Sphere Entertainment to Bring Next-Gen Venue to Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi / UAE
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Abu Dhabi / UAE 〰️
A futuristic rendering of the proposed Sphere venue in Abu Dhabi. Image: Sphere Entertainment.
TL;DR: A second Sphere is set for the UAE following the unique venue’s Las Vegas debut last year.
So what? The sister Sphere will position Abu Dhabi as a leader in immersive entertainment, transforming the region’s cultural landscape and drawing international visitors.
Sphere Entertainment and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) have announced plans to bring the world’s second Sphere venue to the UAE capital. The Sphere is a cutting-edge venue that integrates advanced technology with immersive storytelling, a concept that first wowed audiences in Las Vegas in 2023.
"The vision for Sphere has always included a global network of venues, and today's announcement is a significant milestone toward that goal," said James L. Dolan, Executive Chairman and CEO of Sphere Entertainment. "Sphere is redefining live entertainment and extending the reach of its transformative impact."
The emoji exoshpere, Las Vegas. Image: Sphere Entertainment.
Revolutionising Entertainment in Abu Dhabi
The new venue will echo the Las Vegas Sphere, which boasts a capacity of 20,000 and features immersive experiences powered by proprietary technologies. The Abu Dhabi Sphere promises to elevate the city's entertainment offerings with a year round calendar of concerts, shows, and events that will boost live performance in the region.
H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, emphasised the importance of the partnership in advancing the emirate's cultural ambitions through its Tourism Strategy 2030. "Sphere Abu Dhabi will seamlessly integrate advanced technology with captivating storytelling, creating unforgettable memories for everyone who visits.”
The collaboration is also expected to provide significant economic growth for the region, with DCT Abu Dhabi funding the construction and Sphere Entertainment providing expertise, design, and operational support. In return, Sphere will receive a franchise fee, as well as ongoing revenue through licensing its proprietary technology and creative content.
A humanoid robot in the atrium of Sphere, Las Vegas. Image: Sphere Entertainment.
A Hub for Immersive Entertainment and Innovation
Sphere Abu Dhabi is not only a win for the local entertainment industry but also a broader part of Abu Dhabi’s strategy to foster cultural innovation. The venue will position the UAE capital at the forefront of cutting-edge entertainment, attracting global attention and elevating the region's standing in the world of live events.
Similar to how the Las Vegas Sphere has become a landmark, hosting residencies from top-tier artists like U2, Dead & Company and the Eagles, and events that push the boundaries of live performance, Abu Dhabi’s Sphere will offer a unique blend of concerts, corporate events, and original Sphere Experiences.
Building on Abu Dhabi's Vision for 2030
For Sphere Entertainment, the move marks a pivotal expansion in their vision of creating a global network of Spheres. With more than 24 million visitors in 2023, Abu Dhabi is increasingly recognised as a global cultural destination.
The addition of Sphere promises to be a major draw for tourists and residents alike, enhancing the city's appeal as a hotspot for innovation and entertainment. As H.E Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak notes, “By embracing cutting-edge entertainment like Sphere, we're not only elevating our global profile but also setting new standards in immersive experiences.”
