Theatre by Erth: Abu Dhabi's sprawling new entertainment venue

The space is due to open to the public in October

A 631-seat theatre has been unveiled at Erth Abu Dhabi, formerly known as the Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel. Photo: Erth Abu Dhabi

A 631-seat theatre has been unveiled at Erth Abu Dhabi, the sprawling landmark that was formerly the Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel.

The venue, Theatre by Erth, is due to open to the public in October and is being launched in collaboration with Outside The Box Events. The event agency is known for its “Theatre by” projects, having previously launched Theatre by QE2 at the Dubai-docked Queen Elizabeth 2 floating hotel.

The space’s website is already offering a sneak peek of the performances coming up at the Theatre by Erth, with shows Abba Reunion, Alice in Wonderland and Meet The Beatles. However, the venue has yet to reveal when the performances will take place.

"Our investment in Theatre by Erth is intrinsically linked to the hospitality that Abu Dhabi takes pride in providing,” said Shaikha Al Kaabi, chief executive of Erth. “Theatre by Erth will expand on Erth's comprehensive leisure and dining facilities, as well as build on the brand's 'legacy' to create meaningful and memorable experiences for visitors and the Abu Dhabi community to engage in.”

Inaugurated in 1997, the Officer’s Club was originally only open to members of the UAE Armed Forces and their families. The venue opened its doors to the public in 2003 with the establishment of the Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel.

The site was reinvented earlier this year and reintroduced as Erth. The venue includes a resort, ballroom and recreational facility offering a range of bespoke hospitality, catering and event services. It also has more than 1200 parking spaces.

"I am delighted to be able to expand the 'Theatre by' brand to the UAE capital,” said Robert Duce, chief executive of Outside The Box Events. "I am sure we will bring an exciting variety of entertainment to Abu Dhabi. We believe that the synergy of running two theatres in the UAE will help our theatre and events business grow, and we are eagerly looking forward to the challenge. "