American Ballet Theatre Returns to Abu Dhabi for One Night

One of the world's most celebrated dance ensembles brings classical and contemporary ballet to the grandeur of Emirates Palace.

The American Ballet Theatre, a company whose repertoire and dancers have shaped the course of twentieth century dance, arrives in Abu Dhabi for an evening of world class ballet at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental. Founded in 1939, ABT has established itself as one of the premier institutions of classical and contemporary dance, a repository of masterworks and a launching pad for generations of dancers who have come to define excellence in the art form. The company’s appearance represents a significant cultural moment for the emirate, bringing the highest calibre of American dance artistry to one of the Middle East’s most distinguished venues.

The company’s repertoire spans more than eighty ballets, from the nineteenth century classical foundations of Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty through to contemporary works by some of the world’s most accomplished choreographers. ABT dancers are trained to the most exacting standards and are drawn from across the globe, uniting performers of exceptional technical prowess and artistic sophistication. The company has long been celebrated for its ability to preserve canonical works whilst simultaneously commissioning new pieces that challenge and extend the boundaries of dance as an art form.

Abu Dhabi’s cultural landscape has evolved considerably in recent years, welcoming world class performing arts companies and establishing itself as a destination for audiences who appreciate excellence in all its forms. The presence of ABT adds to that trajectory, offering residents and visitors alike the opportunity to experience live dance performed by dancers of international standing in an intimate setting.

What is American Ballet Theatre

ABT is one of the largest and most artistically diverse dance companies in the world. Based in New York, the company maintains a year round season and tours extensively across North America and internationally. The repertoire encompasses works from across ballet’s history, from the classical full length ballets that anchor the season to short contemporary pieces that showcase the choreographic innovations of living artists. The company’s dancers train to classical ballet technique whilst also mastering the specific demands of contemporary movement vocabularies, making them extraordinarily versatile performers.

The company’s significance

American Ballet Theatre has been instrumental in elevating American dance to international prominence. The company premiered works by some of the twentieth century’s greatest choreographers and continues to commission new work from established and emerging artists. Its dancers have become international ambassadors for the art form, performing on stages throughout the world and inspiring audiences who might have little prior exposure to classical dance. The company’s commitment to artistic excellence and cultural accessibility has made it one of the most respected names in world ballet.

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

The venue, one of the Middle East’s most iconic luxury hotels, stands on the shores of Abu Dhabi offering views of the Arabian Gulf. The palatial architecture and meticulous attention to detail that characterise the property create an exceptionally elegant setting for an evening of classical dance. The hotel regularly hosts cultural events and performances, providing state of the art facilities and an atmosphere of considerable refinement and grandeur.

When and where

The American Ballet Theatre performs on Saturday 21 November 2026 from 08:00 PM to 09:30 PM at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi. The venue is located on the waterfront on Sheikh Zayed the First Street.

Tickets and admission

Tickets are available online and begin at 125 AED. The event is ticketed and admission is reserved. Booking can be completed through the official ticketing channels for the venue.

An evening of ballet performed by one of the world’s most accomplished dance companies represents a rare opportunity to experience artistry of the highest order. For those with an appreciation of classical dance, contemporary movement or the performing arts more broadly, the arrival of American Ballet Theatre in Abu Dhabi is an occasion of considerable cultural significance and aesthetic distinction.

On Simply Luxury: Mandarin Oriental