Abu Dhabi is about to get one of the largest Michael Jackson tribute productions ever staged in the Gulf. Concert promoter Platinumlist has confirmed that "This Is Michael" will land at Etihad Arena on Yas Island on Saturday, 22 August 2026, with general-sale tickets opening at noon on Thursday, 21 May.
The announcement, made on Monday, positions the show as the headline music event of Abu Dhabi's late-summer calendar — a full touring concert rather than a club-sized tribute act, complete with a live band, backing vocalists, dancers, and large-scale visual projections.
Who is performing
The production is fronted by British tribute artist Lenny Jay, widely regarded as one of the most accurate live recreations of Jackson currently touring. Jay has built an international career out of meticulously reproducing the King of Pop's vocals, dance choreography and stage wardrobe — from the sequinned glove and fedora through to the iconic anti-gravity lean from Smooth Criminal.
He will be supported by a full live ensemble: drums, bass, keys, brass, electric guitar, and a vocal section recreating the harmonies that defined Jackson's Thriller, Bad and Dangerous tours. A troupe of dancers will perform updated versions of the original Vincent Paterson and Travis Payne choreography that millions of fans have studied frame-by-frame on home video for decades.
What's on the setlist
Producers have promised more than 20 songs spanning Jackson's solo catalogue, including:
1.Billie Jean
2. Beat It
3. Thriller
4. Smooth Criminal
5. Bad
6. Black or White
7. Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough
8. Man in the Mirror
The show is structured as a chronological journey through Jackson's career, opening with material from his Motown years with The Jackson 5 and building through the stadium-filling era of the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Why Etihad Arena makes sense
Etihad Arena, the 18,000-capacity indoor venue on Yas Island, has become Abu Dhabi's default home for international touring acts since opening in 2021. The arena is part of the wider Yas Bay waterfront, sitting next to Etihad Park — the outdoor amphitheatre that previously hosted artists including Coldplay, Bruno Mars and Travis Scott.
Hosting "This Is Michael" reinforces a clear strategy from Abu Dhabi's tourism and culture authorities: turning Yas Island into a year-round live-music destination, one that competes directly with Dubai for headline international bookings.
How to buy tickets
On-sale time: Thursday, 21 May 2026, 12:00 PM (GST)
Primary platform: Platinumlist
Backup: Etihad Arena box office and partner outlets
Venue: Etihad Arena, Yas Bay, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Pricing tiers have not yet been published, but comparable tribute concerts at Etihad Arena have ranged from roughly AED 150 for upper tiers to AED 600+ for floor seating, with VIP packages typically offered closer to the show date.
Jackson's enduring pull
More than three decades on from his last full studio tour, Michael Jackson's catalogue continues to draw global audiences in numbers most current pop acts cannot match — sustained by tribute productions like this one, theatrical shows including Cirque du Soleil's long-running Jackson properties, an upcoming Hollywood biopic, and ever-rising streaming numbers for Thriller, the best-selling album in recorded music history.
For Abu Dhabi's growing community of Jackson fans — and the wider regional audience travelling in from Dubai, Sharjah and across the GCC — This Is Michael will be the closest most people can now get to that experience under one roof.
Key takeaways
Show: This Is Michael — a touring Michael Jackson tribute concert
Venue: Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Date: Saturday, 22 August 2026
Headline performer: Lenny Jay, backed by full live band and dancers
Tickets: On sale Thursday, 21 May 2026 at 12:00 PM via Platinumlist
Frequently asked questions
When is the Michael Jackson tribute concert in Abu Dhabi?
The "This Is Michael" tribute concert takes place on Saturday, 22 August 2026 at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
Where can I buy tickets?
General-sale tickets open at 12:00 PM on Thursday, 21 May 2026 through Platinumlist and the Etihad Arena box office.
Who performs as Michael Jackson?
British tribute artist Lenny Jay headlines the show, backed by a full live band, backing vocalists, and a dance troupe recreating Jackson's original choreography.
What songs will be performed?
The setlist features more than 20 tracks, including Billie Jean, Beat It, Thriller, Smooth Criminal, Bad, Black or White, Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough and Man in the Mirror.
How do I get to Etihad Arena?
Etihad Arena is located on Yas Bay, Yas Island, with on-site parking and direct access from Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Highway. The Yas Express shuttle bus connects from Yas Mall on event nights.