The Lion King is coming to Abu Dhabi.
The award-winning musical will make its Middle Eastern debut at Etihad Arena on Yas Island from November 16 to December 10. The show was originally meant to be put on a total of 24 times, with two performances per day on Saturday and Sunday.
However, owing to demand, five more shows have been added to the roster, taking place on November 22, 23 and 30, and December 6 and 7.
Tickets start from Dh200.
Etihad Arena will be specially configured for the production to ensure a theatre-like experience. Expect to hear hits such as Circle of Life, Hakuna Matata and Can You Feel the Love Tonight.
Marking 25 years since its premiere in 1997, the show has been watched by nearly 110 million people around the world, with permanent residences in New York, London, Madrid and Tokyo.
The Lion King is the highest-grossing Broadway production of all time and has also won more than 70 theatrical awards including six Tonys and a Grammy for Best Musical Show Album.
“Director Julie Taymor and her extraordinary creative team first brought The Lion King to the stage in a stunning production 25 years ago, and this production brings that vision to thrilling life at every performance,” said Thomas Schumacher, president of Disney Theatrical Group. “It’s a joy to bring The Lion King to the Middle East for the first time in the show’s history. We cannot wait for you to join us in Abu Dhabi.”
Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General of Tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi, said: "Abu Dhabi is further elevating its exciting calendar of events this year by attracting a Broadway show of this magnitude to the destination."
"Disney’s The Lion King has a remarkable reputation for captivating audiences with the talents of its ensemble cast, beloved musical numbers and phenomenal costumes and set designs. We look forward to welcoming Disney fans and families from across the region to witness these unmissable, riveting performances at the Etihad Arena."
General ticket sales open on June 27.
Tickets are available exclusively to ADCB customers via the Etihad Area Instagram page until June 26. Tickets will be available to the general public from June 27 via platinumlist.net and etihadarena.ae
Click through the gallery below to see Maroon 5 performing at Etihad Arena in May.
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The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
THE BIO
Age: 30
Favourite book: The Power of Habit
Favourite quote: "The world is full of good people, if you cannot find one, be one"
Favourite exercise: The snatch
Favourite colour: Blue
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If you go
The flights
There are direct flights from Dubai to Sofia with FlyDubai (www.flydubai.com) and Wizz Air (www.wizzair.com), from Dh1,164 and Dh822 return including taxes, respectively.
The trip
Plovdiv is 150km from Sofia, with an hourly bus service taking around 2 hours and costing $16 (Dh58). The Rhodopes can be reached from Sofia in between 2-4hours.
The trip was organised by Bulguides (www.bulguides.com), which organises guided trips throughout Bulgaria. Guiding, accommodation, food and transfers from Plovdiv to the mountains and back costs around 170 USD for a four-day, three-night trip.
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