The IPL 2026 auction will take place on December 16 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, continuing the league’s recent shift toward overseas venues. The move marks the third straight year the auction will be held outside India after Dubai hosted the first offshore edition in 2024 and Jeddah staged the two-day mega auction for the 2025 season in November that year.
Etihad Arena, set on the vibrant Yas Bay waterfront, is the Middle East’s largest state-of-the-art indoor entertainment venue. Inspired by Arabic cultural design while built for modern multipurpose events, it regularly hosts major concerts, international sport, corporate gatherings and community celebrations.
The arena is fully accessible, offering disability seating for all events, designated parking, and a dedicated pick up and drop off zone for those with reduced mobility. Elevators and escalators connect every level, and accessible restrooms are available throughout the venue except the mezzanine.
Etihad Arena has become a regular home for the UFC during its Abu Dhabi cards. Major numbered events such as UFC 267 and UFC 280 were staged here, drawing global attention and full houses.
The arena has hosted NBA preseason games, featuring teams like the Milwaukee Bucks, Dallas Mavericks, Minnesota Timberwolves and Atlanta Hawks.
Published on Dec 12, 2025
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