Etihad Arena will screen four films with live orchestral accompaniment on 18–20 December 2026. The story unfolds on the big screen while musicians perform in the hall: the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra accompanies the action. It is an appealing combination for anyone who enjoys a familiar story and live music, bringing cinema and a concert together in one evening.
Each film has its own screening. Choose the story your family would like to watch, then check its date and start time.
Which film to choose
Encanto is announced for 18 December: the Madrigal family’s story, with music by Lin-Manuel Miranda. It is a choice for fans of colourful musical numbers and family stories.
Frozen and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York are scheduled for 19 December. The first brings Anna and Elsa to the screen with familiar music performed live. The second returns to Kevin’s New York adventures, accompanied by John Williams’s score. These are separate screenings, each requiring its own ticket.
On 20 December comes The Lion King, the 1994 animated film with music by Hans Zimmer. The official page names Circle of Life and Hakuna Matata among the programme’s songs. Audiences watch the animation as the live musicians give its familiar scenes the sound of a concert.
Planning a family evening
All four official screening pages specify English with Arabic subtitles. If your children usually watch dubbed versions, consider the language before choosing tickets. Match the screening time to your child’s routine, using the details of the individual film you select.
You could make the film concert your only evening plan, leaving space to enjoy the music rather than rushing between attractions. Choose the story with your children: a favourite film can be a helpful introduction to this different way of watching it.
Discuss the journey with Hola Taxi: share the film, date, screening time, passenger count and departure point in Abu Dhabi or Dubai. Include your plans for the return. If your holiday starts with a flight, you can separately discuss meeting at the airport and travelling to your hotel.
Sources
Checked on 19 October 2026.
