The IPL 2026 auction is scheduled to take place on December 16 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, continuing the trend of holding the event at overseas venues. This will be the third consecutive year that the auction will be held outside of India, following previous editions in Dubai in 2024 and Jeddah in 2025.
Situated on the picturesque Yas Bay waterfront, the Etihad Arena is the largest indoor entertainment venue in the Middle East, boasting state-of-the-art facilities. Designed with Arabic cultural influences in mind, the arena is equipped to host a wide range of events, from major concerts to international sports competitions and corporate functions.
The venue is fully accessible, providing disability seating for all events, designated parking areas, and a dedicated drop-off and pick-up zone for guests with reduced mobility. Elevators and escalators connect every level of the arena, and accessible restrooms are available throughout the venue, with the exception of the mezzanine level.
The Etihad Arena has become a popular destination for sporting events, having hosted UFC cards such as UFC 267 and UFC 280, which garnered global attention and attracted capacity crowds. Additionally, the arena has welcomed NBA preseason games, featuring teams like the Milwaukee Bucks, Dallas Mavericks, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Atlanta Hawks.
The upcoming IPL auction at the Etihad Arena promises to be a thrilling event, adding to the venue’s reputation as a world-class entertainment destination. Published on Dec 12, 2025.
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