travelled to more than 150 cities and captivated over 12 million spectators worldwide, with landmark performances in venues including London’s Royal Albert Hall and Paris’ Accor Arena. In 2024, the production was awarded the Pollstar Award for Best Family & Event Tour, cementing its place among the most successful touring shows in live entertainment.
Corteo’s Immersive Debut at Etihad Arena
The Abu Dhabi run brings an especially immersive staging. Corte will be presented in a rare two-sided arena configuration, with the stage positioned at the centre and audiences seated opposite each other. This theatrical setup offers a shared perspective and a heightened sense of intimacy, framed by hand-painted curtains inspired by traditional European theatre.
The production travels with a 117-member international cast and crew, alongside live musicians who perform throughout the show. Together, they deliver a performance lasting approximately two hours and ten minutes, split into two acts separated by an intermission.
The engagement is produced by Ethara and SES Live! in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Miral, underscoring the capital’s growing position as a global destination for major live entertainment.
As Corteo prepares to take its final bow, its Abu Dhabi debut offers audiences in the region a rare chance to experience a production that has spent two decades redefining what live performance can feel like: intimate, surreal, and quietly unforgettable.
